Managing inflammatory bowel disease(IBD)is becoming increasingly complex and personalized,considering the advent of new advanced therapies with distinct mechanisms of action.Achieving mucosal healing(MH)is a pivotal t...Managing inflammatory bowel disease(IBD)is becoming increasingly complex and personalized,considering the advent of new advanced therapies with distinct mechanisms of action.Achieving mucosal healing(MH)is a pivotal therapeutic goal in IBD management and can prevent IBD progression and reduce flares,hospitalization,surgery,intestinal damage,and colorectal cancer.Employing proactive disease and therapy assessment is essential to achieve better control of intestinal inflammation,even if subclinical,to alter the natural course of IBD.Periodic monitoring of fecal calprotectin(FC)levels and interval endoscopic evaluations are cornerstones for evaluating response/remission to advanced therapies targeting IBD,assessing MH,and detecting subclinical recurrence.Here,we comment on the article by Ishida et al Moreover,this editorial aimed to review the role of FC and endoscopic scores in predicting MH in patients with IBD.Furthermore,we intend to present some evidence on the role of these markers in future targets,such as histological and transmural healing.Additional prospective multicenter studies with a stricter MH criterion,standardized endoscopic and histopathological analyses,and virtual chromoscopy,potentially including artificial intelligence and other biomarkers,are desired.展开更多
BACKGROUND Fecal calprotectin is a valuable biomarker for assessing intestinal inflammation in pediatric gastrointestinal diseases.However,its role,pros,and cons in various conditions must be comprehensively elucidate...BACKGROUND Fecal calprotectin is a valuable biomarker for assessing intestinal inflammation in pediatric gastrointestinal diseases.However,its role,pros,and cons in various conditions must be comprehensively elucidated.AIM To explore the role of fecal calprotectin in pediatric gastrointestinal diseases,including its advantages and limitations.METHODS A comprehensive search was conducted on PubMed,PubMed Central,Google Scholar,and other scientific research engines until February 24,2024.The review included 88 research articles,56 review articles,six metaanalyses,two systematic reviews,two consensus papers,and two letters to the editors.RESULTS Fecal calprotectin is a non-invasive marker for detecting intestinal inflammation and monitoring disease activity in pediatric conditions such as functional gastrointestinal disorders,inflammatory bowel disease,coeliac disease,coronavirus disease 2019-induced gastrointestinal disorders,gastroenteritis,and cystic fibrosis-associated intestinal pathology.However,its lack of specificity and susceptibility to various confounding factors pose challenges in interpretation.Despite these limitations,fecal calprotectin offers significant advantages in diagnosing,monitoring,and managing pediatric gastrointestinal diseases.CONCLUSION Fecal calprotectin holds promise as a valuable tool in pediatric gastroenterology,offering insights into disease activity,treatment response,and prognosis.Standardized protocols and guidelines are needed to optimize its clinical utility and mitigate interpretation challenges.Further research is warranted to address the identified limitations and enhance our understanding of fecal calprotectin in pediatric gastrointestinal diseases.展开更多
AIM: To evaluate the diagnostic capability of calprotectin in ascitic fluid for detecting a polymorphonuclear (PMN) cell count > 250/μL ascites. METHODS: In this prospective observational study, a total of 130 asc...AIM: To evaluate the diagnostic capability of calprotectin in ascitic fluid for detecting a polymorphonuclear (PMN) cell count > 250/μL ascites. METHODS: In this prospective observational study, a total of 130 ascites samples were analysed from 71 consecutive patients referred for paracentesis. Total and differential leukocyte cell counts were determined manually with a Neubauer chamber and gentianviolet stain. Calprotectin was measured in 1 mL ascetic fluid by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and a point-of-care (POC) lateral flow assay with the Quantum Blue Reader (Bühlmann Laboratories). All measurements were carried out in a central laboratory by senior personnel blinded to patient history. A PMN count > 250/μL was the primary endpoint of the study. The diagnostic value of ascitic calprotectin measurement was assessed by comparing to the final diagnosis of each patient that had been adjudicated by investigators blinded to calprotectin values. RESULTS: The PMN count was > 250/μL in 19 samples (14.6%) from 15 patients (21.1%) and varied widely among the study population (range 10-19 800/mL and 1-17 820/mL, respectively). Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) was the final diagnosis in four patients (5.6%). All patients with PMN ≤ 250/μL had negative bacterial culture. PMN count was elevated in five patients with peritoneal carcinomatosis, three with lymphoma, one with neuroendocrine carcinoma, and two with secondary peritonitis due to abdominal perforation. PMN cell counts correlated with ascitic calprotectin values (Spearman's rho; r = 0.457 for ELISA, r = 0.473 for POC). A considerable range of ascitic calprotectin concentrations was detected by ELISA [median 0.43 μg/mL, interquartile range (IQR) 0.23-1.23 (range 0.10-14.93)] and POC [median 0.38 μg/mL, IQR 0.38-0.56 (range 0.38-13.31)]. Ascitic calprotectin levels were higher in samples with PMN > 250/μL, by both ELISA [median (IQR) 2.48 μg/mL (1.61-3.65) vs 0.10 μg/mL (0.10-0.36), P < 0.001] and POC [2.78 μg/mL (2.05-5.37) vs 0.38 μg/mL (0.38-0.41), P < 0.001]. The area under the receiver operating characteristics curve for identifying an elevated PMN count was 0.977 (95%CI: 0.933 to 0.995) for ELISA and 0.982 (95%CI: 0.942 to 0.997) for POC (P = 0.246 vs ELISA). Using the optimal cut-off value for ELISA (0.63 μg/mL), ascitic calprotectin had 94.8% sensitivity, 89.2% specificity, positive and negative likelihood ratios of 8.76 and 0.06 respectively, positive and negative predictive values of 60.0% and 99.0% respectively, and 90.0% overall accuracy. Using the optimal cut-off value for POC (0.51 μg/mL), the respective values were 100.0%, 84.7%, 6.53, 0.00, 52.8%, 100% and 87.7%. Correlation between ELISA and POC was excellent (r = 0.873, P < 0.001). The mean ± SD of the difference was -0.11 ± 0.48 μg/mL with limits of agreement of + 0.8 μg/mL (95%CI: 0.69 to 0.98) and -1.1 μg/mL (95%CI: -1.19 to -0.91). CONCLUSION: Ascitic calprotectin reliably predicts PMN count > 250/μL, which may prove useful in the diagnosis of SBP, especially with a readily available bedside testing device.展开更多
Fecal calprotectin(FC) has emerged as one of the most useful tools for clinical management of inflammatory bowel diseases(IBD). Many different methods of assessment have been developed and different cutoffs have been ...Fecal calprotectin(FC) has emerged as one of the most useful tools for clinical management of inflammatory bowel diseases(IBD). Many different methods of assessment have been developed and different cutoffs have been suggested for different clinical settings. We carried out a comprehensive literature review of the most relevant FC-related topics: the role of FC in discriminating between IBD and irritable bowel syndrome(IBS) and its use in managing IBD patients In patients with intestinal symptoms, due to the high negative predictive value a normal FC level reliably rules out active IBD. In IBD patients a correlation with both mucosal healing and histology was found, and there is increasing evidence that FC assessment can be helpful in monitoring disease activity and response to therapy as well as in predicting relapse, post-operative recurrence or pouchitis. Recently, its use in the context of a treat-to-target approach led to a better outcome than clinically-based therapy adjustment in patients with early Crohn's disease. In conclusion, FC measurement represents a cheap, safe and reliable test, easy to perform and with a good reproducibility. The main concerns are still related to the choice of the optimal cut-off, both for differentiating IBD from IBS, and for the management of IBD patients.展开更多
AIM: To evaluate the correlation between fecal calprotectin(f C), C-reactive protein(CRP), and endoscopic disease score in Asian inflammatory bowel disease(IBD) patients.METHODS: Stool samples were collected and asses...AIM: To evaluate the correlation between fecal calprotectin(f C), C-reactive protein(CRP), and endoscopic disease score in Asian inflammatory bowel disease(IBD) patients.METHODS: Stool samples were collected and assessed for calprotectin levels by Quantum Blue Calprotectin High Range Rapid test. Crohn's disease endoscopic index of severity(CDEIS) and ulcerative colitis endoscopic index of severity(UCEIS) were used for endoscopic lesion scoring. RESULTS: A total of 88 IBD patients [36 patients with Crohn's disease(CD) and 52 with ulcerative colitis(UC)] were enrolled. For CD patients, f C correlated with CDEIS(r = 0.465, P = 0.005) and CRP(r = 0.528, P = 0.001). f C levels in UC patients correlated with UCEIS(r = 0.696, P < 0.0001) and CRP(r = 0.529, P = 0.0005). Calprotectin could predict endoscopic remission(CDEIS < 6) with 50% sensitivity and 100% specificity(AUC: 0.74) in CD patients when using 918 μg/g as the cutoff. When using 191 μg/g as the cut-off in UC patients, calprotectin could be used for predicting endoscopic remission(UCEIS < 3) with 88% sensitivity and 75% specificity(AUC: 0.87). CONCLUSION: f C correlated with both CDEIS and UCEIS. f C could be used as a predictor of endoscopic remission for Asian IBD patients.展开更多
