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Calprotectin levels in necrotizing enterocolitis: a systematic review of the literature

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Abstract

Background

Fecal calprotectin has been extensively investigated as a screening marker for the detection of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). However, there is a complete lack of consensus regarding its efficacy as a diagnostic test.

Objective

The purpose of the present systematic review is to evaluate the effectiveness of fecal calprotectin as a screening marker for the detection of NEC.

Materials and methods

We conducted a systematic review of studies published in the Medline (1966–2016), Scopus (2004–2016), ClinicalTrials.gov (2008–2016), Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials CENTRAL (1999–2016), and Google Scholar (2004–2016) databases, combined with studies found in the reference lists of the included studies. All prospective and retrospective observational cohort studies were included.

Results

Thirteen studies that included 601 neonates were identified in the international literature. The presence and severity of NEC was evaluated with the modified Bell’s criteria. Ten studies found significantly elevated fecal calprotectin levels among infants with NEC (p < 0.05). One study found that this effect was observed irrespective of the stage of the disease. Five studies evaluated the efficacy of fecal calprotectin as a diagnostic test. The reported sensitivity ranged between 76 and 100 %, and the specificity varied from 39 to 96.4 %. However, the proposed cut-off values were not similar.

Conclusion

Current evidence suggests that fecal calprotectin is elevated in newborns suffering from NEC. However, its significance as an early screening marker remains unknown. Future studies are needed and should focus on the identification of specific cut-off values.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Laboratory of Experimental Surgery and Surgical Research N.S. Christeas, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 6, Danaidon str., Chalandri, 15232, Athens, Greece

    Vasilios Pergialiotis, Panagiotis Konstantopoulos, Nikoleta Karampetsou, Diamanto Koutaki, Eleana Gkioka, Despina N. Perrea & Nikolaos Papantoniou

  2. Third dpt of Ob/Gyn, Attikon Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece

    Eleana Gkioka

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  1. Vasilios Pergialiotis
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  2. Panagiotis Konstantopoulos
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  3. Nikoleta Karampetsou
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  4. Diamanto Koutaki
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Correspondence to Vasilios Pergialiotis.

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The authors have no conflicts of interest to report.

Research involving human participants and/or animals

This is a systematic review of data already published in this field. In the present study we did not have direct involvement with humans or animals.

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Not applicable because this study did not include individual patient data.

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Responsible Editor: John Di Battista.

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Pergialiotis, V., Konstantopoulos, P., Karampetsou, N. et al. Calprotectin levels in necrotizing enterocolitis: a systematic review of the literature. Inflamm. Res. 65, 847–852 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00011-016-0963-9

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00011-016-0963-9

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