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Updated: Aug 15, 2025
Fluorescence-mediated Tomography for the Detection and Quantification of Macrophage-related Murine Intestinal Inflammation
Published on: December 15, 2017
Fecal calprotectin - a valuable predictor of microscopic colitis
M V Ardelean1, N R Kundnani, A Sharma
1Department of Internal Medicine I - Medical Semiology I, Advanced Research Center for Cardiovascular Pathology and Haemostaseology, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Timisoara, Romania. daniel.duda-seiman@umft.ro.
Objective:
Microscopic colitis (MC) has been of major concern worldwide due to its relapsing and remitting nature of chronic diarrhea. Quality of life of patients suffering from this disease is quite debilitating.
Patients And Methods:
In order to understand the role and importance of fecal calprotectin (FC) we performed a statistical analysis on the patients suffering from chronic diarrhea and admitted to our hospital from 2014 to 2020, and who were prescribed Loperamide (Imodium) or Budesonide or a combination of both and had undergone FC detection test.
Results:
FC was found to be significantly correlated to the age, alcohol consumption and beta blocker use. A high level of the FC concentrations increases the chances of having flare-ups of diarrhea episodes making the quality of life of such patients worse.
Conclusions:
FC concentrations should be monitored frequently and precautionary measures to avoid a relapse should be aimed. Measures to improve quality of life, should be of prime concern. In-depth research is required to better understand MC and to find better treatment options which can be used on a long-term basis, instead of anti-motility drugs which are able to control the acute episodes, but when discontinued result in an increased tendency to have relapses.
Insights
Fecal calprotectin (FC) levels correlate with microscopic colitis (MC) flare-ups. Monitoring FC and improving patient quality of life are crucial for managing this chronic condition.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Immunology
Background:
- Microscopic colitis (MC) causes chronic, relapsing diarrhea, significantly impacting patient quality of life.
- Understanding disease markers is crucial for effective management of MC.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role and importance of fecal calprotectin (FC) in patients with microscopic colitis.
- To analyze the correlation between FC levels and clinical factors in MC patients.
Main Methods:
- Statistical analysis of patients diagnosed with MC and chronic diarrhea between 2014-2020.
- Evaluation of patients treated with Loperamide, Budesonide, or combination therapy who underwent FC testing.
Main Results:
- Fecal calprotectin (FC) levels showed significant correlation with patient age, alcohol consumption, and beta-blocker use.
- Elevated FC concentrations were associated with increased likelihood of diarrhea flare-ups, worsening quality of life.
Conclusions:
- Frequent monitoring of FC levels is recommended for microscopic colitis patients.
- Strategies to prevent relapse and improve quality of life should be prioritized.
- Further research is needed for long-term MC treatment options beyond symptomatic relief.
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