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Effect of necrotizing enterocolitis on urinary epidermal growth factor levels
S M Scott1, C Rogers, P Angelus
1Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of New Mexico, University of New Mexico School of Medicine, Albuquerque 87131.
American Journal of Diseases of Children (1960)
|July 1, 1991
Summary
Urinary epidermal growth factor/creatinine levels significantly increase in infants diagnosed with necrotizing enterocolitis. This biomarker may help differentiate disease stages in neonates.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal research
- Gastroenterology
- Biomarker discovery
Background:
- Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a severe gastrointestinal emergency in neonates.
- Early diagnosis and staging of NEC are critical for effective management.
- Urinary epidermal growth factor (uEGF) is a potential biomarker for gastrointestinal injury.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate urinary epidermal growth factor/creatinine (uEGF/Cr) levels in infants with NEC.
- To determine if uEGF/Cr levels can differentiate NEC stages.
- To explore the relationship between uEGF/Cr levels and NEC severity.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of urinary uEGF/Cr levels in 75 infants.
- Comparison of uEGF/Cr levels at NEC diagnosis versus baseline.
- Inclusion of infants with confirmed NEC and those without for control.
Main Results:
- A consistent and significant increase in uEGF/Cr was observed at NEC diagnosis.
- uEGF/Cr levels remained unchanged in infants without NEC and during early nutrition.
- Elevated uEGF/Cr levels showed potential in distinguishing between NEC stages II/III and stage I.
Conclusions:
- Urinary EGF/Cr levels serve as a sensitive indicator for NEC.
- uEGF/Cr may aid in differentiating NEC stages, potentially improving clinical decision-making.
- Increased uEGF/Cr levels are likely linked to gastrointestinal tissue damage and repair processes in NEC.