Johanna P's Senior Project Blog

Project Title: Necrotizing Enterocolitis: Providing Efficient Treatment in the NICU BASIS Advisor: Kaitlyn Johnson Internship Location: U of A College of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics Onsite Mentor: Dr. Melissa Halpern

Project Abstract

Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a malignant condition that affects the colon, or large intestine, of newborns. The condition causes inflammation in the tissue of the colon, which can lead to bacterial invasion, cell damage, and necrosis. This can be life-threatening for newborns and has a high mortality rate of up to fifty percent in neonatology. Preterm babies, especially those with low birth weight, gastrointestinal immaturity, and severe NEC, are more likely to develop this condition. However, other risk factors, such as hypoglycemia or gestational diabetes, can increase the severity of symptoms or the onset of mortality. Despite the severity of the condition, the underlying biological mechanisms that cause NEC remain unclear, primarily due to the challenges presented by the lack of sample sizes, accurate models, and proper abdominal radiographs. Additionally, accurately diagnosing NEC in neonates remains a significant challenge. Early detection and diagnosis of the disease are crucial, but it is currently difficult due to a lack of understanding of the roles of genetics and inflammatory mediators, among other risk factors. Additionally, current treatments only address specific symptoms rather than targeting the underlying disease mechanisms. Therefore, there is a need to develop more effective treatment plans that can address the multifactorial nature of the disease. To effectively treat NEC, it is essential to identify how genetics, underlying biological mechanisms, and social factors influence the condition and account for its multifactorial nature. This approach can help provide targeted treatment that addresses the root cause of the gastrointestinal problem rather than just its symptomatic nature. By doing so, we can improve the prognosis for newborns affected by this condition. Through this internship, I hope to gain a better understanding of necrotizing enterocolitis in preterm babies so that we can improve our ability to recognize and diagnose the disease early and develop lucrative treatment plans. This will help us reduce the mortality rate of NEC and provide improved care to neonates.