Stool calprotectin in necrotizing enterocolitis

BACKGROUND: Calprotectin is a 36 kDa protein present in the cytoplasm of the neutrophil has antimicrobial and apoptosis inducing activities. In vitro studies have shown that calprotectin inhibits the growth of various microorganisms. Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) remains one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in neonatal intensive care units (NICU), affecting up to 5% of premature infants. Fecal calprotectin is resistant to degradation and has been proposed as a useful marker of gastrointestinal inflammation. OBJECTIVE: The objective of the present study is to evaluate fecal calprotectin concentrations in NEC. STUDY DESIGN: Fifteen neonates with a clinical diagnosis of NEC were studied; they admitted at NICU of Zagazig University Hospital. In addition, 20 age sex matched neonates fed all caloric requirement served as the control group. All neonates were subjected to history taking, clinical examination, laboratory investigations (complete blood count, C-reactive protein) and determination of stool calprotectin. RESULTS: There was a highly significant increase in fecal calprotectin in patients than control and there was a highly significant increase in its fecal level in died patients than living one. Also significant increase in fecal calprotectin level with increasing severity of NEC. CONCLUSION: Fecal calprotectin measurements could be a valuable tool for the investigation of preterm and full term infants suspected of having NEC.