Fecal calprotectin in healthy children aged 4-16 years

Sci Rep. 2020 Nov 25;10(1):20565. doi: 10.1038/s41598-020-77625-7.

Abstract

Reference values of fecal calprotectin (fCP) have not been convincingly established in children. We aimed to investigate fCP concentrations in a larger population of healthy children aged 4-16 years to analyze more in depth the behavior of fCP in this age range and to determine if cut-off levels could be conclusively recommended. A prospective study was conducted to investigate fCP concentrations of healthy children aged 4-16 years. In 212 healthy children, the median and 95th percentile for fCP were 18.8 mg/kg and 104.5 mg/kg, respectively. We found a statistically significant association between the 95th percentile of fCP concentrations and age (p < 0.001). We propose a nomogram to facilitate the interpretation of fCP results in children aged 4-16 years. Further studies are required to validate the proposed values in clinical practice.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Biomarkers / analysis
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Colonoscopy / methods
  • Feces / chemistry*
  • Female
  • Healthy Volunteers
  • Humans
  • Leukocyte L1 Antigen Complex / analysis*
  • Male
  • Nomograms
  • Prospective Studies
  • Reference Values
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • Spain

Substances

  • Biomarkers
  • Leukocyte L1 Antigen Complex