Calprotectin in Serially Collected Meconium Portions as a Biomarker for Intrauterine Fetal Environment

Abstract

Objective: Understanding the pathomechanisms underlying high meconium calprotectin concentrations is the key to the potential uses of this parameter for the assessment of the intrauterine environment in which the fetus develops. The aim of this study was to measure calprotectin concentrations in serial meconium portions passed after birth and to calculate the individual variations in the total meconium calprotectin content accumulated during gestation. Methods: Calprotectin concentrations were measured using Calprotectin ELISA kit (Immundiagnostik AG) in all meconium portions (n = 81) from 20 healthy neonates. For each neonate, total meconium calprotectin was calculated, reflecting the sum of calprotectin content in all meconium portions from this neonate. Results: The calprotectin concentration in meconium was (mean ± SD) 286.5 ± 214.6 μg/g (range 34.7-1,067.1). Calprotectin concentrations in the last portions passed were nearly 3-fold higher than in the first portions (p = 0.0004). The total individual calprotectin content of (mean ± SD) 3,668.7 ± 1,819.0 μg (range 1,158.9-8,155.5) was related to the birth weight (r = 0.46, p = 0.042). Conclusions: Wide intra- and interindividual differences in calprotectin concentrations in the meconium may reflect intestinal inflammation associated with the fetal adaptation to life outside the uterus. Calprotectin may serve as a biomarker useful for the identification of endogenous and exogenous factors with impact on the intrauterine environment.