AIM： To investigate possibility and clinical application of fecal calprotectin in determining disease activity of ulcerative colitis （UC）. METHODS： The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA） was used to measu...AIM： To investigate possibility and clinical application of fecal calprotectin in determining disease activity of ulcerative colitis （UC）. METHODS： The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA） was used to measure the concentrations of calprotectin in feces obtained from 66 patients with UC and 20 controls. C-reactive protein （CRP）, erythrocyte sedimentation rate （ESR）, acid glycoprotein （AGP） were also measured and were compared with calprotectin in determining disease activity of UC. The disease activity of UC was also determined by the Sutherland criteria. RESULTS： The fecal calprotectin concentration in the patients with active UC was significantly higher than that in the inactive UC and in the controls （402.16 ± 48.0 μg/g vs 35.93 ± 3.39 μg/g, 11.5 ± 3.42 μg/g, P 〈 0.01）. The fecal calprotectin concentration in the inactive UC group was significantly higher than that in the control group （P 〈 0.05）. A significant difference was also found in the patients with active UC of mild, moderate and severe degrees. The area under the curve of the receiver operating characteristics （AUCR^c） was 0.975, 0.740, 0.692 and 0.737 for fecal calprotectin, CRP, ESR and AGP, respectively. There was a strong correlation between the fecal calprotectin concentration and the endoscopic gradings for UC （r = 0.866, P 〈 0.001）. CONCLUSION： Calprotectin in the patient＇s feces can reflect the disease activity of UC and can be used as a rational fecal marker for intestinal inflammation in clinical practice. This kind of marker is relatively precise, simple and noninvasive when compared with other commonlyused markers such as CRP, ESR and AGP.展开更多
BACKGROUND Asymptomatic children with Crohn's disease(CD) require ongoing monitoring to ensure early recognition of a disease exacerbation.AIM In a cohort of pediatric CD patients, we aimed to assess the utility o...BACKGROUND Asymptomatic children with Crohn's disease(CD) require ongoing monitoring to ensure early recognition of a disease exacerbation.AIM In a cohort of pediatric CD patients, we aimed to assess the utility of serial fecal calprotectin measurements to detect intestinal inflammatory activity and predict disease relapse.METHODS In this prospective longitudinal cohort study, children with CD on infliximab therapy in clinical remission were included. Fecal calprotectin levels were assessed at baseline and at subsequent 2-5 visits. Clinical and biochemical disease activity were assessed using the Pediatric Crohn's Disease Activity Index, Creactive protein and erythrocyte sedimentation rate at baseline and at visits over the following 18 mo.RESULTS 53 children were included and eighteen patients(34%) had a clinical disease relapse during the study. Baseline fecal calprotectin levels were higher in patients that developed symptomatic relapse [median(interquartile range), relapse 723μg/g(283-1758) vs 244 μg/g(61-627), P = 0.02]. Fecal calprotectin levels > 250μg/g demonstrated good predictive accuracy of a clinical flare within 3 mo(area under the receiver operator curve was 0.86, 95% confidence limits 0.781 to 0.937).CONCLUSION Routine fecal calprotectin testing in children with CD in clinical remission is useful to predict relapse. Levels > 250 μg/g are a good predictor of relapse in the following 3 mo. This information is important to guide monitoring standards used in this population.展开更多
AIM To determine appropriate fecal calprotectin cut-off values for the prediction of endoscopic and histologic remission in Japanese patients with ulcerative colitis(UC). METHODS We performed a cross-sectional observa...AIM To determine appropriate fecal calprotectin cut-off values for the prediction of endoscopic and histologic remission in Japanese patients with ulcerative colitis(UC). METHODS We performed a cross-sectional observational study of 131 Japanese patients with UC and measured fecal calprotectin levels by fluorescence enzyme immunoassay. The clinical activity of UC was assessed with the partial Mayo score(PMS). Relapse was defined as increase of PMS by 2 points or more in stool frequency or rectal bleeding subscore. The endoscopic and histologic activities of UC were evaluated in 50 patients within a 2-mo period from fecal sampling. Endoscopic activity was determined by Mayo endoscopic subscore, Rachmilewitz endoscopic index, and ulcerative colitis endoscopic index of severity. The histologic grade of inflammation was evaluated with biopsy specimens obtained from the endoscopically most severely inflamed site, according to the scheme by Matts grade and Riley's score.RESULTS Fecal calprotectin levels varied from 1-20783 μg/g. There was a significant correlation between the partial Mayo score and fecal calprotectin levels(r = 0.548, P < 0.001). In 50 patients who underwent colonoscopy with biopsy, levels were significantly correlated with the Mayo endoscopic subscore(r = 0.574, P < 0.001), Rachmilewitz endoscopic index(r = 0.628, P < 0.001), ulcerative colitis endoscopic index of severity(r = 0.613, P < 0.001), Riley's histologic score(r = 0.400, P = 0.006), and Matts grade(r = 0.586, P < 0.001). Receiver-operating characteristic analyses identified the best cut-off value for the prediction of endoscopic remission as 288 μg/g, with an area under the curve of 0.777 or 0.823, while that for histologic remission was 123 or 125 μg/g, with an AUC of 0.881 or 0918, respectively. Of the 131 study patients, 88 patients in clinical remission were followed up 6 mo. During the follow-up period, 19 patients relapsed. The best fecal calprotectin cut-off value for predicting relapse was 175 μg/g.CONCLUSION Fecal calprotectin is a predictive biomarker for endoscopic and histologic remission in Japanese patients with UC.展开更多
We would like to share with the readers the results of our experience in 50 celiac disease (CD) patients, enrolled between September 2012 and April 2013, who were referred to our third-level CD Unit. The fecal calprot...We would like to share with the readers the results of our experience in 50 celiac disease (CD) patients, enrolled between September 2012 and April 2013, who were referred to our third-level CD Unit. The fecal calprotectin (FC) concentration of 50 adults with newly diagnosed CD was compared to that of a control group of 50 healthy subjects. FC level was determined by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay with diagnostic cut-off of 75 μg/g. In addition, we tried to correlate the FC level with symptoms, histological severity of CD (Marsh grade) and level of tissue transglutaminase antibodies (aTg) in CD patients. Finally, FC level was increased in five CD patients and in four controls (10% vs 8%, P = NS); mean FC concentration of patients and controls were 57.7 (SD ± 29.1) and 45.1 (SD ± 38.4) respectively. Furthermore, no significant correlation was seen between FC levels and symptoms/Marsh grade/aTg. The five CD patients did not show inflammatory lesions (e.g., ulcers, erosions) at upper endoscopy. The four healthy controls with positive FC were followed-up for further six months; in this observational period they did not show clinical signs of any underlying disease. On these bases, we think that FC is not able to investigate the subclinical inflammatory changes of active CD and FC should be considered a useless tool in the diagnostic work-up of uncomplicated CD but it should be accompanied by aTg when ruling out organic disease in patients with irritable bowel syndrome.展开更多
AIM To evaluate the perspective of gastroenterologists regarding the impact of fecal calprotectin(FC) on the management of patients with inflammatory bowel disease(IBD).METHODS Patients with known IBD or symptoms sugg...AIM To evaluate the perspective of gastroenterologists regarding the impact of fecal calprotectin(FC) on the management of patients with inflammatory bowel disease(IBD).METHODS Patients with known IBD or symptoms suggestive of IBD for whom the physician identified that FC would be clinically useful were recruited. Physicians completed an online "pre survey" outlining their rationale for the test. After receipt of the test results, the physicians completed an online "post survey" to portray their perceived impact of the test result on patient management. Clinical outcomes for a subset of patients with follow-up data available beyond the completion of the "post survey" were collected and analyzed.RESULTS Of 373 test kits distributed, 290 were returned, resulting in 279 fully completed surveys. One hundred and ninety patients were known to have IBD; 147(77%) with Crohn's Disease, 43(21%) Ulcerative Colitis and 5(2%) IBD unclassified. Indications for FC testing included: 90(32.2%) to differentiate a new diagnosis of IBD from Irritable Bowel Syndrome(IBS), 85(30.5%) to distinguish symptoms of IBS from IBD in those known to have IBD and 104(37.2%) as an objective measure of inflammation. FC levels resulted in a change in management 51.3%(143/279) of the time which included a significant reduction in the number of colonoscopies(118) performed(P < 0.001). Overall, 97.5%(272/279) of the time, the physicians found the test sufficiently useful that they would order it again in similar situations. Follow-up data was available for 172 patients with further support for the clinical utility of FC provided.CONCLUSION The FC test effected a change in management 51.3% of the time and receipt of the result was associated with a reduction in the number of colonoscopies performed.展开更多
