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A Neonatal BALB/c Mouse Model of Necrotizing Enterocolitis
Published on: November 30, 2021
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Stool calprotectin in necrotizing enterocolitis
Ehab Am Albanna1, Hanan S Ahmed2, Hanan Abdelaziz Awad3
1Department of Pediatrics, Faulty of Medicine Zagazig University, Egypt.
Journal of Clinical Neonatology
|April 18, 2014
Summary
Fecal calprotectin levels are significantly elevated in infants with necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), correlating with disease severity and mortality. This suggests fecal calprotectin is a valuable biomarker for NEC diagnosis in neonates.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal Medicine
- Gastroenterology
- Biomarker Research
Background:
- Calprotectin, a neutrophil protein, exhibits antimicrobial and apoptosis-inducing properties.
- Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a critical condition in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs).
- Fecal calprotectin, resistant to degradation, is a potential marker for gastrointestinal inflammation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate fecal calprotectin concentrations in neonates diagnosed with NEC.
- To assess the correlation between fecal calprotectin levels and NEC severity.
Main Methods:
- Study included 15 neonates with NEC and 20 healthy controls.
- Methods involved clinical examination, complete blood count, C-reactive protein, and stool calprotectin determination.
- Fecal calprotectin levels were compared between NEC patients and controls, and stratified by NEC severity and outcome.
Main Results:
- Significantly higher fecal calprotectin levels were observed in NEC patients compared to controls.
- Fecal calprotectin levels were significantly higher in non-surviving infants compared to survivors.
- A significant positive correlation was found between fecal calprotectin levels and NEC severity.
Conclusions:
- Fecal calprotectin measurement is a valuable tool for investigating NEC in infants.
- Elevated fecal calprotectin may aid in early diagnosis and management of NEC.
- This biomarker shows promise for use in both preterm and full-term infants suspected of NEC.
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