Evaluating the Levels of Calprotectin in Patients with Chronic Non-specific Colitis: A Brief Report

Abstract Background Patients with gastrointestinal symptoms of chronic diarrhea, chronic constipation, and abdominal pain might have unspecified signs and symptoms making them hardly characterized. These patients could be labeled as chronic nonspecific colitis patients. In this investigation, we aimed to compare the therapeutic effects of mesalamine in chronic nonspecific colitis patients with by measuring the levels of fecal calprotectin and assessing the reduction of their symptoms during the treatment. Methods Eighty-four outpatients (42 patients with normal, and 42 having high calprotectin levels) participated in this study. Participants were being treated by 2 grams of mesalamine for one month, and they were evaluated weekly. After one month, the participants’ signs and symptoms were reviewed, and the patients were labeled as treated or untreated. Results The result of this study demonstrated that there was no significant difference between the level of calprotectin among male or female participants, patients with different ages, or patients with different symptoms. Calprotectin levels were significantly different between patients who positively responded to mesalamine treatment compared to those who did not (p<0.001). On the other hand, patients with high calprotectin levels had a higher response rate to mesalamine (94.5%), compared to those with normal calprotectin levels (36.1%; p<0.001). Conclusion There was a significant correlation between the level of fecal calprotectin and the response rate of the patients to mesalamine; therefore, this parameter might be a good indicator to be used for treatment plans. Further studies are suggested to affirm this outcome.