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Investigating the Correlation between Fecal Calprotectin and Gastrointestinal Involvement in Systemic Sclerosis
Leila Azizi1, Bahareh Ebrahimi2, Mohammadali Nazarinia3
1Department of Rheumatology, Firoozgar Hospital, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Medical Journal of the Islamic Republic of Iran
|July 28, 2026
Summary
Fecal calprotectin (FC) may indicate gastrointestinal issues in Systemic Sclerosis (SSc) patients. Elevated FC levels correlate with symptoms like diarrhea and bloating, suggesting its use as an early diagnostic marker for SSc-related GI complications.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Gastroenterology
- Rheumatology
Background:
- Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is an autoimmune disease frequently impacting the gastrointestinal (GI) tract.
- Fecal calprotectin (FC), a marker for intestinal inflammation, is elevated in various inflammatory conditions.
- The role of FC in SSc-associated GI involvement requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the correlation between gastrointestinal involvement and fecal calprotectin (FC) levels in Systemic Sclerosis (SSc) patients.
- To assess the potential of FC as a non-invasive biomarker for GI complications in SSc.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving 31 SSc patients.
- Evaluation of GI symptoms using the UCLA.SCTC 2.0 scale.
- Measurement of blood malnutrition biomarkers and fecal calprotectin (FC) levels.
- Statistical analysis using T-test and Chi-Square test.
Main Results:
- FC levels in SSc patients were generally higher than the normal range (10-60).
- No significant correlation was found between FC levels and malnutrition markers.
- A significant association was observed between elevated FC levels and the presence of GI symptoms, including diarrhea (74%), constipation (74%), and bloating/abdominal distension (87%).
Conclusions:
- Elevated fecal calprotectin (FC) is a potential indicator of gastrointestinal involvement in Systemic Sclerosis (SSc) patients.
- FC may serve as a valuable alarm marker for diagnosing GI symptoms in SSc, aiding in patient management.
- Further research is warranted to establish FC's role in the pathogenesis and monitoring of SSc-related GI disease.
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