Calprotectin: A Key Marker in Inflammatory Bowel Disease

How Does Calprotectin Help in Managing Inflammatory Bowel Disease?

The calprotectin test plays a vital role in both the diagnosis and monitoring of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Here's why it is important:

• Diagnosing IBD:
  • Calprotectin as a Biomarker:
    Calprotectin is a protein found in neutrophils, a type of white blood cell that appears in higher concentrations when inflammation occurs in the intestines.
  • IBD vs. IBS:
    The test helps differentiate IBD, which involves inflammation, from non-inflammatory conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). High levels of calprotectin in a stool sample typically indicate inflammation linked to conditions like Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis.
• Monitoring Disease Activity:
  • Tracking Inflammation:
    In individuals already diagnosed with IBD, calprotectin testing can help track disease activity. If inflammation increases, calprotectin levels rise, which may indicate a flare-up.
  • Evaluating Treatment Response:
    After initiating or adjusting treatment, repeat testing can show whether the treatment is effective in reducing inflammation.
• How the Test is Conducted:
  The test is non-invasive and requires a stool sample. The sample is analyzed in a lab to measure calprotectin levels, providing an indicator of gut inflammation without the need for more invasive procedures like colonoscopy.

Regular testing for calprotectin allows for early detection of flare-ups and helps doctors fine-tune treatment strategies for better disease management.

Recommended Tests

1. Complete Blood Count (CBC)
   A CBC is essential to assess overall health and detect signs of infection, inflammation, or anemia, which are common in IBD patients.
   Complete Blood Count (CBC)
2. Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR)
   ESR is another marker of inflammation often used alongside calprotectin to monitor disease activity in IBD.
   Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR)