AIMS: Faecal calprotectin, a neutrophil cytosolic protein, is raised in inflammatory bowel disease. We assessed this investigation in evaluating children with chronic intestinal symptoms. METHODS: Stool samples from 100 children aged 5-17 years (referrals to the regional paediatric gastroenterology service) were tested using a commercially available kit. RESULTS: Calprotectin was higher in inflammatory bowel disease than normal children (p<0.0001) or in those with functional constipation (p<0.0001). The overall specificity for organic bowel disorders was 85%. Calprotectin correlated with C-reactive protein in inflammatory bowel disease (p=0.001), and clinical disease activity in ulcerative colitis (p=0.017), but not with disease activity in Crohn's disease. CONCLUSION: Raised faecal calprotectin should prompt further assessment in children with chronic intestinal symptoms, since an organic bowel disorder is likely. However, calprotectin cannot be regarded as a specific test for idiopathic inflammatory bowel disease.
AIMS: Faecal calprotectin, a neutrophil cytosolic protein, is raised in inflammatory bowel disease. We assessed this investigation in evaluating children with chronic intestinal symptoms. METHODS: Stool samples from 100 children aged 5-17 years (referrals to the regional paediatric gastroenterology service) were tested using a commercially available kit. RESULTS: Calprotectin was higher in inflammatory bowel disease than normal children (p<0.0001) or in those with functional constipation (p<0.0001). The overall specificity for organic bowel disorders was 85%. Calprotectin correlated with C-reactive protein in inflammatory bowel disease (p=0.001), and clinical disease activity in ulcerative colitis (p=0.017), but not with disease activity in Crohn's disease. CONCLUSION: Raised faecal calprotectin should prompt further assessment in children with chronic intestinal symptoms, since an organic bowel disorder is likely. However, calprotectin cannot be regarded as a specific test for idiopathic inflammatory bowel disease.
Authors: Anastassios C Manolakis; Andreas N Kapsoritakis; Elisavet K Tiaka; Spyros P Potamianos Journal: Dig Dis Sci Date: 2011-01-04 Impact factor: 3.199
Authors: Gea A Holtman; Yvonne Lisman-van Leeuwen; Boudewijn J Kollen; Obbe F Norbruis; Johanna C Escher; Angelika Kindermann; Yolanda B de Rijke; Patrick F van Rheenen; Marjolein Y Berger Journal: Ann Fam Med Date: 2016-09 Impact factor: 5.166
Authors: Ioannis D Kostakis; Kyriaki G Cholidou; Aristeidis G Vaiopoulos; Ioannis S Vlachos; Despina Perrea; George Vaos Journal: Dig Dis Sci Date: 2012-08-17 Impact factor: 3.199