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International Journal of Colorectal Disease

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01-10-2008 | Original Article

Validation and clinical significance of a new calprotectin rapid test for the diagnosis of gastrointestinal diseases

Authors: A. Damms, S. C. Bischoff

Published in: International Journal of Colorectal Disease | Issue 10/2008

Abstract

Aims

Objective of this study was to compare the assay characteristics of a new fecal calprotectin rapid test with an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The second aim was to assess the potential of measuring fecal calprotectin as screening method for intestinal inflammation and colorectal malignancies.

Patients and methods

One hundred forty patients with lower gastrointestinal symptoms referred to colonoscopy provided fecal samples (56, control group; 18, diverticulosis; 29, colorectal adenoma; 8, colorectal carcinoma (CRC); 18, active inflammatory bowel disease (IBD); 11, intestinal infections). Feces were analyzed by two assay methods.

Results

Compared to the control group (median 25.8 µg/g), calprotectin levels were significantly increased in adenoma (66.3 µg/g), CRC (164 µg/g), intestinal infections (306 µg/g), and active IBD (797 µg/g). An adequate diagnostic accuracy could be found for active IBD with a sensitivity, specificity, and an area under the curve (AUC) of 100%, 79%, and 0.955 (ELISA) vs. 89%, 80%, and 0.896 (rapid test). Similar results were obtained for CRC (100%, 79%, 0.922 vs. 100%, 80%, 0.948) whereas in adenomas a low sensitivity, specificity, and AUC of 55%, 79%, and 0.686 vs. 52%, 80%, and 0.666 were found for fecal calprotectin.

Conclusions

Both fecal calprotectin assays are effective in identifying active IBD and CRC but lack analytical sensitivity in separating CRC from adenoma as well as adenoma from the control group. The new calprotectin rapid test is a convenient method for assessing the calprotectin level in an outpatient setting. Henceforth, it provides a precondition for the fecal calprotectin method to challenge fecal occult blood testing in further evaluations.

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Title: Validation and clinical significance of a new calprotectin rapid test for the diagnosis of gastrointestinal diseases
Authors: A. Damms
S. C. Bischoff
Publication date: 01-10-2008
Publisher: Springer-Verlag
Published in: International Journal of Colorectal Disease / Issue 10/2008
Print ISSN: 0179-1958
Electronic ISSN: 1432-1262
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00384-008-0506-0

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Validation and clinical significance of a new calprotectin rapid test for the diagnosis of gastrointestinal diseases

Abstract

Aims

Patients and methods

Results

Conclusions

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Aims

Patients and methods

Results

Conclusions

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