Research about the diagnostic and predictive value of fecal calprotectin in ulcerative colitis

Objective: To investigate the diagnostic and predictive value of fecal calprotectin as a non-invasive approach in patients with ulcerative colitis(UC).Methods: 49 patients with ulcerative colitis,38 patients with colon polyps,and 133 normal controls were recruited after colonoscopy.All the patients w asked to collect their stool sample one day before colonoscopy for measuring fecal calprotectin by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.The disease activity of UC was evaluated according to Mayo disease activity index(UCAI).UC patients were followed up for recurrence within 2 years.Results: Fecal calprotectin concentration in active UC patients was significantly higher than the normal controls and those with colon polyps(P0.01).There was no statistically significant difference between the latter two(P0.05).Fecal calprotectin level was significantly correlated with the disease activity,mucosal healing and recurrence rate of UC.Conclusion: The levels of fecal calprotectin can be an objective reflection of UC disease activities and mucosal healing,and can predict the recurrence of UC patients.