Current approaches to prevention of necrotizing enterocolitis in premature newborns

Abstract

Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is the most life-threatening disease of the gastrointestinal tract in newborns. Current strategies and methods of NEC prevention affect the pathogenetic mechanisms of the disease development. The promotion of breastfeeding and the use of early minimal enteral nutrition with native breast milk are the main links in prevention. Immunoglobulins, antiinflammatory cytokines, and other biologically active substances found in breast milk prevent the development of NEC. A change in diet and the use of donor milk lead to a decrease in the incidence of NEC. The use of antenatal steroids in women at risk of preterm birth, control of hypoxia and normalization of the respiratory parameters also reduce the risk of NEC development. For normal colonization of the intestine, the use of probiotics is recommended. The use of oral antibacterial drugs, which are recommended in some multicomponent methods of prevention, often leads to negative results. The use of oral antifungal drugs in modern neonatology is not excluded. The use of oral immunoglobulins is ineffective. Key words: necrotizing enterocolitis, breast milk, enteral antibiotics, oral antifungal drugs, probiotics