Abstract: Neonal necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is the most common gastro-intestinal emergency occurring in neonates and it can lead to death of neonates and low birth weight infants.Although numerous risk factors have been implicated in the pathogenesis of NEC,the etiology of the disease remains unclear.It lacks effective methods of prevention and treatment of NEC in clinic.Erythropoietin(EPO),a glycoprotein hormone,can mediate antioxidative,antiapoptotic,and vessal proliferation.It may play a role in prevention and treatment of NEC.This review will introduce the treatment of EPO and pathogenesis of NEC.