Work

Gut–Brain Axis in Preterm Infants with Surgical Necrotizing Enterocolitis

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) affects 5 to 10% of very low-birth-weight infants and remains a leading cause of mortality and long-term morbidity. Preterm infants with NEC, especially those requiring surgery, have higher inflammatory markers in the blood, severe white matter abnormalities on brain imaging, and adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes. This review presents current evidence regarding the clinical factors associated with brain injury in preterm infants with NEC needing surgical intervention. Studies that evaluate neuroprotective strategies to prevent brain injury are greatly needed to improve neurodevelopmental outcomes in high-risk preterm infants with NEC. · NEC is associated with white matter, grey matter, and cerebellar injury in neonates.. · Clinical and histopathological factors are associated with gut-associated brain injury in NEC.. · Neuroprotective strategies and intervention are greatly needed in infants with surgical NEC..

Source: American Journal of Perinatology

DOI: 10.1055/a-2563-0878

Authors: Parvesh M. Garg, Jeffrey S. Shenberger, Mckenzie Ostrander, Terrie E. Inder, Padma P. Garg