The relationship between reticulated platelets, intestinal alkaline phosphatase, and necrotizing enterocolitis

• Published in: Journal of pediatric surgery 2014-02, Vol.49 (2), p.273-276
• Main Authors: Kampanatkosol, Richard, Thomson, Tricia, Habeeb, Omar, Glynn, Loretto, DeChristopher, Phillip J, Yong, Sherri, Jeske, Walter, Maheshwari, Akhil, Muraskas, Jonathan
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Alkaline Phosphatase - metabolism; Biomarker; Biomarkers - metabolism; Blood Platelets - pathology; Enterocolitis, Necrotizing - metabolism; Enterocolitis, Necrotizing - mortality; Extremely-low-birthweight; Female; Humans; Infant, Extremely Low Birth Weight; Infant, Newborn; Intestinal Mucosa - metabolism; Male; Necrotizing enterocolitis; Pediatrics; Premature; Prospective Studies; Surgery
• ISSN: 0022-3468; 1531-5037
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jpedsurg.2013.11.037

Abstract Background Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) affects up to 10% of extremely-low-birthweight infants, with a 30% mortality rate. Currently, no biomarker reliably facilitates early diagnosis. Since thrombocytopenia and bowel ischemia are consistent findings in advanced NEC, we prospectively investigated two potential biomarkers: reticulated platelets (RP) and intestinal alkaline phosphatase (iAP). Methods Infants born ≤ 32 weeks and/or ≤ 1500 g were prospectively enrolled from 2009 to 2012. Starting within 72 hours of birth, 5 weekly whole blood specimens were collected to measure RP and serum iAP. Additional specimens were obtained at NEC onset (Bell stage II or III) and 24 hours later. Dichotomous cut-points were calculated for both biomarkers. Non-parametric (Mann-Whitney) and Chi-square tests were used to test differences between groups. Differences in Kaplan-Meier curves were examined by log-rank test. The Cox proportional hazards model estimated hazard ratios. Results A total of 177 infants were enrolled in the study, 15 (8.5%) of which developed NEC (40% required surgery and 20% died). 14 (93%) NEC infants had “low” (≤ 2.3%) reticulated platelets, and 9 (60%) had “high” iAP (> 0 U/L) in at least one sample before onset. Infants with “low” RP were significantly more likely to develop NEC [HR = 11.0 (1.4–83); P = 0.02]. Infants with “high” iAP were at increased risk for NEC, although not significant [HR = 5.2 (0.7–42); P = 0.12]. Median iAP levels were significantly higher at week 4 preceding the average time to NEC onset by one week (35.7 ± 17.3 days; P = 0.02). Conclusion Decreased RP serves as a sensitive marker for NEC onset, thereby enabling early preventative strategies. iAP overexpression may signal NEC development.