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Updated: May 3, 2026
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Author Spotlight: Enhancing Understanding and Treatment Strategies with the NEC-on-a-Chip Model
Published on: July 28, 2023
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Neonatal necrotizing enterocolitis: Clinical challenges, pathophysiology and management.
Shehzad Huda1, Shabnum Chaudhery2, Hassan Ibrahim3
1Department of Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States.
Summary
Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a serious condition in newborns. While strict feeding protocols and human milk can reduce NEC, its complex causes mean complete eradication in NICUs remains challenging.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal care
- Pediatric surgery
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) presents significant challenges in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs).
- High morbidity and mortality rates associated with NEC impact infant development and family well-being.
- The economic burden and familial stress underscore the need for effective NEC management strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review strategies for reducing the occurrence of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) in neonates.
- To highlight the importance of evidence-based protocols in neonatal intensive care.
Main Methods:
- Review of current clinical practices and evidence for NEC prevention.
- Emphasis on feeding protocols, human milk utilization, probiotics, antibiotic stewardship, and transfusion guidelines.
Main Results:
- Implementation of strict feeding protocols and promotion of maternal human milk feeding may decrease NEC incidence.
- Judicious use of antibiotics and specific transfusion protocols can potentially mitigate NEC risks.
- Multifactorial etiology of NEC complicates complete eradication, especially in extremely premature infants.
Conclusions:
- While NEC cannot be entirely eliminated, adherence to best practices can reduce its occurrence.
- Continuous surveillance and quality improvement initiatives are crucial for managing NEC in NICUs.
- Further research and protocol refinement are necessary for improving outcomes in high-risk neonates.
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