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Novel Medications and Treatments to Prevent Necrotizing Enterocolitis (S6:E41)

Necrotizing enterocolitis, or NEC, is a life-threatening illness that almost exclusively affects neonates, carrying a mortality rate as high as 50 percent. The complex pathophysiology of NEC is rooted in an immature intestinal system, which renders babies more susceptible to injury upon feeding. This susceptibility can ultimately lead to gut breakdown, necrosis, sepsis and death. While there is currently no known cure for NEC, probiotics, specifically Lactobacillus reuteri, hold promise.

Listen to our guest expert reflect on her career and NEC research

As part of our Women in Medicine series, we are pleased to welcome Dr. Gail Besner, whose research at Nationwide Children’s Hospital focuses on identifying novel therapeutic strategies to protect the intestines from intestinal injury, including necrotizing enterocolitis.  

Gail Besner, MD, is a surgeon-scientist at Nationwide Children’s Hospital and The Ohio State University, holds the H. William Clatworthy, Jr. Chair in Surgery and is the chief of Pediatric Surgery at Nationwide Children’s Hospital. She is a member of the Center for Perinatal Research at the Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital. She was the program director of the Pediatric Surgery Residency Training Program for many years and now serves as the associate program director. She’s also a scientific co-founder of Scioto Biosciences, Inc., a company designed to bring scientific findings from the laboratory to the bedside. 

In this episode, our guest discusses:

  • Overcoming the odds as a woman in medicine for career success 
  • The importance of mentorship 
  • Balancing work and personal life 
  • An overview of NEC research with probiotics 
  • Potential impact of FDA approval for the current Phase 1 clinical trial 
  • How close we are to a NEC cure 
  • The association of the gut-brain axis with NEC and autism 

Listen here or on your podcast platform of choice, including Spotify, Apple Podcasts and Google Podcasts.

Digestive health at Children’s Hospital Colorado

At Children's Colorado, we're committed to helping all healthcare professionals improve the quality of life for children with digestive health conditions. Get the latest in gastroenterology and GI surgery information to better your practice and learn about innovation within our various digestive health programs. 

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