Delivery and feeding mode affects fecal calprotectin levels in infants < 7 months old

Abstract

BackgroundElevated fecal calprotectin (FC) is a non-invasive marker of inflammation indicating bowel disease. However, healthy infants have displayed high FC levels, with large variation. We sought to determine what factors might affect FC levels in children <6months old. MethodsWe recruited 133 healthy infants aged 0–6months from four Korean day care centers. Stool samples were analyzed by immunosorbent assay. All infants completed a questionnaire related to clinical characteristics including birth and feeding history. ResultsThe mean FC concentration of all of participants was 237.40μg/g (range 11.5–1330.6μg/g). FC levels between 0 and 6months reduced with increasing age and the differences were statistically significant. The mean FC value according to feeding mode was 354.67μg/g for those fed breast milk and 149.44μg/g for those fed formula milk (p<0.001). Mean FC values were 319.69μg/g vs. 130.97μg/g for normal spontaneous vaginal delivery (NSVD) vs. caesarean section births, respectively (p<0.001). In addition, delivery mode affected the FC level at 0–6months regardless of feeding mode. ConclusionThe FC levels of infants aged 0–6months reduced with age and were higher than the normal levels observed in healthy older infants. The FC value at <7months was higher in infants who were fed breast milk and born by NSVD.