Necrotizing enterocolitis: recent advances in treatment with translational potential

Abstract

Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is one of the most prevalent and devastating gastrointestinal disorders in neonates. Despite advances in neonatal care, the incidence and mortality due to NEC remain high, highlighting the need to devise novel treatments for this disease. There have been a number of recent advancements in therapeutic approaches for the treatment of NEC; these involve remote ischemic conditioning (RIC), stem cell therapy, breast milk components (human milk oligosaccharides, exosomes, lactoferrin), fecal microbiota transplantation, and immunotherapy. This review summarizes the most recent advances in NEC treatment currently underway as well as their applicability and associated challenges and limitations, with the aim to provide new insight into the paradigm of care for NEC worldwide.

Keywords: Fecal microbiota transplantation; Immunotherapy; Necrotizing enterocolitis; Remote ischemic conditioning; Stem cell; Treatment.