Necrotizing enterocolitis: recent advances in treatment with translational potential

Area of Science:

• Neonatal Medicine
• Gastroenterology
• Pediatric Surgery

Background:

• Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a critical gastrointestinal disease affecting newborns.
• Despite advancements in neonatal intensive care, NEC continues to have high incidence and mortality rates.
• Novel therapeutic strategies are urgently needed to improve outcomes for infants with NEC.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review recent advancements in therapeutic approaches for necrotizing enterocolitis.
• To summarize the applicability, challenges, and limitations of novel NEC treatments.
• To provide insights into the evolving care paradigm for NEC globally.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of recent studies on NEC treatments.
• Analysis of emerging therapies including remote ischemic conditioning, stem cell therapy, and immunotherapy.
• Evaluation of breast milk components and fecal microbiota transplantation for NEC.

Main Results:

• Several novel therapeutic avenues are under investigation for NEC.
• These include remote ischemic conditioning, stem cell therapy, and immunotherapy.
• Human milk oligosaccharides, exosomes, and lactoferrin also show promise.

Conclusions:

• Recent therapeutic advancements show potential in managing NEC.
• Further research is needed to overcome challenges and limitations associated with these novel treatments.
• These innovations may reshape the global approach to NEC care.