Calprotectin is a stool (fecal) test that is used to detect inflammation in the intestines. Intestinal inflammation is associated with, for example, some bacterial infections and, in people with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), it is associated with disease activity and severity.
As a general rule, high levels of calprotectin indicate bacterial or parasitic infections, colorectal cancer or certain diseases that cause intestinal inflammation, such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. In those latter cases, the higher the calprotectin, the more severe the inflammation.
Values over 50 to 60 μg/mg (depending upon which kit is used) are generally viewed as abnormal, although values as high as 100 μg/mg may be normal with some kits.
Calprotectin levels higher than 200 μg/mg may indicate an inflammatory condition. Calprotectin levels of 500–600 μg/mg will almost definitely indicate an inflammatory condition.
Colonoscopy should be considered in these patients depending on clinical history. Colonoscopy should be offered to those with a faecal calprotectin >200 mg/kg. In addition to this, small bowel imaging should be considered in those with a faecal calprotectin >300 mg/kg who have normal findings at colonoscopy.
Eicosapentaenoic Acid Reduces Fecal Levels of Calprotectin and Prevents Relapse in Patients With Ulcerative Colitis.
Calprotectin has also been found to be elevated in patients with colorectal cancer. In 814 patients at high risk for colorectal cancer, undergoing colonoscopy, faecal calprotectin was found to have a sensitivity for cancer of 74% and for adenoma of 43%.
Background. Faecal calprotectin (FC) is a potential biomarker for colorectal cancer (CRC) screening.
Increases in calprotectin are seen with IBD, but also with bacterial infections, some parasitic infections, and with colorectal cancer. An endoscopy (colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy) may be indicated as a follow-up test to help determine the cause of inflammation, signs, and symptoms.
Quiescent Crohn's disease is associated with a faecal calprotectin of approximately 100 mcg/g or less.
Calprotectin has also been shown to be increased in the detection of adenomatous colonic polyps in adults. Calprotectin is an antimicrobial protein in the cytoplasm of granulocytes, monocytes, and macrophages of stool and plasma.
Symptoms in adults include abdominal pain or discomfort, bloating or change in bowel habit. Some will be newly presenting in primary care; others may already have been referred to specialist care.
Fecal Calprotectin Elevations Associated with Food Intolerance/Malabsorption Are Significantly Reduced with Targeted Diets.
Results: Fecal calprotectin levels were significantly elevated in cirrhotic patients and correlated with the severity of liver disease (r = 0.64, p = 0.0001).
More than half of patients with IBD believe their symptoms are induced or exacerbated by specific foods [13]. Commonly identified foods include fruit and vegetables, dairy products, spicy foods, processed foods, nuts and seeds, alcohol, and foods with a high fat content [14,15,16,17].
Probiotics Can Decrease the Level of Calprotectin Increased in the Feces of AD Mice. Fecal calprotectin is a protein abundant in the cytoplasm of neutrophils and monocytes.
Nutrients | Free Full-Text | Fecal Calprotectin Elevations Associated with Food Intolerance/Malabsorption Are Significantly Reduced with Targeted Diets.
Some untreated adult celiac disease patients may have elevated calprotectin, although most will likely show normal results.
Measurement of faecal Calprotectin is considered a reliable indicator of inflammation and numerous studies show that while faecal Calprotectin concentrations are significantly elevated in patients with IBD, patients suffering from IBS do not have increased Calprotectin levels.
Raised faecal calprotectin is found in GI tract inflammation. Causes of which include: inflammatory bowel disease, infection, polyps, gastritis, gastric ulcers, esophagitis, diverticulitis, gastric and colorectal malignancy and the use of NSAIDs. Sample should be sent to the lab on the day of collection.
Other functional gastrointestinal diseases such as lactose intolerance, bile salt malabsorption and pancreatic exocrine failure are unlikely to affect faecal calprotectin levels. In other conditions such as coeliac disease, bacterial overgrowth and microscopic colitis the role of faecal calprotectin is unknown.
Our data demonstrate distinct changes in inflammatory state following heavy alcohol drinking. Increases in serum calprotectin indicate a role of heavy drinking in neutrophil activation. Neutrophils may have a role as potential perpetuators of inflammation in alcohol abusers.
Calprotectin is a stool (faecal) test that is used to detect inflammation in the intestines. Intestinal inflammation is associated with, for example, some bacterial infections and, in people with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), it is associated with disease activity and severity.
We found higher FC values in acute uncomplicated diverticulitis (p < 0.0005) and in symptomatic uncomplicated DD (p < 0.005) than in healthy controls and in IBS patients. FC values correlated with inflammatory infiltrate (p < 0.0005).