P0925 FECAL CALPROTECTIN: AN INDICATOR OF NEC IN VLBW INFANTS?

Introduction: Calprotectin is a calcium binding protein, abundant in neutrophils and stable in faeces. The aims of this study were to assess faecal calprotectin concentrations (f-calprotectin) in very low birth weight (VLBW, <1500 g) infants and to study possible differences in f-calprotectin between infants who develop severe abdominal disease and controls. Methods: Serial faecal samples were collected from 22 VLBW infants (4 cases of severe abdominal disease and 18 controls) and analysed for calprotectin. Results: Mean (SD) f-calprotectin in controls was 414 (417) mg/g faeces. In one case of necrotising enterocolitis (NEC) (stage III A) and one case of volvulus, f-calprotectin was increased to a maximum concentration of 22513 mg/g and 9228 mg/g, respectively. In two cases of isolated intestinal perforation, f-calprotectin never exceeded the range of controls. Conclusion: The observed f-calprotectin in VLBW infants is similar to that seen in full term infants. In one case of NEC, f-calprotectin was markedly increased and should our ongoing study support the findings of this interim analysis, f-calprotectin might be a useful marker of NEC.