The role of fecal lactoferrin and calprotectin has been extensively studied in many areas of inflammatory bowel disease(IBD) patients' management. The postoperative setting in both Crohn's disease(CD) and ulce...The role of fecal lactoferrin and calprotectin has been extensively studied in many areas of inflammatory bowel disease(IBD) patients' management. The postoperative setting in both Crohn's disease(CD) and ulcerative colitis(UC) patients has been less investigated although few promising results come from small, crosssectional studies. Therefore, the current post-operative management still requires endoscopy 6-12 mo after intestinal resection for CD in order to exclude endoscopic recurrence and plan the therapeutic strategy. In patients who underwent restorative proctocolectomy, endoscopy is required whenever symptoms includes the possibility of pouchitis. There is emerging evidence that fecal calprotectin and lactoferrin are useful surrogate markers of inflammation in the post-operative setting, they correlate with the presence and severity of endoscopic recurrence according to Rutgeerts' score and possibly predict the subsequent clinical recurrence and response to therapy in CD patients. Similarly, fecal markers show a good correlation with the presence of pouchitis, as confirmed by endoscopy in operated UC patients. Fecal calprotectin seems to be able to predict the short-term development of pouchitis in asymptomatic patients and to vary according to response to medical treatment. The possibility of both fecal markers to used in the routine clinical practice for monitoring IBD patients in the postoperative setting should be confirmed in multicentric clinical trial with large sample set. An algorithm that can predict the optimal use and timing of fecal markers testing, the effective need and timing of endoscopy and the cost-effectiveness of these as a strategy of care would be of great interest.展开更多
AIM To evaluate the utility of fecal calprotectin(FC)in predicting relapse and endoscopic activity during follow-up in an inflammatory bowel disease(IBD)cohort.METHODS All FC measurements that were obtained during a 3...AIM To evaluate the utility of fecal calprotectin(FC)in predicting relapse and endoscopic activity during follow-up in an inflammatory bowel disease(IBD)cohort.METHODS All FC measurements that were obtained during a 3-year period from patients with inflammatory bowel disease in clinical remission were identified.Data regarding the short-term(6 mo)course of the disease were extracted from the medical files.Exclusion criteria were defined as:(1)An established flare of the disease at the time of FC measurement,(2)Loss to follow up within 6 mo from baseline FC measurement,and,(3)Insufficient data on file.Statistical analysis was performed to evaluate whether baseline FC measurement could predict the short term clinical relapse and/or the presence of mucosal healing.RESULTS We included 149[Crohn's disease(CD)=113,Ulcerative colitis(UC)=36,male=77]IBD patients in our study.Within the determined 6-month period post-FC measurement,47(31.5%)had a disease flare.Among 76 patients who underwent endoscopy,39(51.3%)had mucosal healing.Baseline FC concentrations were significantly higher in those who had clinical relapse compared to those who remained in remission during follow up(481.0μg/g,286.0-600.0 vs 89.0,36.0-180.8,P<0.001).The significant predictive value of baseline median with IQR FC for clinical relapse was confirmed by multivariate Cox analysis[HR for 100μg/g:1.75(95%CI:1.28-2.39),P=0.001].Furthermore,lower FC baseline values significantly correlated to the presence of mucosal healing in endoscopy(69.0μg/g,30.0-128.0 vs 481.0,278.0-600.0,in those with mucosal inflammation,median with IQR,P<0.001).We were able to extract cut-off values for FC concentration with a high sensitivity and specificity for predicting clinical relapse(261μg/g with AUC=0.901,sensitivity 87.2%,specificity 85.3%,P<0.001)or mucosal healing(174μg/g with AUC=0.956,sensitivity 91.9%,specificity 87.2%,P<0.001).FC was better than CRP in predicting either outcome;nevertheless,having a pathological CRP(>5 mg/L)in addition to the cutoffs for FC,significantly enhanced the specificity for predicting clinical relapse(95.1%from 85.3%)or endoscopic activity(100%from 87.2%).CONCLUSION Serial FC measurements may be useful in monitoring IBD patients in remission,as FC appears to be a reliable predictor of short-term relapse and endoscopic activity.展开更多
Inflammatory bowel disease(IBD) is a chronic and relapsing disorder which leads to an inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. A tailored therapy to achieve mucosal healing with the less adverse events has become a...Inflammatory bowel disease(IBD) is a chronic and relapsing disorder which leads to an inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. A tailored therapy to achieve mucosal healing with the less adverse events has become a key issue in the management of IBD. In the past, the clinical remission was the most important factor to consider for adapting diagnostic procedures and therapeutic strategies. However, there is no a good correlation between symptoms and intestinal lesions, so currently the goals of treatment are to achieve not only the control of symptoms, but deep remission, which is related with a favourable prognosis. Thus, the determination of biological markers or biomarkers of intestinal inflammation play a crucial role. Many biomarkers have been extensively evaluated in IBD showing significant correlation with endoscopic lesions, risk of recurrence and response to treatment. One of the most important markers is faecal calprotectin(FC). Despite calprotectin limitations, this biomarker represents a reliable and noninvasive alternative to reduce the need for endoscopic procedures. FC has demonstrated its performance for regular monitoring of IBD patients, not only to the diagnosis for discriminating IBD from non-IBD diagnosis, but for assessing disease activity, relapse prediction and response to therapy. Although, FC provides better results than other biomarkers such as C-reactive protein and erythrocyte sedimentation rate, these surrogate markers of intestinal inflammation should not be used isolation but in combination with other clinical, endoscopic, radiological or/and histological parameters enabling a comprehensive assessment of IBD patients.展开更多
BACKGROUND Colorectal anastomotic leakage(CAL)is one of the most dreaded complications after colorectal surgery,with an incidence that can be as high as 27%.This event is associated with increased morbidity and mortal...BACKGROUND Colorectal anastomotic leakage(CAL)is one of the most dreaded complications after colorectal surgery,with an incidence that can be as high as 27%.This event is associated with increased morbidity and mortality;therefore,its early diagnosis is crucial to reduce clinical consequences and costs.Some biomarkers have been suggested as laboratory tools for the diagnosis of CAL.AIM To assess the usefulness of plasma C-reactive protein(CRP)and calprotectin(CLP)as early predictors of CAL.METHODS A prospective monocentric observational study was conducted including patients who underwent colorectal resection with anastomosis,from March 2017 to August 2019.Patients were divided into three groups:G1–no complications;G2–complications not related to CAL;and G3–CAL.Five biomarkers were measured and analyzed in the first 5 postoperative days(PODs),namely white blood cell(WBC)count,eosinophil cell count(ECC),CRP,CLP,and procalcitonin(PCT).Clinical criteria,such as abdominal pain and clinical condition,were also assessed.The correlation between biomarkers and CAL was evaluated.Receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve analysis was used to compare the accuracy of these biomarkers as predictors of CAL,and the area under the ROC curve(AUROC),specificity,sensitivity,positive predictive value,and negative predictive value(NPV)during this period were estimated.RESULTS In total,25 of 396 patients developed CAL(6.3%),and the mean time for this diagnosis was 9.0±6.8 d.Some operative characteristics,such as surgical approach,blood loss,intraoperative complications,and duration of the procedure,were notably related to the development of CAL.The length of hospital stay was markedly higher in the group that developed CAL compared with the group with complications other than CAL and the group with no complications(median of 21 d vs 13 d and 7 d respectively;P<0.001).For abdominal pain,the best predictive performance was on POD4 and POD5,with the largest AUROC of 0.84 on POD4.Worsening of the clinical condition was associated with the diagnosis of CAL,presenting a higher predictive effect on POD5,with an AUROC of 0.9.WBC and ECC showed better predictive effects on POD5(AUROC=0.62 and 0.7,respectively).Those markers also presented a high NPV(94%-98%).PCT had the best predictive effect on POD5(AUROC=0.61),although it presented low accuracy.However,this biomarker revealed a high NPV on POD3,POD4,and POD5(96%,95%,and 96%,respectively).The mean CRP value on POD5 was significantly higher in the group that developed CAL compared with the group without complications(195.5±139.9 mg/L vs 59.5±43.4 mg/L;P<0.00001).On POD5,CRP had a NPV of 98%.The mean CLP value on POD3 was significantly higher in G3 compared with G1(5.26±3.58μg/mL vs 11.52±6.81μg/mL;P<0.00005).On POD3,the combination of CLP and CRP values showed a high diagnostic accuracy(AUROC=0.82),providing a 5.2 d reduction in the time to CAL diagnosis.CONCLUSION CRP and CLP are moderate predictors of CAL.However,the combination of these biomarkers presents an increased diagnostic accuracy,potentially decreasing the time to CAL diagnosis.展开更多
