NICHD-supported research on necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) focuses on fetal growth, such as the development of the gastrointestinal system and digestive function; identification of infants at risk for NEC; prevention of this disorder, such as through research on the feeding of premature newborn infants; the roles of breastfeeding and prebiotics/probiotics in the prevention of NEC; and comparing treatments, such as different surgical techniques. NICHD is involved in the search for better treatments for NEC and supports studies of the long-term outcomes of interventional surgery as well as the long-term effects of the disease.
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