Novel useful markers for follow-up of necrotizing enterocolitis: endocan and interleukin-33

Abstract

Objectives: To ascertain the diagnostic value of endocan and interleukin (IL)-33 in infants with necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) and to compare their effectiveness with C-reactive protein (CRP) and interleukin-6 (IL-6).

Methods: Eighty-four preterm infants including control (n = 42) and NEC (n = 42) were eligible. Blood samples were obtained from infants in the NEC for the assessment of CRP, IL-6, endocan, and IL-33 serum levels at the time of diagnosis (first day), at the third and seventh days of NEC. Endocan, IL-33, CRP, and IL-6 serum levels were measured at the 14th day of life in the control group.

Results: Serum levels of endocan, IL-33, CRP, and IL-6 were significantly higher in the NEC group compared to the control group at the first, third, and seventh days (p < .05). IL-33 and endocan levels continued to rise in the consequent days in patients with stage III NEC (p < .05). Serum endocan and IL-33 levels gradually increased in patients who underwent surgery (p < .05). Serum endocan levels were higher in patients with stage III NEC than those in the stage II NEC at the diagnosis.

Conclusions: Serum levels of IL-33 and endocan can be used as markers in the diagnosis and follow-up of NEC.

Keywords:

• C-reactive protein
• endocan
• interleukin-33
• interleukin-6
• necrotizing enterocolitis

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

This study was supported by the Training planning and coordination committee of Zekai Tahir Burak Maternity Teaching Hospital.