DOCSLIB.ORG

Faecal Calprotectin and Faecal Occult Blood Tests in the Diagnosis of Colorectal Carcinoma and Adenoma

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Faecal Calprotectin and Faecal Occult Blood Tests in the Diagnosis of Colorectal Carcinoma and Adenoma 402 Gut 2001;49:402–408 Faecal calprotectin and faecal occult blood tests in the diagnosis of colorectal carcinoma and adenoma J Tibble, G Sigthorsson, R Foster, R Sherwood, M Fagerhol, I Bjarnason Abstract cancer registrations and 55 000 deaths each Background and aims—Testing for faecal year1 while in the UK there are an annual occult blood has become an accepted 28 000 cancer registrations and 19 000 deaths technique of non-invasive screening for due to this disease.2 Survival rates are closely colorectal neoplasia but lack of sensitivity related to the stage of cancer at the time of remains a problem. The aim of this study diagnosis and the most promising approach to was to compare the sensitivity and specifi- reducing mortality rates is early detection of city of faecal calprotectin and faecal precancerous or cancerous lesions. There is occult blood in patients with colorectal now overwhelming epidemiological evidence cancer and colonic polyps. and molecular biological data to substantiate Methods—Faecal calprotectin and occult previous suggestions of the colonic adenoma- blood were assessed in 62 patients with carcinoma progression.3–5 Collectively, such colorectal carcinoma and 233 patients data have increased the pressure to develop referred for colonoscopy. The range of novel approaches for colon cancer detection, normality for faecal calprotectin (0.5–10.5 critical for secondary prevention through mass mg/l) was determined from 96 healthy population screening whereby early diagnosis subjects. of colorectal cancer will detect tumours with Results—Median faecal calprotectin con- the best prognosis and result in improved sur- centration in the 62 patients with colorec- vival rates. tal carcinoma (101 mg/l, 95% confidence The most widely accepted non-invasive interval (CI) 57–133) diVered significantly method for detecting colorectal cancer is faecal from normal (2.3 mg/l, 95% CI 1.6–5.0) occult blood (FOB) testing. Screening in with 90% of patients having elevated levels asymptomatic populations have, at best, re- 6–8 (normal <10 mg/l) whereas only 36/62 duced mortality rates by 15–33%. There are (58%) had positive faecal occult bloods. however many problems with screening using There was no significant diVerence in fae- FOB. The sensitivity of the most commonly cal calprotectin levels when considering used guaiac based FOB tests may be as low as 9 location or Dukes’ staging of tumour. Per- 26% which means that 74% of patients with centage positivity of faecal occult bloods malignant lesions will remain undetected by was significantly higher for Dukes’ stage C this method, presumably because blood loss and D cancers compared with Dukes’ A from the tumour may be intermittent or below the detection threshold (2–4 ml of blood/100 g Department of and B. In the colonoscopy group, 29 Medicine, Guy’s, patients with adenomatous polyps were stool). The test may also not be suitable for Kings, St Thomas’ screening of precancerous adenomas which detected in whom the median faecal 10 11 Medical School, calprotectin was 12 mg/l (95% CI 2.9–32). often do not bleed. There are also practical Bessemer Road, diYculties with certain types of FOB tests London, UK Sensitivity for detection of adenomatous polyps was 55% using the calprotectin which require patients to provide three stool J Tibble samples while subject to some dietary G Sigthorsson method and 10% using faecal occult blood 12–14 R Foster testing. The overall sensitivity and specifi- restrictions. I Bjarnason city of calprotectin for colorectal cancer In order to increase the detection rate, clini- and adenomatous polyps as a combined cians have sought alternative methods for Department of Clinical detection of early colorectal cancer/adenomas. Biochemistry, Guy’s, group was 79% and 72%, respectively, compared with a sensitivity and specifi- A large trial of flexible sigmoidoscopy (com- Kings, St Thomas’ promising the non-invasive nature of investiga- Medical School, city of faecal occult blood of 43% and 92%. tion) in an asymptomatic population is now Bessemer Road, Conclusions—Faecal calprotectin is a 15 16 London, UK simple and sensitive non-invasive marker underway in the USA and the UK to assess R Sherwood of colorectal cancer and adenomatous whether this will lead to significantly improved survival for colorectal cancer, but are not Department of polyps. It is more sensitive than faecal occult blood tests for detection of colorec- expected to yield results until 2008, while flex- Immunology, Ullevaal ible sigmoidoscopy is now widely used as an University Hospital, tal neoplasia at the cost of a somewhat initial examination in symptomatic patients. Oslo, Norway lower specificity. M Fagerhol (Gut 2001;49:402–408) Colorectal cancer is associated with a local acute inflammatory reaction so that in some Correspondence to: Keywords: colorectal cancer; faecal occult blood cases it can be visualised by white cell neutro- Dr J Tibble, Department of testing; calprotectin 17 Gastroenterology, 1st Floor phil scanning. Calprotectin is a stable neutro- College House, St Thomas’ phil specific marker which can be assayed in Hospital, Lambeth Palace stool with high precision and ease.18 Within the Road, London SE1 7EH, Colorectal cancer is the second commonest neutrophil calprotectin is found in the extra UK. [email protected] cause of death from malignancy in the Western Accepted for publication world. In the USA it accounts for 14% of can- Abbreviations used in this paper: FOB, faecal 26 February 2001 cer deaths with about 134 000 colorectal occult blood. www.gutjnl.com Faecal calprotectin and colorectal carcinoma 403 lysosomal