Necrotizing enterocolitis in premature infants
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.33448/rsd-v14i11.50023Keywords:
Necrotizing enterocolitis, Inflammation, Premature newborn, Gastrointestinal transit.Abstract
Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), a complex disease characterized by severe gastrointestinal inflammation that primarily affects premature newborns, is notorious for its rapid onset, diagnostic challenges, and high mortality rate, posing a serious threat to neonatal life. Surviving infants often suffer from multiple complications, leading to lifelong disabilities such as intestinal stenosis, short bowel syndrome, malnutrition, and neurodevelopmental delays, which significantly reduce patients' quality of life. Considering these findings, this study aims to describe aspects related to the etiology, diagnosis, and treatment of necrotizing enterocolitis in premature infants. To this end, a narrative review of the literature was conducted, including an electronic search of the MedLine (Pubmed), LILACS, and Cureus databases. Articles in Portuguese and English, available in full text and published between 2012 and 2025, were analyzed. Prioritizing clinical studies, systematic reviews, case reports, and publications addressing the etiology, diagnosis, and treatment of necrotizing enterocolitis in premature infants, was prioritized. The conclusion was that NEC remains a major challenge in the neonatal intensive care unit due to its insidious onset and rapid progression, as well as the lack of effective therapy, which leaves neonatologists powerless to treat what remains a fatal disease for many infants and a severely disabling condition for survivors. Although prevention is difficult, the combination of breast milk intake with a probiotic provides the best protection.
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