Presented By: Robert Castro, M.D.
June 2012

Necrotizing enterocolitis is a challenging disease for health care practitioners caring for neonates, specifically preterm infants in the NICU. With the exception of prematurity, other risk factors have yet to be fully elucidated. Please join us along with Dr. Robert Castro as we discuss the most recent data on epidemiology, pathophysiology and medical/surgical management for the varying severities and presentations of NEC. Since new treatment strategies will unlikely provide a major breakthrough reducing the associated morbidity and mortality, preventive approaches, including novel future considerations, are discussed.

Objectives:

• Etiology and Pathogenesis of NEC, including theories proposed to explain mechanisms behind its development
• Discuss criteria for diagnosing and treating NEC and reviewing the trials comparing primary peritoneal drainage versus laparotomy
• Discuss measures to Prevent NEC and novel future considerations (Human Milk, Pre- and Probiotics, Growth Factors, etc)