Objectives: In this study, we aimed to investigate the value of serum intestinal fatty acid binding protein
(I-FABP) in early diagnosis and predicting the severity of Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC).
Methods: This prospective study was performed on 160 preterm neonates ageing less than 35 weeks and
weighting less than 2000 gm selected from the Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs) of the Pediatric
Department at Benha University hospital and Benha children hospital to evaluate which of them will
develop NEC, after follow-up these neonates were divided into two groups: Group one compromised
eighteen preterm neonates with symptoms and signs of NEC. Group two compromised ten preterm
neonates as a control group. All participants were subjected to full clinical examination, abdominal X-ray
and serum I-FABP.
Results: The 1st values of IFABP taken at birth showed that mean serum IFABP concentrations of the
study group were higher than that of the control group. The 2nd values of serum IFABP taken at the start
of feeding showed that mean IFABP concentrations of the study group were higher in comparison with
IFABP at birth. In the 3rd values of serum, IFABP taken at the time of diagnosing NEC showed that mean
serum IFABP concentrations of the study group were higher than the control group. In the 4th values of
serum, IFABP taken one week after diagnosing NEC showed that the mean serum IFABP concentrations of
the study group became significantly decreased in comparison with IFABP at the time of diagnosis in
stage 1 and 2.
Conclusions: Serial measurements of serum I-FABP levels may be a useful marker for early diagnosis and
prediction of disease severity in NEC.