Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a serious condition that can affect premature babies, leading to complications like intestinal damage and infection. In our study, we measured specific markers (called calprotectin) in blood and stool to understand how severe NEC is and predict outcomes. We found that these markers were higher in babies with more severe NEC (stage 3), especially in those who needed surgery or sadly did not survive. This information can help doctors detect NEC earlier, understand its severity, and make better decisions for treating affected babies.

Inclusion Criteria:

before 32 weeks of gestation with a birth weight of ≤1500 grams

Exclusion Criteria:

Infants whose families did not provide consent and those with congenital anomalies were excluded.

Newborns admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) over a 2-year period, born at or before 32 weeks of gestation with a birth weight of ≤1500 grams, were included in this study.

The IPD and supporting information will be available starting 6 months after the publication of the study results and will remain one year.

Access to IPD and supporting information will be available to qualified researchers affiliated with academic or medical institutions. They will be able to access study protocol through a formal data-sharing agreement. Requests must be submitted via email to [sarasurmeli@gmail.com]