Update in pathogenesis and prospective in treatment of necrotizing enterocolitis

Biomed Res Int. 2014:2014:543765. doi: 10.1155/2014/543765. Epub 2014 Jul 17.

Abstract

Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is among the most common and devastating diseases in neonates and, despite the significant advances in neonatal clinical and basic science investigations, its etiology is largely understood, specific treatment strategies are lacking, and morbidity and mortality remain high. Improvements in the understanding of pathogenesis of NEC may have therapeutic consequences. Pharmacologic inhibition of toll-like receptor signaling, the use of novel nutritional strategies, and microflora modulation may represent novel promising approaches to the prevention and treatment of NEC. This review, starting from the recent acquisitions in the pathogenic mechanisms of NEC, focuses on current and possible therapeutic perspectives.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Enterocolitis, Necrotizing / drug therapy*
  • Enterocolitis, Necrotizing / metabolism
  • Enterocolitis, Necrotizing / pathology*
  • Humans
  • Prospective Studies
  • Signal Transduction / drug effects
  • Toll-Like Receptors / metabolism

Substances

  • Toll-Like Receptors