Early detection of impending necrotizing enterocolitis with urinary intestinal fatty acid-binding protein.

Background: Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is diagnosed after the development of feeding intolerance and characteristic physical and imaging findings. Earlier detection of a subclinical prodrome might allow for the institution of measures that could prevent or attenuate the severity of the disease.

Objectives: We sought to determine whether urinary intestinal fatty acid-binding protein (iFABPu) might be elevated prior to the first clinical manifestations of NEC.