Clinical Picture, Diagnosis, Management of NEC, and Effects of Probiotics on its Prevention: A Narrative Review.

Abstract

Preterm newborns represent a population at risk of developing intestinal dysbiosis as well as being predisposed to sepsis and Necrotizing Enterocolitis. Necrotizing Enterocolitis is a condition burdened by many complications and mortality due to an alteration of the intestinal barrier, an immaturity of the immune system, and intestinal dysbiosis. Low gestational age at birth, low birth weight, and early use of antibiotics are other predisposing factors. Instead, breast milk and probiotics are protective factors in providing intestinal homeostasis and microbiome regulation. In this mini-review, we analysed the protective role of probiotics in the onset of Necrotizing Enterocolitis in preterm populations.