Application value of fecal calprotectin in necrotizing enterocolitis

Necrotizing enterocolitis(NEC)is the most important gastrointestinal emergency of preterm neonates in neonatal intensive care units.The diagnosis of NEC is difficult during its earliest stages.Looking for all early specific biological indicators to recognize cases during its earliest stages is important.Fecal calprotectin, as a simple and noninvasive test index, has been widely used in inflammatory diseases in adults and children.Studies have shown that fecal calprotectin is significantly higher in newborns with NEC, which can be used as an screening marker for the detection of NEC or an indicator to predict the occurrence and severity of the disease.This review summarized the characteristics of fecal calprotectin in neonates and its clinical significance as a noninvasive marker of necrotizing enterocolitis. Key words: Calprotectin; Necrotizing enterocolitis; Infant, newborn