AIM To assess the correlation between the send-out enzymelinked immuno sorbent assay(ELISA) and the point-ofcare(POC) calprotectin test in pediatric inflammatory bowel disease(IBD) patients.METHODS We prospectively co...AIM To assess the correlation between the send-out enzymelinked immuno sorbent assay(ELISA) and the point-ofcare(POC) calprotectin test in pediatric inflammatory bowel disease(IBD) patients.METHODS We prospectively collected stool samples in pediatric IBD patients for concomitant send-out ELISA analysis and POC calprotectin testing using the Quantum Blue?(QB) Extended immunoassay. Continuous results between 17 to 1000 μg/g were considered for comparison. Agreement between the two tests was measured by a Bland-Altman plot and statistical significance was determined using Pitman's test.RESULTS Forty-nine stool samples were collected from 31 pediatric IBD patients. The overall means for the rapid and ELISA tests were 580.5 and 522.87 μg/g respectively. Among the 49 samples, 18(37.5%) had POC calprotectin levelsof ≤ 250 μg/g and 31(62.5%) had levels > 250 μg/g.Calprotectin levels ≤ 250 μg/g show good correlation between the two assays. Less correlation was observed at quantitatively higher calprotectin levels. CONCLUSION In pediatric IBD patients, there is better correlation of between ELISA and POC calprotectin measurements at clinically meaningful, low-range levels. Future adoption of POC calprotectin testing in the United States may have utility for guiding clinical decision making in real time.展开更多
AIM:To evaluate fecal calprotectin concentrations(FCCs) in subjects with chronic gastritis and the correlation between FCCs and gastritis activity score.METHODS:FCCs were measured in 61 patients with histological diag...AIM:To evaluate fecal calprotectin concentrations(FCCs) in subjects with chronic gastritis and the correlation between FCCs and gastritis activity score.METHODS:FCCs were measured in 61 patients with histological diagnosis of gastritis and in 74 healthy volunteers.Histological grading of gastritis was performed according to the updated Sydney gastritis classification.Patients were subdivided into 2 groups according to the presence/absence of an active gastritis.Patients with chronic active gastritis were divided into 3 subgroups on the basis of the activity score(mild,moderate,marked).FFCs in relation to Helicobacter pylori(H.pylori) infection and proton pump inhibitor(PPI) use were also evaluated.RESULTS:FCCs in patients with chronic active gastritis were not significantly different to FCCs either in subjects with non active gastritis or in healthy controls.Among patients with chronic active gastritis(even marked),FCCs did not significantly differ according to activity score.No significant differences in FCCs were found when considering H.pylori,as well as when considering PPI chronic use.CONCLUSION:FCCs were not significantly increased in subjects with chronic gastritis,even in those patients with a marked neutrophil infiltration.展开更多
BACKGROUND Although the usefulness of endoscopic scores,such as the Mayo Endoscopic Subscore(MES),Ulcerative Colitis Endoscopic Index of Severity(UCEIS),and Ulcerative Colitis Colonoscopic Index of Severity(UCCIS),and...BACKGROUND Although the usefulness of endoscopic scores,such as the Mayo Endoscopic Subscore(MES),Ulcerative Colitis Endoscopic Index of Severity(UCEIS),and Ulcerative Colitis Colonoscopic Index of Severity(UCCIS),and biomarkers such as fecal calprotectin(FC)for predicting relapse in ulcerative colitis(UC)has been reported,few studies have included endoscopic scores for evaluating the entire colon.AIM To compare the usefulness of FC value and MES,UCEIS,and UCCIS for predicting relapse in patients with UC in clinical remission.METHODS In total,75 patients with UC in clinical and endoscopic remission who visited our institution between February 2019 and March 2022 were enrolled.The diagnosis of UC was confirmed based on the clinical presentation,endoscopic findings,and histology,according to the current established criteria for UC.Fecal samples were collected the day before or after the colonoscopy for measurement of FC.Endoscopic evaluations were performed using MES,UCEIS,and UCCIS.The primary outcome measure of this study was the assessment of the association between relapse within 12 mo and MES,UCEIS,UCCIS,and FC.The secondary outcome was the comparison between endoscopic scores and biomarkers in en-rolled patients with UC with mucosal healing.RESULTSFC and UCCIS showed a significant correlation with UCEIS (r = 0.537, P < 0.001 and r = 0.957, P < 0.001, respectively).Receiver-operating characteristic analysis for predicting MES 0 showed that the area under the curve ofUCCIS was significantly higher than that of FC (P < 0.01). During the 1-year observation period, 18 (24%) patientsexperienced a relapse, and both the FC and UCCIS of the relapse group were significantly higher than that of theremission group. The cut-off values for predicting relapse were set at FC = 323 mg/kg and UCCIS = 10.2. The areaunder the curve of the receiver-operating characteristic analysis for predicting relapse did not show a significantdifference between FC and UCCIS. The accuracy of the endoscopic scores and biomarkers in predicting relapse was86.7% for UCCIS, 85.3% for UCEIS, 76.0% for FC, and 73.3% for MES.CONCLUSIONThe three endoscopic scores and FC may predict UC relapse during clinical remission. Among these scores, UCEISmay be the most useful in terms of ease of evaluation and accuracy.展开更多
BACKGROUND One third of coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)patients have gastrointestinal symptoms.Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2(SARS-CoV-2)RNA has been detected in stool samples of approximately 50%o...BACKGROUND One third of coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)patients have gastrointestinal symptoms.Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2(SARS-CoV-2)RNA has been detected in stool samples of approximately 50%of COVID-19 individuals.Fecal calprotectin is a marker of gastrointestinal inflammation in the general population.AIM To investigate if fecal calprotectin correlates with SARS-CoV-2 intestinal shedding in COVID-19 patients with pneumonia.METHODS Patients with SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia admitted to the Infectious Disease Unit(University Hospital of Trieste,Italy)from September to November 2020 were consecutively enrolled in the study.Fecal samples were collected and analyzed for quantification of fecal calprotectin(normal value<50 mg/kg)and SARS-CoV-2 RNA presence by polymerase chain reaction(PCR).Inter-group differences were determined between patients with and without diarrhea and patients with and without detection of fecal SARS-CoV-2.RESULTS We enrolled 51 adults(40 males)with SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia.Ten patients(20%)presented with diarrhea.Real-time-PCR of SARS-CoV-2 in stools was positive in 39 patients(76%),in all patients with diarrhea(100%)and in more than two thirds(29/41,71%)of patients without diarrhea.Obesity was one of the most common comorbidities(13 patients,25%);all obese patients(100%)(P=0.021)tested positive for fecal SARS-CoV-2.Median fecal calprotectin levels were 60 mg/kg[interquartile range(IQR)21;108];higher fecal calprotectin levels were found in the group with SARS-CoV-2 in stools(74 mg/kg,IQR 29;132.5)compared to the group without SARS-CoV-2(39 mg/kg,IQR 14;71)(P<0.001).CONCLUSION High fecal calprotectin levels among COVID-19 patients correlate with SARSCoV-2 detection in stools supporting the hypothesis that this virus can lead to bowel inflammation and potentially to the‘leaky gut’syndrome.展开更多
The inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, are chronic relapsing, remitting disorders. Diagnosis, along with assessment of disease activity and prognosis present challenges to m...The inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, are chronic relapsing, remitting disorders. Diagnosis, along with assessment of disease activity and prognosis present challenges to managing clinicians. Faecal biomarkers, such as faecal calprotectin, are a non-invasive method which can be used to aid these decisions. Calprotectin is a calcium and zinc binding protein found in the cytosol of human neutrophils and macrophages. It is released extracellularly in times of cell stress or damage and can be detected within faeces and thus can be used as a sensitive marker of intestinal inflammation. Faecal calprotectin has been shown to be useful in the diagnosis of IBD, correlates with mucosal disease activity and can help to predict response to treatment or relapse. With growing evidence supporting its use, over the last decade this faecal biomarker has significantly changed the way IBD is managed.展开更多
文摘Managing inflammatory bowel disease(IBD)is becoming increasingly complex and personalized,considering the advent of new advanced therapies with distinct mechanisms of action.Achieving mucosal healing(MH)is a pivotal therapeutic goal in IBD management and can prevent IBD progression and reduce flares,hospitalization,surgery,intestinal damage,and colorectal cancer.Employing proactive disease and therapy assessment is essential to achieve better control of intestinal inflammation,even if subclinical,to alter the natural course of IBD.Periodic monitoring of fecal calprotectin(FC)levels and interval endoscopic evaluations are cornerstones for evaluating response/remission to advanced therapies targeting IBD,assessing MH,and detecting subclinical recurrence.Here,we comment on the article by Ishida et al Moreover,this editorial aimed to review the role of FC and endoscopic scores in predicting MH in patients with IBD.Furthermore,we intend to present some evidence on the role of these markers in future targets,such as histological and transmural healing.Additional prospective multicenter studies with a stricter MH criterion,standardized endoscopic and histopathological analyses,and virtual chromoscopy,potentially including artificial intelligence and other biomarkers,are desired.
