Necrotizing enterocolitis remains the leading intestinal cause of morbidity and mortality in preterm infants. Given that this clinical condition can be unpredictable and fulminant, it is paramount to recognize this disease quickly and initiate appropriate treatment promptly so as to achieve better clinical outcomes. The condition’s management is multidisciplinary. Therefore, transferring the patient to a tertiary hospital with pediatric surgery must be considered in advanced cases. The condition’s physiopathology is still incompletely understood, with several factors considered to be involved, including the intestinal mucosa’s immaturity with innate immunity dysregulation, vascular immaturity, as well as microbiota imbalance that may be of iatrogenic origin. Complications may arise early or later in the disease course. Human milk and probiotics are the most established preventive measures.
What is already known about the topic?
Despite the progresses made in neonatology, necrotizing enterocolitis remains a serious complication of prematurity with significant long-term complications and relevant mortality rates.
What does this article bring up for us?
The physiopathology of necrotizing enterocolitis is complex, and its presentations are variable. It is paramount to recognize the initial stages of the disease and to establish a differential diagnosis in order to ensure the best possible patient treatment. Preventive measures bear the potential to decrease both the condition’s incidence and consequences.
Key Words
Necrotizing enterocolitis, preterm infants, physiopathology