[Research advances in necrotizing enterocolitis in neonates].

Area of Science:

• Neonatal Medicine
• Gastroenterology
• Pediatric Surgery

Background:

• Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a critical illness affecting neonates, especially preterm infants.
• Severe NEC presents high fatality rates and significant long-term adverse outcomes for survivors.
• Identified risk factors include prematurity, non-breastfeeding, gut microbial dysbiosis, and ischemia-reperfusion injury.

Purpose of the Study:

• To summarize the current understanding of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) in neonates.
• To highlight diagnostic tools, preventive strategies, and treatment challenges for NEC.
• To discuss emerging therapeutic agents requiring further clinical validation.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC).
• Analysis of risk factors, diagnostic modalities, and preventive measures.
• Evaluation of current and potential therapeutic interventions for NEC.

Main Results:

• High-resolution abdominal ultrasound aids in early NEC diagnosis.
• Preventive measures focus on intestinal mucosal protection, signal interference, microflora modulation, and early minimal enteral nutrition.
• Current treatment primarily relies on supportive and surgical care, with limited effective options.

Conclusions:

• NEC is a rapidly progressing disease with a significant impact on neonates, particularly preterm infants.
• While preventive strategies exist, effective treatments are still lacking, necessitating further research.
• Investigational therapies like Celastrol, lipopolysaccharide, and fecal transplantation show promise but require robust clinical evidence.