Abstract
During the past two decades, necrotizing enterocolitis has emerged as a major cause of mortality and morbidity in premature infants. The specific cause of the disease remains enigmatic, but several putative risk factors provide clues to a pathophysiology that seems to be multifactorial. With the use of newly developed scientific tools, an understanding of the basic pathophysiologic cascade that causes necrotizing enterocolitis is emerging, providing hope for improved treatment and prevention.
MeSH terms
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Anti-Bacterial Agents / therapeutic use
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Enteral Nutrition
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Enterocolitis, Pseudomembranous / diagnosis
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Enterocolitis, Pseudomembranous / microbiology*
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Enterocolitis, Pseudomembranous / physiopathology
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Enterocolitis, Pseudomembranous / prevention & control*
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Humans
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Infant, Newborn
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Infant, Premature, Diseases / diagnosis
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Infant, Premature, Diseases / microbiology*
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Infant, Premature, Diseases / physiopathology
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Infant, Premature, Diseases / prevention & control*
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Primary Prevention / methods
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Risk Factors
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Severity of Illness Index