PROBLEMS AND UNRESOLVED ISSUES OF MODERN PRINCIPLES OF CONSERVATIVE AND SURGICAL TREATMENT DEPENDING ON THE STAGE OF NECROTIZING ENTEROCOLITIS IN PRETERM CHILDREN

Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a severe disease that predominantly affects the gastrointestinal tract of premature infants. NEC is the most common cause of gastrointestinal-related morbidity and mortality in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). NEC continues to be associated with high morbidity and mortality rates among newborns, particularly those born prematurely. The prevention and treatment of NEC are critical for improving neonatal survival and quality of life among survivors. The diagnosis and management of NEC remain challenging. Although prematurity and formula feeding remain the only consistent independent predictors of NEC, other factors in combination may also increase risk. Awareness of NEC risk factors and the implementation of risk-reduction practices—including breastfeeding, feeding guidelines, and the use of probiotics—have been shown to decrease the incidence of NEC. In recent years, novel biomarkers and potential therapeutic approaches for NEC have emerged, opening avenues for early therapeutic intervention and improved outcomes. This article aims to provide a brief overview of recent diagnostic markers for NEC and directions for future research into both the medical and surgical management of the disease.