Pepsin, a Reliable Marker of Gastric Aspiration, Is Frequently Detected in Tracheal Aspirates From Premature Ventilated Neonates

Pepsin, a marker of gastric contents, was detected in more than 92% of TA samples from premature infants on mechanical ventilation. The level of pepsin was higher in fed infants when compared with unfed infants. Xanthine therapy was also associated with increased pepsin in TA samples. Chronic aspiration of gastric contents may worsen lung disease in premature infants.