The beta-glucosidase assay: a new diagnostic tool for necrotizing enterocolitis. Sensitivity, specificity, and predictive values

摘要

We aimed to establish the utility of serum cytosolic beta-glycosidase (CBG) assay as a NEC diagnosis tool. CBG activity has been compared in 192 NEC-free (NEC-) and 13 NEC-affected (NEC+) neonates, with modified Bell's stages II/III, born at Reina Sofia University Hospital; additional blood hematology, microbiology, and biochemical parameters have been assayed. NEC+ neonates have higher serum CBG activity, 26.4 +/- 12.4 mU/mg; 95 CI (18.8-33.9), than NEC-infants, 11.0 +/- 6.6 mU/mg; 95 CI (10.1-11.9) (p < 0.0001). The CBG cutoff value in the ROC curve, 15.6 mU/mg, discriminates NEC+/NEC- infants with 84.6 sensitivity, 85.9 specificity, 37.9 positive predictive value and 98.2 negative predictive value, 6.11 positive likelihood ratio and 0.18 negative likelihood ratio, 33.61 DOR, and 0.89 AUC. A combined panel CBG+aspartate aminotransferase+C-reactive protein shows a 0.90 AUC value in multiple linear regressions.