title: Decoding the enigma of necrotizing enterocolitis in premature infants.
abstract: Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is an enigmatic disease that affects primarily premature infants. It often occurs suddenly and when it occurs, treatment attempts at treatment often fail and results in death. If the infant survives, there is a significant risk of long term sequelae including neurodevelopmental delays. The pathophysiology of NEC is poorly understood and thus prevention has been difficult. In this review, we will provide an overview of why progress may be slow in our understanding of this disease, provide a brief review diagnosis, treatment and some of the current concepts about the pathophysiology of this disease.
authors.affiliation: Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatric, University of Florida College of Medicine, United States.
authors.forename: Roberto Murgas
authors.initials: RM
authors.lastname: Torrazza
authors.affiliation: Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatric, University of Florida College of Medicine, United States.
authors.forename: Nan
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Li
authors.affiliation: Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatric, University of Florida College of Medicine, United States. Electronic address: neuj@peds.ufl.edu.
authors.forename: Josef
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Neu
keywords: Necrotizing enterocolitis; Preterm infant; Prevention