Role of Fecal Calprotectin in Diagnosis of Colorectal Carcinoma and Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Abstract

Background: Testing for fecal calprotectin has become an accepted technique of non-invasive screening for colorectal neoplasia and IBD activities. The ability of fecal calprotectin testing to distinguish between patients with inflammatory bowel disease and non-inflammatory bowel disease with FDA-approved indication for the fecal calprotectin test. Generally, studies have shown that the fecal calprotectin test is reasonably accurate for this purpose when used with clinical suspicion of colorectal neoplasia and inflammatory bowel disease based on examination and history.
Aim of the study: The study aims to assess and compare the sensitivity and specificity of fecal calprotectin and in depending on Colonoscopy for IBD activity and colorectal neoplasia among Iraqi patients.
Patients and Methods: Fecal calprotectin was assessed in 80 tested patients in IBD, colorectal neoplasia with patients referred for Colonoscopy and histopathological assessment. The fecal calprotectin was tested by calprotectin ELISA assay kit as positive or negative results.
Results: The calprotectin cut-off level representing a positive value was equal or greater than 50 μg/g as stated by the manufacturer, showing in this study, sensitivity 84% and specificity 60% with positive predictive value 77.8%, and negative predictive value 69.2% with accuracy 75% and p value.
Conclusion: Fecal calprotectin is helpful as an adjunctive tool in overall evaluation of patients with colorectal neoplasia and IBD to monitor disease activity. It is less invasive than use of Colonoscopy and can help guide management.