Faecal matrix metalloprotease-9 is a more sensitive marker for diagnosing pouchitis than faecal calprotectin: results from a pilot study

BACKGROUND: Potential non-invasive markers of pouchitis would have a great deal of significance within clinical practice. AIM: This study is aimed at assessing the diagnostic accuracy of fecal calprotectin and matrix metalloprotease-9 as potential markers in patients both with and without pouchitis. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Stool and blood samples were collected from 33 ileal pouch-anal anastomosis patients before a follow-up pouchoscopy. Biopsy samples were taken for histological purposes. The presence of cuffitis and stenosis was evaluated with an endoscopy. Calprotectin and matrix metalloprotease-9 were quantified with an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS: Pouchitis was detected in 30.3% of the patients. The levels of fecal calprotectin and matrix metalloprotease-9 increased significantly in patients with pouchitis. The sensitivity and specificity of matrix metalloprotease-9 was higher than that of fecal calprotectin. Only matrix metalloprotease-9 correlated significantly with the severity of pouchitis. DISCUSSION: Fecal matrix metalloprotease-9 has a high specificity in the diagnosis of pouchitis.