Abstract
Background: Necrotizing entrocolitis is the most common emergency of the gastrointestinal tract in the newborn period and leading to mortality and morbidity in preterm newborns. Because there is no specific test for diagnosis of necrotizing entrocolitis, now only clinical and radiological findings are using for diagnose.With finding a reliable biomarker for earlier diagnosis of necrotizing entrocolitis, mortality and morbidity will be decreased.The aim of this study is evaluation of diagnostic value of fecal calprotectin level in necrotizing entrocolitis.
Methods: In a case_control study, 20 preterm newborn with necrotizing entrocolitis and 20 preterm newborn without necrotizing entrocolitis for 14 months were investigated. Level of fecal calprotectin was checked by ELISA method in both groups and the data’s were compared.
Results: Findings of statistical analysis of level of fecal calprotectin between two groups show significant differences. (p<0.001). According of ROC curve, Level of fecal calprotectin more than 32.5 mg/gr for diagnosis of necrotizing entrocolitis has 80% sensitivity, 90% specificity, 89% positive predictive value and 82% negative predictive value.
Conclusion: Fecal calprotectin can be used as a reliable biomarker for diagnosis of NEC.