What is it?
Fecal calprotectin is a protein found in feces that indicates the presence of inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract. It is released by cells of the immune system, mainly neutrophils, in response to inflammation. The fecal calprotectin test is a non-invasive and useful test for diagnosing and monitoring inflammatory bowel diseases.
Why does it happen?
Elevated levels of fecal calprotectin often indicate inflammation in the intestine. This inflammation can be caused by several conditions, including:
- Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) : such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.
- Intestinal infections : caused by bacteria, viruses or parasites.
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) : although IBS is not an inflammatory disease, there may be a slight increase in calprotectin in some cases.
- Colorectal cancer : In rare cases, high levels of calprotectin may be associated with colorectal cancer.
- Medication use : Some medications, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), can cause inflammation in the intestine.
What symptoms?
Symptoms associated with elevated fecal calprotectin levels vary depending on the underlying cause. Some common symptoms include:
- Abdominal pain
- Diarrhea
- Blood in the stool
- Mucus in stool
- Weight loss
- Fatigue
- Fever
What treatment?
Treatment for elevated fecal calprotectin levels depends on the underlying cause of the inflammation. Some common treatment options include:
- Medicines :
- Anti-inflammatories : such as aminosalicylates, corticosteroids and immunomodulators, to reduce inflammation in the intestine.
- Antibiotics : to treat intestinal infections.
- Biological therapy : for more severe cases of IBD, which aim to block specific proteins involved in inflammation.
- Dietary changes : A diet high in fiber and low in processed foods can help reduce intestinal inflammation.
- Surgery : In severe cases of IBD or colorectal cancer, surgical removal of part of the intestine may be necessary.
