RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Necrotizing Enterocolitis
JF NeoReviews
JO NeoReviews
FD American Academy of Pediatrics
SP e113
OP e120
DO 10.1542/neo.14-3-e113
VO 14
IS 3
A1 Chu, Alison
A1 Hageman, Joseph R.
A1 Caplan, Michael S.
YR 2013
UL http://neoreviews.aappublications.org/content/14/3/e113.abstract
AB Abbreviations:C5a, anaphylatoxinCRP, C-reactive proteinEGF, epidermal growth factorFC, fecal calprotectinI-FABP, urinary intestinal fatty acid–binding proteinIaIp, inter-α-inhibitory proteinNEC, necrotizing enterocolitisPAF, platelet-activating factorSAA, serum amyloid ATLR, toll-like receptorTPN, total parenteral nutritionNecrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is an inflammatory disease of the intestine that largely affects very low birthweight premature infants. It is a disease process that can be widely variable in its course and outcomes. Because the etiology and pathogenesis of NEC still remain incompletely understood, treatment options and morbidity and mortality for infants who have NEC have not significantly improved in the past four decades. Given the potentially devastating outcomes of NEC, it is imperative to focus research efforts on potential markers that could identify this disease process early in its course, as well as predict the course and severity of disease to improve outcomes. Perhaps more importantly, this article reviews the current status of preventive measures for NEC.