文摘BACKGROUND Fecal calprotectin is a valuable biomarker for assessing intestinal inflammation in pediatric gastrointestinal diseases.However,its role,pros,and cons in various conditions must be comprehensively elucidated.AIM To explore the role of fecal calprotectin in pediatric gastrointestinal diseases,including its advantages and limitations.METHODS A comprehensive search was conducted on PubMed,PubMed Central,Google Scholar,and other scientific research engines until February 24,2024.The review included 88 research articles,56 review articles,six metaanalyses,two systematic reviews,two consensus papers,and two letters to the editors.RESULTS Fecal calprotectin is a non-invasive marker for detecting intestinal inflammation and monitoring disease activity in pediatric conditions such as functional gastrointestinal disorders,inflammatory bowel disease,coeliac disease,coronavirus disease 2019-induced gastrointestinal disorders,gastroenteritis,and cystic fibrosis-associated intestinal pathology.However,its lack of specificity and susceptibility to various confounding factors pose challenges in interpretation.Despite these limitations,fecal calprotectin offers significant advantages in diagnosing,monitoring,and managing pediatric gastrointestinal diseases.CONCLUSION Fecal calprotectin holds promise as a valuable tool in pediatric gastroenterology,offering insights into disease activity,treatment response,and prognosis.Standardized protocols and guidelines are needed to optimize its clinical utility and mitigate interpretation challenges.Further research is warranted to address the identified limitations and enhance our understanding of fecal calprotectin in pediatric gastrointestinal diseases.
基金Supported by Unrestricted Research Grants (to Burri E) by the Freiwillige Akademische Gesellschaft (Basel, Switzerland) and the Gottfried und Julia Bangerter-Rhyner-Stiftung (Bern,Switzerland)Bühlmann Laboratories AG (Sch nenbuch, Switzerlanfd) provided the assays to measure ascitic calprotectin
文摘AIM: To evaluate the diagnostic capability of calprotectin in ascitic fluid for detecting a polymorphonuclear (PMN) cell count > 250/μL ascites. METHODS: In this prospective observational study, a total of 130 ascites samples were analysed from 71 consecutive patients referred for paracentesis. Total and differential leukocyte cell counts were determined manually with a Neubauer chamber and gentianviolet stain. Calprotectin was measured in 1 mL ascetic fluid by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and a point-of-care (POC) lateral flow assay with the Quantum Blue Reader (Bühlmann Laboratories). All measurements were carried out in a central laboratory by senior personnel blinded to patient history. A PMN count > 250/μL was the primary endpoint of the study. The diagnostic value of ascitic calprotectin measurement was assessed by comparing to the final diagnosis of each patient that had been adjudicated by investigators blinded to calprotectin values. RESULTS: The PMN count was > 250/μL in 19 samples (14.6%) from 15 patients (21.1%) and varied widely among the study population (range 10-19 800/mL and 1-17 820/mL, respectively). Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) was the final diagnosis in four patients (5.6%). All patients with PMN ≤ 250/μL had negative bacterial culture. PMN count was elevated in five patients with peritoneal carcinomatosis, three with lymphoma, one with neuroendocrine carcinoma, and two with secondary peritonitis due to abdominal perforation. PMN cell counts correlated with ascitic calprotectin values (Spearman's rho; r = 0.457 for ELISA, r = 0.473 for POC). A considerable range of ascitic calprotectin concentrations was detected by ELISA [median 0.43 μg/mL, interquartile range (IQR) 0.23-1.23 (range 0.10-14.93)] and POC [median 0.38 μg/mL, IQR 0.38-0.56 (range 0.38-13.31)]. Ascitic calprotectin levels were higher in samples with PMN > 250/μL, by both ELISA [median (IQR) 2.48 μg/mL (1.61-3.65) vs 0.10 μg/mL (0.10-0.36), P < 0.001] and POC [2.78 μg/mL (2.05-5.37) vs 0.38 μg/mL (0.38-0.41), P < 0.001]. The area under the receiver operating characteristics curve for identifying an elevated PMN count was 0.977 (95%CI: 0.933 to 0.995) for ELISA and 0.982 (95%CI: 0.942 to 0.997) for POC (P = 0.246 vs ELISA). Using the optimal cut-off value for ELISA (0.63 μg/mL), ascitic calprotectin had 94.8% sensitivity, 89.2% specificity, positive and negative likelihood ratios of 8.76 and 0.06 respectively, positive and negative predictive values of 60.0% and 99.0% respectively, and 90.0% overall accuracy. Using the optimal cut-off value for POC (0.51 μg/mL), the respective values were 100.0%, 84.7%, 6.53, 0.00, 52.8%, 100% and 87.7%. Correlation between ELISA and POC was excellent (r = 0.873, P < 0.001). The mean ± SD of the difference was -0.11 ± 0.48 μg/mL with limits of agreement of + 0.8 μg/mL (95%CI: 0.69 to 0.98) and -1.1 μg/mL (95%CI: -1.19 to -0.91). CONCLUSION: Ascitic calprotectin reliably predicts PMN count > 250/μL, which may prove useful in the diagnosis of SBP, especially with a readily available bedside testing device.
文摘Fecal calprotectin(FC) has emerged as one of the most useful tools for clinical management of inflammatory bowel diseases(IBD). Many different methods of assessment have been developed and different cutoffs have been suggested for different clinical settings. We carried out a comprehensive literature review of the most relevant FC-related topics: the role of FC in discriminating between IBD and irritable bowel syndrome(IBS) and its use in managing IBD patients In patients with intestinal symptoms, due to the high negative predictive value a normal FC level reliably rules out active IBD. In IBD patients a correlation with both mucosal healing and histology was found, and there is increasing evidence that FC assessment can be helpful in monitoring disease activity and response to therapy as well as in predicting relapse, post-operative recurrence or pouchitis. Recently, its use in the context of a treat-to-target approach led to a better outcome than clinically-based therapy adjustment in patients with early Crohn's disease. In conclusion, FC measurement represents a cheap, safe and reliable test, easy to perform and with a good reproducibility. The main concerns are still related to the choice of the optimal cut-off, both for differentiating IBD from IBS, and for the management of IBD patients.
