Evaluation of Fecal Calprotectin as a Diagnostic Marker for Inflammatory Bowel Disease

flammatory markers such as C-reactive protein and erythrocyte sedimentation rate exhibit limited sensitivity and specificity 1.Although endoscopy remains the gold standard for IBD diagnosis 2, it is invasive, more costly, and less accessible compared with alternative methods.Consequently, there is a growing need for a simple, rapid, minimally invasive, and reliable diagnostic test.Fecal calprotectin has recently been recognized as a valuable diagnostic biomarker in this context.Calprotectin is a calcium-and zinc-binding protein predominantly localized in neutrophils and released during cell activation or death 3.Its presence in feces indicates neutrophil transmigration and infiltration into the intestinal mucosa.During GI tract inflammation, fecal calprotectin concentrations increase significantly.Assessing fecal calprotectin levels offers a less invasive alternative to colonoscopy, serving as a valuable screening tool that may reduce unnecessary endoscopic procedures 4.Moreover, several studies have demonstrated its utility in predicting disease recurrence 5.