The value of faecal calprotectin in the investigation of suspected early-onset inflammatory bowel disease

Abstract

Introduction The measurement of faecal calprotectin (FC) in patients with suspected bowel infl ammation has become routine in many centres in recent years. Although FC levels have been shown to correspond with radio-nucleotide labelled neutrophil scans and endoscopic appearances in those with infl ammatory bowel disease (IBD), it is still unclear as to the value of FC to inform IBD diagnosis, especially with regard to endoscopic investigation. Methods The records of the cohort of all IBD patients who were diagnosed (using standard endoscopic assessment) within the Department of Paediatric Gastroenterology in Edinburgh between 1 January 2005 and 30 June 2010 (aged 1-17 years), with a FC performed during initial workup were identifi ed. The local laboratory results system and endoscopy lists were reviewed and a matched non-IBD control who had similarly undergone endoscopy and also had a referral FC level available was identifi ed. Only FC values taken at referral or initial investigation (not repeat samples) in those without any previous gastroenterological diagnosis were included. Patients who provided insuffi cient samples (50 μg/g compared to 49/109 (45%) in the control group (p=200 μg/g was signifi cantly lower - 19/109 (17%) compared to 99/109 (91%) for IBD (p=200 μg/g was signifi cantly lower - 19/109 (17%) compared to 99/109 (91%) for IBD (p=200 μg/g was signifi cantly lower - 19/109 (17%) compared to 99/109 (91%) for IBD (p=200 μg/g should prompt further GI investigation.