Abstract
Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a common and potentially fatal disease that typically affects preterm (PIs) and very low birth weight infants (VLBWIs). Although NEC has been extensively studied, the current therapeutic approaches are unsatisfactory. Due to the similarities in the composition between human amniotic fluid (AF) and human breast milk (BM), which plays a protective role in the development of NEC in PIs and VLBWIs, it has been postulated that AF has similar effects on the outcome of NEC and potential therapeutic implications. AF has been long used for its diagnostic purposes and is often discarded after birth as “biological waste”. However, researchers have started to elucidate its therapeutic potential. Experimental studies in animal models have shown that diseases of various organ systems can possibly benefit from AF-based therapy. Hence, we have identified three approaches which show promising results for future clinical application in the prevention and/or treatment of NEC: (1) administration of processed AF (PAF) isolated from donor mothers, (2) administration of AF stem cells (AFSCs), and (3) administration of simulated AF (SAF) formulated to mimic the composition of physiological AF. We have highlighted the most important aspects that should be taken into account to guide further research on the clinical application of AF-based therapy. We hope that this review can provide a framework to identify the challenges of AF-based therapy and help to design future studies to better evaluate AF-based approaches for the treatment and/or prevention of NEC in PIs and VLBWIs.
Highlights
Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a common and potentially fatal disease that typically affects preterm infants (PIs) and very low birth weight infants (VLBWIs)
Evaluation of amniotic fluid (AF) has taken a prominent place in prenatal diagnostics
AF volume is critical for fetal growth and development
Summary
Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a common and potentially fatal disease that typically affects preterm infants (PIs) and very low birth weight infants (VLBWIs). Since factors that are present in BM are found in amniotic fluid (AF), it has been hypothesized that AF has similar protective effects [3]. AF is Frontiers in Pediatrics | www.frontiersin.org de Kroon et al. Amniotic Fluid and Necrotizing Enterocolitis widely used for its diagnostic purposes and is often considered as “biological waste”. Researchers have started to elucidate the therapeutic potential of AF in in vitro and in vivo studies in animal models [4, 5]. Our intent was to identify relevant research on AF, its impact on the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) and to investigate the potential therapeutic application of AF on the development of NEC.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have