Fecal calprotectin dosage value as a diagnostic and postoperative marker in diabetic patients with colorectal cancer

Abstract

Background and Aims: We evaluated fecal calprotectin values in patients with colorectal neoplasms undergoing surgery, comparatively in patients with and without diabetes mellitus. Material and Methods: We studied 40 patients operated for colorectal neoplasm, divided into two groups: one group of 20 patients with insulin-treated type 2 diabetes and another group of 20 patients without diabetes. Results: Patients had a high percentage of preoperative calprotectin test positivity (90%, 36 patients). A total of 19 patients in group 1 and 17 patients in group 2 had a positive calprotectin test. Postoperatively at 3 months, fecal calprotectin values remained elevated in 7 patients from group 1 and 4 patients from group 2. At 6 months postoperatively, fecal calprotectin values remained elevated in 2 patients from group 1 and 1 patient from group 2. Conclusions: Calprotectin values in faeces from patients with colorectal cancer were significantly increased, with a trend towards post-operatory normalization, slower in patients with diabetes. Fecal calprotectin value as a screening marker was almost equal compared to the hemoccult test, and better compared to that of the carcinoembryonic antigen.