[Necrotizing enterocolitis (nec): risk factors and genetic susceptibility].

Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a main cause of morbidity and mortality in neonatal intensive care units. Etiology is likely to be multifactorial and prematurity and low birth weight (<1500 g) are risk factors already recognized. The studies conducted on the role of genetic factors in the pathogenesis of the disease led to contradictory outcomes, even if interesting hints emerged to encourage future research. The aim of the present review was to update on genetic research in NEC, focusing on the evidences arisen from the studies on the main risk factors (prematurity and ischaemia) and inflammatory mediators.