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Faecal calprotectin concentrations in children with functional gastrointestinal disorders diagnosed according to the

G Flagstad1, H Helgeland1, T Markestad1

  • 1.Department of Pediatrics, Innlandet Hospital Trust, Lillehammer, Norway.Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Innlandet Hospital Trust, Gjøvik Norway.Innlandet Hospital Trust, Gjøvik, Norway.

Acta Paediatrica (Oslo, Norway : 1992)
|March 12, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Faecal calprotectin levels are normal in children with functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGID). This suggests that bowel inflammation is not a primary factor in the development of FGID in pediatric patients.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Gastroenterology
  • Gastrointestinal Motility Disorders
  • Inflammatory Markers

Background:

  • Functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGID) are common in children, presenting diagnostic challenges.
  • Distinguishing FGID from inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is crucial for appropriate management.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate whether faecal calprotectin concentrations differ across various FGID subtypes in pediatric patients.
  • To assess the role of intestinal inflammation in the pathophysiology of FGID.

Main Methods:

  • A cohort of children aged 4-15 years with recurrent abdominal pain were evaluated.
  • FGID diagnoses were established using the Questionnaire on Pediatric Gastrointestinal Symptoms-Rome III.
  • Faecal calprotectin levels were quantified in stool samples.

Main Results:

  • The majority of FGID patients (89%) had faecal calprotectin levels at or below the lower detection limit (16 mg/kg).
  • No significant differences in calprotectin concentrations were observed among different FGID subgroups.
  • A small percentage of children (7%) exhibited slightly elevated values.

Conclusions:

  • Faecal calprotectin concentrations are consistently within normal limits in children diagnosed with FGID.
  • These findings indicate that significant bowel inflammation is unlikely to be a major contributor to FGID pathogenesis.
  • The study supports the functional nature of these disorders, differentiating them from inflammatory conditions.
Abstract

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