基金Supported by Unrestricted research grants to Dr.Lehmann FS by the Freiwillige Akademische Gesellschaft(Basel,Switzer-land)the Pfizer AG,Viollier Laboratories AG,Switzerland performed the fecal calprotectin assays
文摘AIM: To determine calprotectin release before and after colorectal cancer operation and compare it to tumor and histopathological parameters.
基金Supported by Liver Disease Prevention and Treatment Research Foundation,Taiwanas well as the National Research Program for Biopharmaceuticals at the Ministry of Science and Technology of TaiwanMOST 103-2325-B-002-033
文摘AIM: To evaluate the correlation between fecal calprotectin(f C), C-reactive protein(CRP), and endoscopic disease score in Asian inflammatory bowel disease(IBD) patients.METHODS: Stool samples were collected and assessed for calprotectin levels by Quantum Blue Calprotectin High Range Rapid test. Crohn's disease endoscopic index of severity(CDEIS) and ulcerative colitis endoscopic index of severity(UCEIS) were used for endoscopic lesion scoring. RESULTS: A total of 88 IBD patients [36 patients with Crohn's disease(CD) and 52 with ulcerative colitis(UC)] were enrolled. For CD patients, f C correlated with CDEIS(r = 0.465, P = 0.005) and CRP(r = 0.528, P = 0.001). f C levels in UC patients correlated with UCEIS(r = 0.696, P < 0.0001) and CRP(r = 0.529, P = 0.0005). Calprotectin could predict endoscopic remission(CDEIS < 6) with 50% sensitivity and 100% specificity(AUC: 0.74) in CD patients when using 918 μg/g as the cutoff. When using 191 μg/g as the cut-off in UC patients, calprotectin could be used for predicting endoscopic remission(UCEIS < 3) with 88% sensitivity and 75% specificity(AUC: 0.87). CONCLUSION: f C correlated with both CDEIS and UCEIS. f C could be used as a predictor of endoscopic remission for Asian IBD patients.
文摘AIM： To investigate possibility and clinical application of fecal calprotectin in determining disease activity of ulcerative colitis （UC）. METHODS： The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA） was used to measure the concentrations of calprotectin in feces obtained from 66 patients with UC and 20 controls. C-reactive protein （CRP）, erythrocyte sedimentation rate （ESR）, acid glycoprotein （AGP） were also measured and were compared with calprotectin in determining disease activity of UC. The disease activity of UC was also determined by the Sutherland criteria. RESULTS： The fecal calprotectin concentration in the patients with active UC was significantly higher than that in the inactive UC and in the controls （402.16 ± 48.0 μg/g vs 35.93 ± 3.39 μg/g, 11.5 ± 3.42 μg/g, P 〈 0.01）. The fecal calprotectin concentration in the inactive UC group was significantly higher than that in the control group （P 〈 0.05）. A significant difference was also found in the patients with active UC of mild, moderate and severe degrees. The area under the curve of the receiver operating characteristics （AUCR^c） was 0.975, 0.740, 0.692 and 0.737 for fecal calprotectin, CRP, ESR and AGP, respectively. There was a strong correlation between the fecal calprotectin concentration and the endoscopic gradings for UC （r = 0.866, P 〈 0.001）. CONCLUSION： Calprotectin in the patient＇s feces can reflect the disease activity of UC and can be used as a rational fecal marker for intestinal inflammation in clinical practice. This kind of marker is relatively precise, simple and noninvasive when compared with other commonlyused markers such as CRP, ESR and AGP.
基金an unrestricted grant from the Lutsky FoundationAbbvie pharmaceuticals provided initial funding to purchase the Buhlmann ELISA kits
文摘BACKGROUND Asymptomatic children with Crohn's disease(CD) require ongoing monitoring to ensure early recognition of a disease exacerbation.AIM In a cohort of pediatric CD patients, we aimed to assess the utility of serial fecal calprotectin measurements to detect intestinal inflammatory activity and predict disease relapse.METHODS In this prospective longitudinal cohort study, children with CD on infliximab therapy in clinical remission were included. Fecal calprotectin levels were assessed at baseline and at subsequent 2-5 visits. Clinical and biochemical disease activity were assessed using the Pediatric Crohn's Disease Activity Index, Creactive protein and erythrocyte sedimentation rate at baseline and at visits over the following 18 mo.RESULTS 53 children were included and eighteen patients(34%) had a clinical disease relapse during the study. Baseline fecal calprotectin levels were higher in patients that developed symptomatic relapse [median(interquartile range), relapse 723μg/g(283-1758) vs 244 μg/g(61-627), P = 0.02]. Fecal calprotectin levels > 250μg/g demonstrated good predictive accuracy of a clinical flare within 3 mo(area under the receiver operator curve was 0.86, 95% confidence limits 0.781 to 0.937).CONCLUSION Routine fecal calprotectin testing in children with CD in clinical remission is useful to predict relapse. Levels > 250 μg/g are a good predictor of relapse in the following 3 mo. This information is important to guide monitoring standards used in this population.
文摘AIM To determine appropriate fecal calprotectin cut-off values for the prediction of endoscopic and histologic remission in Japanese patients with ulcerative colitis(UC). METHODS We performed a cross-sectional observational study of 131 Japanese patients with UC and measured fecal calprotectin levels by fluorescence enzyme immunoassay. The clinical activity of UC was assessed with the partial Mayo score(PMS). Relapse was defined as increase of PMS by 2 points or more in stool frequency or rectal bleeding subscore. The endoscopic and histologic activities of UC were evaluated in 50 patients within a 2-mo period from fecal sampling. Endoscopic activity was determined by Mayo endoscopic subscore, Rachmilewitz endoscopic index, and ulcerative colitis endoscopic index of severity. The histologic grade of inflammation was evaluated with biopsy specimens obtained from the endoscopically most severely inflamed site, according to the scheme by Matts grade and Riley's score.RESULTS Fecal calprotectin levels varied from 1-20783 μg/g. There was a significant correlation between the partial Mayo score and fecal calprotectin levels(r = 0.548, P < 0.001). In 50 patients who underwent colonoscopy with biopsy, levels were significantly correlated with the Mayo endoscopic subscore(r = 0.574, P < 0.001), Rachmilewitz endoscopic index(r = 0.628, P < 0.001), ulcerative colitis endoscopic index of severity(r = 0.613, P < 0.001), Riley's histologic score(r = 0.400, P = 0.006), and Matts grade(r = 0.586, P < 0.001). Receiver-operating characteristic analyses identified the best cut-off value for the prediction of endoscopic remission as 288 μg/g, with an area under the curve of 0.777 or 0.823, while that for histologic remission was 123 or 125 μg/g, with an AUC of 0.881 or 0918, respectively. Of the 131 study patients, 88 patients in clinical remission were followed up 6 mo. During the follow-up period, 19 patients relapsed. The best fecal calprotectin cut-off value for predicting relapse was 175 μg/g.CONCLUSION Fecal calprotectin is a predictive biomarker for endoscopic and histologic remission in Japanese patients with UC.
文摘We would like to share with the readers the results of our experience in 50 celiac disease (CD) patients, enrolled between September 2012 and April 2013, who were referred to our third-level CD Unit. The fecal calprotectin (FC) concentration of 50 adults with newly diagnosed CD was compared to that of a control group of 50 healthy subjects. FC level was determined by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay with diagnostic cut-off of 75 μg/g. In addition, we tried to correlate the FC level with symptoms, histological severity of CD (Marsh grade) and level of tissue transglutaminase antibodies (aTg) in CD patients. Finally, FC level was increased in five CD patients and in four controls (10% vs 8%, P = NS); mean FC concentration of patients and controls were 57.7 (SD ± 29.1) and 45.1 (SD ± 38.4) respectively. Furthermore, no significant correlation was seen between FC levels and symptoms/Marsh grade/aTg. The five CD patients did not show inflammatory lesions (e.g., ulcers, erosions) at upper endoscopy. The four healthy controls with positive FC were followed-up for further six months; in this observational period they did not show clinical signs of any underlying disease. On these bases, we think that FC is not able to investigate the subclinical inflammatory changes of active CD and FC should be considered a useless tool in the diagnostic work-up of uncomplicated CD but it should be accompanied by aTg when ruling out organic disease in patients with irritable bowel syndrome.
