Clinical Trials for Necrotizing Enterocolitis

Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) remains one of the most devastating diseases affecting preterm infants, with high mortality and significant long-term morbidity among survivors. Earlier trials have demonstrated broadly comparable outcomes between drainage and laparotomy overall, although recent evidence suggests a high probability of benefit of laparotomy for infants with NEC. Novel therapies, including pentoxifylline, therapeutic hypothermia, remote ischemic conditioning and regenerative biologics, show promise but remain in the early stages of clinical evaluation. Future progress will depend on international collaboration, improved disease stratification and the successful delivery of adequately powered multicenter trials capable of establishing evidence-based treatments for NEC.