A Possible Biomarker for Diagnosis of Necrotizing Enterocolitis

Intestinal alkaline phosphatase shows promise but requires further study.

Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a devastating intestinal disease of preterm newborns. The diagnosis is largely based on clinical suspicion and radiographic findings with poor sensitivity and specificity. Diagnostic techniques that better discriminate between NEC and other causes of intestinal disease are needed. Intestinal alkaline phosphatase (IAP) has been proposed as one such biomarker.

To assess the potential of IAP for diagnosing NEC, researchers examined IAP content in biweekly stool samples of 136 preterm infants (median gestational age, 28.4 weeks). A high proportion of the infants had NEC (18%) and suspected NEC (14%) during their hospital course. Stool IAP content was expressed as a percentage of IAP in control human small intes…

Reviewing Author

Robin H. Steinhorn, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardActelion Pharmaceuticals

Editorial BoardsJournal of Pediatrics

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesAmerican Pediatric Society (President); American Board of Pediatrics (Board of Directors)

Robin H. Steinhorn, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardActelion Pharmaceuticals

Editorial BoardsJournal of Pediatrics

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesAmerican Pediatric Society (President); American Board of Pediatrics (Board of Directors)

A Possible Biomarker for Diagnosis of Necrotizing Enterocolitis

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Reviewing Author