This prospective observational study aims to evaluate fecal calprotectin levels as an early indicator of necrotizing enterocolitis in preterm infants and to compare levels between breastfed and formula-fed preterm infants at Assiut University Children Hospital.
Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a serious gastrointestinal disease in preterm neonates associated with high morbidity and mortality. Early diagnosis remains challenging. Fecal calprotectin is a non-invasive marker of intestinal inflammation that has shown potential as an early indicator of NEC. This prospective study will include preterm neonates less than 36 weeks gestational age or with birth weight less than 1500 grams. Fecal calprotectin levels will be measured and compared between exclusively breastfed and formula-fed infants. The association of fecal calprotectin levels with the development of necrotizing enterocolitis will be assessed.
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Enrollment
112
Fecal calprotectin level in relation to necrotizing enterocolitis
Comparison of fecal calprotectin concentrations (µg/g) between preterm infants who develop necrotizing enterocolitis and those who do not.
Time frame: Within the first 30 days of life
Comparison of fecal calprotectin between feeding groups
Difference in fecal calprotectin levels (µg/g) between exclusively breastfed and exclusively formula-fed preterm infants.
Time frame: Within the first 30 days of life
Diagnostic performance of fecal calprotectin for NEC
Sensitivity, specificity, and optimal cutoff value of fecal calprotectin for predicting necrotizing enterocolitis using ROC curve analysis.
Time frame: Within the first 30 days of life
Correlation of feeding type with necrotizing enterocolitis
Odds ratio for the occurrence of necrotizing enterocolitis according to type of feeding (exclusively breastfed versus exclusively formula-fed), using logistic regression analysis.
Time frame: Within the first 30 days of life
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