Fecal calprotectin in inflammatory bowel diseases: update and perspectives

Clin Chem Lab Med. 2017 Mar 1;55(4):474-483. doi: 10.1515/cclm-2016-0522.

Abstract

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) are chronic diseases that result from the inflammation of the intestinal wall, suspected in any patient presenting with intestinal symptoms. Until recently, the diagnosis was mainly based on both clinical and endoscopic arguments. The use of an easy, fast, reliable, non-invasive, and inexpensive biological assay is mandatory not only in diagnosis but also in evolutionary and therapeutic monitoring. To date, the fecal calprotectin is the most documented in this perspective. This marker allows the discrimination between functional and organic bowel processes with good performance. The determination of the fecal calprotectin level contributes to the evaluation of the degree of disease activity and to monitoring of therapeutic response.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Biomarkers / analysis
  • Feces / chemistry*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Inflammatory Bowel Diseases / diagnosis*
  • Irritable Bowel Syndrome / diagnosis*
  • Leukocyte L1 Antigen Complex / analysis*
  • Male

Substances

  • Biomarkers
  • Leukocyte L1 Antigen Complex