Necrotizing Enterocolitis and Neonatal Sepsis: Mechanisms, Biomarkers and Therapeutic Prospects

Abstract

Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) and neonatal sepsis are two major causes of mortality and severe complications in preterm infants, which overlap significantly in timing, at-risk populations, and long-term outcomes. This review systematically examines the epidemiological, pathogenic, and biomarker overlaps between NEC and sepsis, and summarizes current treatment and prevention strategies. Additionally, NEC survivors face long-term complications including intestinal strictures, short bowel syndrome, and neurodevelopmental impairment—all significantly worsened by concurrent sepsis. Early clinical differentiation remains challenging. Future research should accelerate validation of multi-omics biomarkers, advance intelligent diagnostic tools, and explore targeted immunomodulatory interventions to improve long-term outcomes.