文摘AIM To evaluate the perspective of gastroenterologists regarding the impact of fecal calprotectin(FC) on the management of patients with inflammatory bowel disease(IBD).METHODS Patients with known IBD or symptoms suggestive of IBD for whom the physician identified that FC would be clinically useful were recruited. Physicians completed an online "pre survey" outlining their rationale for the test. After receipt of the test results, the physicians completed an online "post survey" to portray their perceived impact of the test result on patient management. Clinical outcomes for a subset of patients with follow-up data available beyond the completion of the "post survey" were collected and analyzed.RESULTS Of 373 test kits distributed, 290 were returned, resulting in 279 fully completed surveys. One hundred and ninety patients were known to have IBD; 147(77%) with Crohn's Disease, 43(21%) Ulcerative Colitis and 5(2%) IBD unclassified. Indications for FC testing included: 90(32.2%) to differentiate a new diagnosis of IBD from Irritable Bowel Syndrome(IBS), 85(30.5%) to distinguish symptoms of IBS from IBD in those known to have IBD and 104(37.2%) as an objective measure of inflammation. FC levels resulted in a change in management 51.3%(143/279) of the time which included a significant reduction in the number of colonoscopies(118) performed(P < 0.001). Overall, 97.5%(272/279) of the time, the physicians found the test sufficiently useful that they would order it again in similar situations. Follow-up data was available for 172 patients with further support for the clinical utility of FC provided.CONCLUSION The FC test effected a change in management 51.3% of the time and receipt of the result was associated with a reduction in the number of colonoscopies performed.
文摘The role of fecal lactoferrin and calprotectin has been extensively studied in many areas of inflammatory bowel disease(IBD) patients' management. The postoperative setting in both Crohn's disease(CD) and ulcerative colitis(UC) patients has been less investigated although few promising results come from small, crosssectional studies. Therefore, the current post-operative management still requires endoscopy 6-12 mo after intestinal resection for CD in order to exclude endoscopic recurrence and plan the therapeutic strategy. In patients who underwent restorative proctocolectomy, endoscopy is required whenever symptoms includes the possibility of pouchitis. There is emerging evidence that fecal calprotectin and lactoferrin are useful surrogate markers of inflammation in the post-operative setting, they correlate with the presence and severity of endoscopic recurrence according to Rutgeerts' score and possibly predict the subsequent clinical recurrence and response to therapy in CD patients. Similarly, fecal markers show a good correlation with the presence of pouchitis, as confirmed by endoscopy in operated UC patients. Fecal calprotectin seems to be able to predict the short-term development of pouchitis in asymptomatic patients and to vary according to response to medical treatment. The possibility of both fecal markers to used in the routine clinical practice for monitoring IBD patients in the postoperative setting should be confirmed in multicentric clinical trial with large sample set. An algorithm that can predict the optimal use and timing of fecal markers testing, the effective need and timing of endoscopy and the cost-effectiveness of these as a strategy of care would be of great interest.
文摘AIM To evaluate the utility of fecal calprotectin(FC)in predicting relapse and endoscopic activity during follow-up in an inflammatory bowel disease(IBD)cohort.METHODS All FC measurements that were obtained during a 3-year period from patients with inflammatory bowel disease in clinical remission were identified.Data regarding the short-term(6 mo)course of the disease were extracted from the medical files.Exclusion criteria were defined as:(1)An established flare of the disease at the time of FC measurement,(2)Loss to follow up within 6 mo from baseline FC measurement,and,(3)Insufficient data on file.Statistical analysis was performed to evaluate whether baseline FC measurement could predict the short term clinical relapse and/or the presence of mucosal healing.RESULTS We included 149[Crohn's disease(CD)=113,Ulcerative colitis(UC)=36,male=77]IBD patients in our study.Within the determined 6-month period post-FC measurement,47(31.5%)had a disease flare.Among 76 patients who underwent endoscopy,39(51.3%)had mucosal healing.Baseline FC concentrations were significantly higher in those who had clinical relapse compared to those who remained in remission during follow up(481.0μg/g,286.0-600.0 vs 89.0,36.0-180.8,P<0.001).The significant predictive value of baseline median with IQR FC for clinical relapse was confirmed by multivariate Cox analysis[HR for 100μg/g:1.75(95%CI:1.28-2.39),P=0.001].Furthermore,lower FC baseline values significantly correlated to the presence of mucosal healing in endoscopy(69.0μg/g,30.0-128.0 vs 481.0,278.0-600.0,in those with mucosal inflammation,median with IQR,P<0.001).We were able to extract cut-off values for FC concentration with a high sensitivity and specificity for predicting clinical relapse(261μg/g with AUC=0.901,sensitivity 87.2%,specificity 85.3%,P<0.001)or mucosal healing(174μg/g with AUC=0.956,sensitivity 91.9%,specificity 87.2%,P<0.001).FC was better than CRP in predicting either outcome;nevertheless,having a pathological CRP(>5 mg/L)in addition to the cutoffs for FC,significantly enhanced the specificity for predicting clinical relapse(95.1%from 85.3%)or endoscopic activity(100%from 87.2%).CONCLUSION Serial FC measurements may be useful in monitoring IBD patients in remission,as FC appears to be a reliable predictor of short-term relapse and endoscopic activity.
文摘Inflammatory bowel disease(IBD) is a chronic and relapsing disorder which leads to an inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. A tailored therapy to achieve mucosal healing with the less adverse events has become a key issue in the management of IBD. In the past, the clinical remission was the most important factor to consider for adapting diagnostic procedures and therapeutic strategies. However, there is no a good correlation between symptoms and intestinal lesions, so currently the goals of treatment are to achieve not only the control of symptoms, but deep remission, which is related with a favourable prognosis. Thus, the determination of biological markers or biomarkers of intestinal inflammation play a crucial role. Many biomarkers have been extensively evaluated in IBD showing significant correlation with endoscopic lesions, risk of recurrence and response to treatment. One of the most important markers is faecal calprotectin(FC). Despite calprotectin limitations, this biomarker represents a reliable and noninvasive alternative to reduce the need for endoscopic procedures. FC has demonstrated its performance for regular monitoring of IBD patients, not only to the diagnosis for discriminating IBD from non-IBD diagnosis, but for assessing disease activity, relapse prediction and response to therapy. Although, FC provides better results than other biomarkers such as C-reactive protein and erythrocyte sedimentation rate, these surrogate markers of intestinal inflammation should not be used isolation but in combination with other clinical, endoscopic, radiological or/and histological parameters enabling a comprehensive assessment of IBD patients.
基金Supported by the Ministry of Health–Incentive Program for the Integration of Care and Valuation of Patients’ Pathways in the National Health Service of Portugal
文摘BACKGROUND Colorectal anastomotic leakage(CAL)is one of the most dreaded complications after colorectal surgery,with an incidence that can be as high as 27%.This event is associated with increased morbidity and mortality;therefore,its early diagnosis is crucial to reduce clinical consequences and costs.Some biomarkers have been suggested as laboratory tools for the diagnosis of CAL.AIM To assess the usefulness of plasma C-reactive protein(CRP)and calprotectin(CLP)as early predictors of CAL.METHODS A prospective monocentric observational study was conducted including patients who underwent colorectal resection with anastomosis,from March 2017 to August 2019.Patients were divided into three groups:G1–no complications;G2–complications not related to CAL;and G3–CAL.Five biomarkers were measured and analyzed in the first 5 postoperative days(PODs),namely white blood cell(WBC)count,eosinophil cell count(ECC),CRP,CLP,and procalcitonin(PCT).Clinical criteria,such as abdominal pain and clinical condition,were also assessed.The correlation between biomarkers and CAL was evaluated.Receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve analysis was used to compare the accuracy of these biomarkers as predictors of CAL,and the area under the ROC curve(AUROC),specificity,sensitivity,positive predictive value,and negative predictive value(NPV)during this period were estimated.RESULTS In total,25 of 396 patients developed CAL(6.3%),and the mean time for this diagnosis was 9.0±6.8 d.Some operative characteristics,such as surgical approach,blood loss,intraoperative complications,and duration of the procedure,were notably related to the development of CAL.The length of hospital stay was markedly higher in the group that developed CAL compared with the group with complications other than CAL and the group with no complications(median of 21 d vs 13 d and 7 d respectively;P<0.001).For abdominal pain,the best predictive performance was on POD4 and POD5,with the largest AUROC of 0.84 on POD4.Worsening of the clinical condition was associated with the diagnosis of CAL,presenting a higher predictive effect on POD5,with an AUROC of 0.9.WBC and ECC showed better predictive effects on POD5(AUROC=0.62 and 0.7,respectively).Those markers also presented a high NPV(94%-98%).PCT had the best predictive effect on POD5(AUROC=0.61),although it presented low accuracy.However,this biomarker revealed a high NPV on POD3,POD4,and POD5(96%,95%,and 96%,respectively).The mean CRP value on POD5 was significantly higher in the group that developed CAL compared with the group without complications(195.5±139.9 mg/L vs 59.5±43.4 mg/L;P<0.00001).On POD5,CRP had a NPV of 98%.The mean CLP value on POD3 was significantly higher in G3 compared with G1(5.26±3.58μg/mL vs 11.52±6.81μg/mL;P<0.00005).On POD3,the combination of CLP and CRP values showed a high diagnostic accuracy(AUROC=0.82),providing a 5.2 d reduction in the time to CAL diagnosis.CONCLUSION CRP and CLP are moderate predictors of CAL.However,the combination of these biomarkers presents an increased diagnostic accuracy,potentially decreasing the time to CAL diagnosis.
