Postnatal Dynamics and Clinical Associations of Fecal Calprotectin in Very Preterm Infants: Implications for Necrotizing Enterocolitis and Feeding Intolerance.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

To elucidate the postnatal dynamics and clinical associations of fecal calprotectin (FC) in very preterm infants, with a focus on necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) and feeding intolerance (FI).

Methods

We performed a prospective observational cohort study in infants with a gestational age of <32 weeks or birth weight <1,500 g with weekly feces collection. The relationships between FC, NEC, and FI were investigated, adjusting for demographic and clinical factors.

Results

A total of 1,086 fecal samples were collected from 194 preterm infants. Postnatal FC levels of non-NEC infants were highly variable and followed an age-dependent patterned progression. FC levels were elevated in patients with NEC before and at NEC onset, distinguishing them from non-NEC infa

SUBMITTER: Hong L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10461937 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature