BACKGROUND: The clinical course of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is characterised by a succession of relapses and remissions. A regular and a long term monitoring of such patients is required. Faecal markers, especially calprotectin's use, seem to be useful in these patients. Faecal calprotectin is a reliable maker of intestinal inflammation in IBD. Its level is assessed by a simple and a non invasive test. AIM: We proposed to review main indications and study results of faecal calprotectin test use in IBD patients. METHODS: Review of literature. RESULTS: Faecal calprotectin assessment isn't an IBD specific test. Selective use is required to have a good benefit-cost ratio. Prediction of relapses in asymptomatic patients as well as post operative reccurence seems to be the main indications for its use. CONCLUSION: Mucosal healing assessment after anti-TNF treatment can also be an interesting indication although it isn't well evaluated.
BACKGROUND: The clinical course of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is characterised by a succession of relapses and remissions. A regular and a long term monitoring of such patients is required. Faecal markers, especially calprotectin's use, seem to be useful in these patients. Faecal calprotectin is a reliable maker of intestinal inflammation in IBD. Its level is assessed by a simple and a non invasive test. AIM: We proposed to review main indications and study results of faecal calprotectin test use in IBD patients. METHODS: Review of literature. RESULTS: Faecal calprotectin assessment isn't an IBD specific test. Selective use is required to have a good benefit-cost ratio. Prediction of relapses in asymptomatic patients as well as post operative reccurence seems to be the main indications for its use. CONCLUSION: Mucosal healing assessment after anti-TNF treatment can also be an interesting indication although it isn't well evaluated.
Authors: N Sánchez-Otero; S Blanco-Prieto; M Páez de la Cadena; L Vázquez-Iglesias; A Fernández-Villar; M I Botana-Rial; F J Rodríguez-Berrocal Journal: Br J Cancer Date: 2012-10-23 Impact factor: 7.640