Most of the biomarkers identified are measures of systemic inflammation, although the most frequently evaluated biomarker, i-FABP, is specific to enterocytes of the small bowel and is found in increased concentrations in the circulation where there is ischaemia, inflammation or mucosal damage.81,82 Both plasma and urine i-FABP appear effective at identifying surgical NEC but unfortunately, robust conclusions cannot be drawn from a quantitative synthesis of these studies as thresholds for a positive test varied. The gene discussed is FABP2; the disease is necrotizing enterocolitis.