Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a life-threatening disease of the digestive system that occurs in the neonatal period. NEC is difficult to diagnose early and the prognosis is poor. Previous studies have reported that abnormalities can be detected before the presentation of clinical symptoms. Based on an analysis of literature related to the early prediction of NEC, we provide a detailed review on the early prediction and diagnosis methods of NEC, including ultrasound, near-infrared spectroscopy, biomarkers, and intestinal microbiota. This review aimed to provide a reference for further research and clinical practice.
Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a devastating gastrointestinal disease that affects newborns, particularly preterm infants, and is associated with high morbidity and mortality. No effective therapeutic strategies to decrease the incidence and severity of NEC have been developed to date. Stem cell therapy has been explored and even applied in various diseases, including gastrointestinal disorders. Animal studies on stem cell therapy have made great progress, and the anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic, and intestinal barrier enhancing effects of stem cells may be protective against NEC clinically. In this review, we discuss the therapeutic mechanisms through which stem cells may function in the treatment of NEC.
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