Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is an inflammatory disease of the intestine, often associated with sepsis and frequently complicated by perforation, peritonitis, and death. Despite the significant advances in neonatal clinical and basic science investigation, NEC is often an incurable disease. Specific therapeutic strategies are lacking because of the unknown etiology. Mortality rate is high and long-term prognosis in survivals is very poor. The development of new diagnostic and therapeutic strategies is essential to reduce morbidity and mortality associated with NEC. Recently the central role of Toll Like Receptor-4 (TLR-4) has emerged in the animal model of NEC. In this study we aim to investigate the diagnostic role of TLR-4 in neonates with suspected NEC. To do this we have instituted a research group of 2 Units, including Neonatologists, Immunologists and Microbiologists of the University la Sapienza of Rome. The study will enrol newborns with gestational age
Possible new insight obtained with the results of this research, may open new perspectives in diagnosis of NEC. The redaction of the time to reach final diagnosis of NEC may significantly affect survival probability of preterm neonates.