文摘AIM To assess the correlation between the send-out enzymelinked immuno sorbent assay(ELISA) and the point-ofcare(POC) calprotectin test in pediatric inflammatory bowel disease(IBD) patients.METHODS We prospectively collected stool samples in pediatric IBD patients for concomitant send-out ELISA analysis and POC calprotectin testing using the Quantum Blue?(QB) Extended immunoassay. Continuous results between 17 to 1000 μg/g were considered for comparison. Agreement between the two tests was measured by a Bland-Altman plot and statistical significance was determined using Pitman's test.RESULTS Forty-nine stool samples were collected from 31 pediatric IBD patients. The overall means for the rapid and ELISA tests were 580.5 and 522.87 μg/g respectively. Among the 49 samples, 18(37.5%) had POC calprotectin levelsof ≤ 250 μg/g and 31(62.5%) had levels > 250 μg/g.Calprotectin levels ≤ 250 μg/g show good correlation between the two assays. Less correlation was observed at quantitatively higher calprotectin levels. CONCLUSION In pediatric IBD patients, there is better correlation of between ELISA and POC calprotectin measurements at clinically meaningful, low-range levels. Future adoption of POC calprotectin testing in the United States may have utility for guiding clinical decision making in real time.
文摘AIM:To evaluate fecal calprotectin concentrations(FCCs) in subjects with chronic gastritis and the correlation between FCCs and gastritis activity score.METHODS:FCCs were measured in 61 patients with histological diagnosis of gastritis and in 74 healthy volunteers.Histological grading of gastritis was performed according to the updated Sydney gastritis classification.Patients were subdivided into 2 groups according to the presence/absence of an active gastritis.Patients with chronic active gastritis were divided into 3 subgroups on the basis of the activity score(mild,moderate,marked).FFCs in relation to Helicobacter pylori(H.pylori) infection and proton pump inhibitor(PPI) use were also evaluated.RESULTS:FCCs in patients with chronic active gastritis were not significantly different to FCCs either in subjects with non active gastritis or in healthy controls.Among patients with chronic active gastritis(even marked),FCCs did not significantly differ according to activity score.No significant differences in FCCs were found when considering H.pylori,as well as when considering PPI chronic use.CONCLUSION:FCCs were not significantly increased in subjects with chronic gastritis,even in those patients with a marked neutrophil infiltration.
文摘BACKGROUND Although the usefulness of endoscopic scores,such as the Mayo Endoscopic Subscore(MES),Ulcerative Colitis Endoscopic Index of Severity(UCEIS),and Ulcerative Colitis Colonoscopic Index of Severity(UCCIS),and biomarkers such as fecal calprotectin(FC)for predicting relapse in ulcerative colitis(UC)has been reported,few studies have included endoscopic scores for evaluating the entire colon.AIM To compare the usefulness of FC value and MES,UCEIS,and UCCIS for predicting relapse in patients with UC in clinical remission.METHODS In total,75 patients with UC in clinical and endoscopic remission who visited our institution between February 2019 and March 2022 were enrolled.The diagnosis of UC was confirmed based on the clinical presentation,endoscopic findings,and histology,according to the current established criteria for UC.Fecal samples were collected the day before or after the colonoscopy for measurement of FC.Endoscopic evaluations were performed using MES,UCEIS,and UCCIS.The primary outcome measure of this study was the assessment of the association between relapse within 12 mo and MES,UCEIS,UCCIS,and FC.The secondary outcome was the comparison between endoscopic scores and biomarkers in en-rolled patients with UC with mucosal healing.RESULTSFC and UCCIS showed a significant correlation with UCEIS (r = 0.537, P < 0.001 and r = 0.957, P < 0.001, respectively).Receiver-operating characteristic analysis for predicting MES 0 showed that the area under the curve ofUCCIS was significantly higher than that of FC (P < 0.01). During the 1-year observation period, 18 (24%) patientsexperienced a relapse, and both the FC and UCCIS of the relapse group were significantly higher than that of theremission group. The cut-off values for predicting relapse were set at FC = 323 mg/kg and UCCIS = 10.2. The areaunder the curve of the receiver-operating characteristic analysis for predicting relapse did not show a significantdifference between FC and UCCIS. The accuracy of the endoscopic scores and biomarkers in predicting relapse was86.7% for UCCIS, 85.3% for UCEIS, 76.0% for FC, and 73.3% for MES.CONCLUSIONThe three endoscopic scores and FC may predict UC relapse during clinical remission. Among these scores, UCEISmay be the most useful in terms of ease of evaluation and accuracy.
基金This study was conducted according to the declaration of Helsinki and approved by the Ethics Committee(Unique Regional Ethical Committee,Friuli Venezia-Giulia 16 April 2020),No.CEUR 2020-OS-072.
文摘BACKGROUND One third of coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)patients have gastrointestinal symptoms.Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2(SARS-CoV-2)RNA has been detected in stool samples of approximately 50%of COVID-19 individuals.Fecal calprotectin is a marker of gastrointestinal inflammation in the general population.AIM To investigate if fecal calprotectin correlates with SARS-CoV-2 intestinal shedding in COVID-19 patients with pneumonia.METHODS Patients with SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia admitted to the Infectious Disease Unit(University Hospital of Trieste,Italy)from September to November 2020 were consecutively enrolled in the study.Fecal samples were collected and analyzed for quantification of fecal calprotectin(normal value<50 mg/kg)and SARS-CoV-2 RNA presence by polymerase chain reaction(PCR).Inter-group differences were determined between patients with and without diarrhea and patients with and without detection of fecal SARS-CoV-2.RESULTS We enrolled 51 adults(40 males)with SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia.Ten patients(20%)presented with diarrhea.Real-time-PCR of SARS-CoV-2 in stools was positive in 39 patients(76%),in all patients with diarrhea(100%)and in more than two thirds(29/41,71%)of patients without diarrhea.Obesity was one of the most common comorbidities(13 patients,25%);all obese patients(100%)(P=0.021)tested positive for fecal SARS-CoV-2.Median fecal calprotectin levels were 60 mg/kg[interquartile range(IQR)21;108];higher fecal calprotectin levels were found in the group with SARS-CoV-2 in stools(74 mg/kg,IQR 29;132.5)compared to the group without SARS-CoV-2(39 mg/kg,IQR 14;71)(P<0.001).CONCLUSION High fecal calprotectin levels among COVID-19 patients correlate with SARSCoV-2 detection in stools supporting the hypothesis that this virus can lead to bowel inflammation and potentially to the‘leaky gut’syndrome.
文摘The inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, are chronic relapsing, remitting disorders. Diagnosis, along with assessment of disease activity and prognosis present challenges to managing clinicians. Faecal biomarkers, such as faecal calprotectin, are a non-invasive method which can be used to aid these decisions. Calprotectin is a calcium and zinc binding protein found in the cytosol of human neutrophils and macrophages. It is released extracellularly in times of cell stress or damage and can be detected within faeces and thus can be used as a sensitive marker of intestinal inflammation. Faecal calprotectin has been shown to be useful in the diagnosis of IBD, correlates with mucosal disease activity and can help to predict response to treatment or relapse. With growing evidence supporting its use, over the last decade this faecal biomarker has significantly changed the way IBD is managed.
