[NECROTIZING ENTEROCOLITIS - AN ONGOING CHALLENGE].

Area of Science:

• Neonatalogy
• Pediatric Surgery
• Gastroenterology

Background:

• Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a significant cause of illness and death in neonates, particularly low birth weight premature infants.
• Despite extensive research, the pathogenesis of NEC remains poorly understood, with no definitive prevention strategies or changes in incidence.
• Treatment decisions for NEC, balancing conservative versus surgical approaches, are often complex and individualized.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a case study of a premature infant with NEC following packed red blood cell (PRBC) transfusion.
• To review the current understanding of NEC risk factors, preventive measures, and the potential association with PRBC transfusions.
• To discuss the management of NEC, including conservative treatment and surgical intervention for complications like colonic stricture.

Main Methods:

• Case report of a premature infant experiencing feeding intolerance and clinical deterioration post-PRBC transfusion.
• Diagnosis of NEC and subsequent conservative management with intermittent clinical improvement.
• Identification of a colonic stricture, necessitating surgical treatment.

Main Results:

• The infant presented with NEC symptoms after receiving PRBC transfusion.
• Conservative management led to fluctuating clinical status.
• Surgical intervention was required to address a diagnosed colonic stricture.

Conclusions:

• The case underscores the challenges in NEC management and prevention in premature infants.
• Further research into the potential role of PRBC transfusions as a risk factor for NEC is warranted.
• Early identification and surgical management of complications like colonic stricture are crucial in severe NEC cases.