[Serum CK-BB. A biochemical marker in neonatal necrotizing enterocolitis].

OBJECTIVE

We performed a prospective study of 72 preterm neonates with high-risk predisposing them to necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) in which isoenzyme CK-BB activity in serum was measured at birth and after establishment of feeding with the purpose being to investigate whether CK-BB isoenzyme measurement may be useful in the diagnosis of NEC and an efficient marker in the evolution of the disease.

DESIGN AND METHODS

In 12 neonates with NEC, CK-BB was measured in serum, at the beginning of symptoms and every 48 hours until remission of the acute episode. Control data were obtained from 26 healthy preterm and 20 preterm neonates with diarrhoea of several etiologies. Fourteen infants were excluded from the study due to complications. Electrophoresis on an agarose gel was used determine CK isoenzymes and these are expressed as the percentage of total CK activity.

RESULTS

There were no differences in CK-BB values between the control groups. At the beginning of symptoms, the CK-BB in serum was significantly greater in neonates with NEC (p < 0.001) than in the control groups and were continuously elevated until complete recovery from NEC.

CONCLUSION

The CK-BB was shown as a useful marker in the diagnosis and evolution of NEC.