Understanding Fecal Calprotectin
Calprotectin is a protein released by neutrophils, a type of white blood cell, during inflammatory processes. These immune cells migrate to sites of inflammation. When inflammation occurs within the gastrointestinal tract, neutrophils are abundant in the affected areas.
Measuring calprotectin in stool, known as fecal calprotectin, provides an indirect indication of neutrophils in the gut. Since calprotectin is stable in stool, its presence offers a non-invasive way to assess intestinal inflammation. This makes it a helpful biomarker for identifying and monitoring gastrointestinal conditions.
Deciphering Your Calprotectin Levels
Interpreting fecal calprotectin levels involves understanding numerical ranges that indicate varying degrees of intestinal inflammation. A normal calprotectin level is generally considered below 50 micrograms per gram of stool (µg/g). Levels within this range suggest significant intestinal inflammation is unlikely.
Levels between 50 µg/g and 200 µg/g are typically considered borderline or mildly elevated. This range might indicate mild inflammation, or a temporary elevation due to minor gastrointestinal upset. Healthcare providers often recommend re-testing the calprotectin level to see if the elevation persists or resolves.
A high calprotectin level, often considered “dangerous” in terms of inflammation, is typically above 200 µg/g, and can extend into thousands of µg/g. Levels exceeding this threshold indicate substantial inflammation within the gastrointestinal tract, necessitating further medical investigation. While a high calprotectin level points to considerable inflammation, it does not specify the exact cause or location of that inflammation.
Medical Conditions Associated with High Calprotectin
High calprotectin levels are most commonly associated with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which includes Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. In these chronic conditions, the immune system mistakenly attacks the digestive tract, leading to persistent inflammation. Patients with active IBD often exhibit fecal calprotectin levels well above 200 µg/g, reflecting the extensive inflammation present.
Other medical conditions can also cause an increase in fecal calprotectin, though typically not to the extreme levels seen in active IBD. Acute bacterial gastroenteritis, for example, can trigger a temporary but notable rise as the body fights off infection. Celiac disease, an autoimmune disorder triggered by gluten, can also lead to elevated levels due to the inflammation it causes in the small intestine.
Certain medications, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), can also induce intestinal inflammation and elevate calprotectin levels. While these conditions can cause elevations, their typical calprotectin ranges are often lower or more transient compared to the sustained and very high levels observed in IBD. The degree of elevation helps guide the differential diagnosis.
Navigating a High Calprotectin Result
A high calprotectin result signals significant intestinal inflammation and necessitates consultation with a healthcare professional. This test serves as an indicator of inflammation, guiding further diagnostic steps rather than providing a definitive diagnosis. The healthcare provider will interpret the result in the context of a patient’s symptoms, medical history, and other clinical findings.
The diagnostic pathway following a high calprotectin result often involves direct investigations to pinpoint the source and nature of the inflammation. This may include endoscopic procedures such as a colonoscopy or endoscopy, which allow for direct visualization of the digestive tract lining and the collection of tissue biopsies. Imaging studies, such as MRI or CT scans, may also be used to assess the extent of inflammation and identify structural changes.
Avoid self-diagnosis or self-treatment based solely on a calprotectin result. A high level is a strong signal for underlying gastrointestinal issues, but only a medical professional can accurately diagnose the specific condition and recommend an appropriate treatment plan. The calprotectin test is a guide for further, more precise diagnostic evaluations.