Fecal Calprotectin in Very Low Birth Weight Infants

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Abstract
To measure concentrations of fecal calprotectin (f-calprotectin) in infants with very low birth weight (VLBW; 2000 microg/g. In disease cases f-calprotectin was increased to >2000 microg/g in 3 cases of NEC and 1 case of covered perforation with microscopic bowel inflammation. In 1 case of NEC without microscopic bowel inflammation and 2 cases of focal intestinal perforation, f-calprotectin levels never exceeded 2000 microg/g. F-calprotectin concentrations in VLBW infants are similar to previously reported levels in healthy term and moderately preterm infants. An f-calprotectin level >2000 microg/g is a useful but not an early marker of NEC and other severe intestinal inflammatory conditions in VLBW infants.