Abstract
BackgroundThere is increasing evidence that intestinal inflammation plays a major role in gastrointestinal symptoms in cystic fibrosis (CF). Fecal calprotectin is a marker that is elevated in several gastrointestinal inflammatory diseases, but little is known about its value in CF. We aimed to look for associations of elevated fecal calprotectin among CF patients and whether its level correlates with the clinical manifestations of CF.MethodsA single stool specimen was collected from 62 patients with CF. Fecal calprotectin was measured using the commercially available ELISA kits (PhiCal™ test). Clinical data were collected from patients’ records and CF registry.ResultsThere were no significant differences between CF patients with normal and abnormal fecal calprotectin levels. However, patients who were not receiving inhaled antibiotics had higher fecal calprotectin levels than those who were.ConclusionElevated fecal calprotectin may not accurately predict intestinal inflammation in CF. However, the fact that it was elevated in both pancreatic sufficient and insufficient groups supports the concept of “cystic fibrosis enteropathy” regardless of the pancreatic status.
Highlights
There is increasing evidence that intestinal inflammation plays a major role in gastrointestinal symptoms in cystic fibrosis (CF)
Based on previous studies correlating Fecal calprotectin (FC) levels with the severity of inflammation in other inflammatory conditions, mainly inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), we looked for evidence of intestinal inflammation in CF patients by measuring FC [8,10,11]
FC is used as a marker of inflammation and it may not be as an accurate indicator of intestinal inflammation in CF as it is in other inflammatory conditions of the intestines the fact that it was elevated in both pancreatic sufficiency (PS) and pancreatic insufficiency (PI) groups supports the concept of “CF enteropathy” regardless of the pancreatic status
Summary
There is increasing evidence that intestinal inflammation plays a major role in gastrointestinal symptoms in cystic fibrosis (CF). Fecal calprotectin is a marker that is elevated in several gastrointestinal inflammatory diseases, but little is known about its value in CF. Between 85% - 90% of CF patients have PI and malabsorption These patients are typically treated with pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy (PERT). CF patients with pancreatic sufficiency (PS), and patients with PI who receive adequate PERT, may have persistent abdominal symptoms. Several studies have shown evidence of intestinal inflammation in CF. Increased amounts of inflammatory markers were found in whole gut lavage indicating immune activation in the intestinal mucosa of CF patients [2,3,4]. A study using wireless capsule endoscopy (WCE) showed varying degrees of inflammatory findings including edema, mucosal breaks and ulcerations in most adult patients with CF [5]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