cytosol and constitutes up to 60% of shown to cause an enteropathy and raised fae- the total protein content.19 Levels of faecal cal calprotectin,24 and faecal sampling was per- calprotectin are increased in patients with formed when patients had no evidence of colorectal cancer but immunohistochemical respiratory tract infection.18 23 examination of colorectal cancer specimens has All patients attended a preoperative or shown reactivity confined to neutrophilic precolonoscopic assessment clinic where the granulocytes with no reactivity seen in neoplas- nature of the study was explained. Patients tic cells,20–22 suggesting that elevated faecal lev- provided stool samples prior to surgery/ els may be due to neutrophil shedding from an colonoscopy and those in the colonoscopic ulcerated tumour. The purpose of this study group underwent additional investigation if was to assess whether faecal calprotectin is an relevant where the cause for symptoms after improvement on the sensitivity and specificity undergoing colonoscopy were not determined of FOB in current use as a non-invasive and therefore all patients were given a final biochemical marker for colorectal cancer and diagnosis. All stool samples were provided colorectal polyps. prior to any administered bowel preparation. The study was approved by the King’s Patients and methods Healthcare local research ethics committee and AIMS all patients gave informed consent. The aims of the study were to (i) assess and compare the sensitivity of faecal calprotectin Faecal occult blood tests and FOB for colorectal carcinoma in sympto- For 48 hours prior to collection of samples for matic patients with colorectal cancer and relate FOB testing, all patients were required to the results to cancer site or degree of invasion; observe a red meat free diet, avoid eating raw (ii) assess and compare the sensitivity of the fruits/vegetables containing peroxidase-like two tests for colorectal polyps subsequently substances such as turnips, broccoli, and pars- found at colonoscopy; and (iii) assess and nips, and avoid ingestion of preparations compare the specificity of the two tests for containing vitamin C. Patients completed a detecting colorectal cancer/premalignant Hema screen card (Immunostics. Inc., 3505 polyps. Sunset Ave Ocean, New Jersey 07712, USA), a guaiac based FOB, on three consecutive stool PATIENTS samples which was returned on the day of the Ninety six healthy volunteers (51 males, 45 last sample and analysed unrehydrated on the females, mean age 41 years) provided single day of arrival for FOB. Patients were asked to stool samples to obtain a reference range for follow the instructions on the information faecal calprotectin. Controls were predomi- sheet provided with the test pack. nantly healthcare workers and their relatives, who had no symptoms of gastrointestinal or Faecal calprotectin other diseases, in particular respiratory tract Patients provided a single stool sample for cal- infections,18 23 on direct questioning. Other protectin measurement and returned it on the exclusion criteria for controls were as for same day. Stool samples were frozen on receipt patients studied. at −20°C. After thawing, a single 5 g aliquot18 25 Sixty two consecutive patients (22 females, was suspended in 10 ml of faecal extraction 40 males; mean age 68 years (range 36–92)) buVer (Tris buVered isotonic (150 mM) saline, diagnosed with colorectal cancer by barium with 10 mM CaCl2, and 0.25 mM thiomersal enema or colonoscopy were recruited to as an antimicrobial agent, pH 8.4) and homog- provide faecal samples for calprotectin and enised for 45 seconds at 20 000 rpm with an occult blood testing; 56/62 (90%) of these Ultra Turrax (Ika Werke, Germany) mechani- patients underwent operative resection of the cal homogeniser. The homogenates were cen- tumour and six patients had tumours which trifuged for 15 minutes at 10 000 g at room were considered inoperable due to advanced temperature. The upper portion of the super- metastatic spread. natants were pipetted oV, frozen, and stored at A total of 233 consecutive patients (130 −20°C until quantitation by ELISA. females, 103 males; mean age 56 years (range Microtitre plates were coated by adding 17–91)) referred for colonoscopy for polyp fol- 200 µl of an IgG fraction of a rabbit anticalpro- low up, colorectal cancer surveillance, iron tectin26 diluted 1:2000 in phosphate buVered deficiency anaemia, or investigation of colonic saline to each well.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • 329 Fecal Calprotectin Testing
    Medical Policy Fecal Calprotectin Testing Table of Contents • Policy: Commercial • Coding Information • Information Pertaining to All Policies • Policy: Medicare • Description • References • Authorization Information • Policy History Policy Number: 329 BCBSA Reference Number: 2.04.69 NCD/LCD: N/A Related Policies Fecal Analysis in the Diagnosis of Intestinal Dysbiosis, #556 Policy Commercial Members: Managed Care (HMO and POS), PPO, and Indemnity Medicare HMO BlueSM and Medicare PPO BlueSM Members Fecal calprotectin testing may be considered MEDICALLY NECESSARY for the evaluation of patients when the differential diagnosis is inflammatory bowel disease or noninflammatory bowel disease (including irritable bowel syndrome) for whom endoscopy with biopsy is being considered. Fecal calprotectin testing is considered INVESTIGATIONAL in the management of bowel disease, including the management of active inflammatory bowel disease and surveillance for relapse of disease in remission. Prior Authorization Information Inpatient • For services described in this policy, precertification/preauthorization IS REQUIRED for all products if the procedure is performed inpatient. Outpatient • For services described in this policy, see below for products where prior authorization might be required if the procedure is performed outpatient. Outpatient Commercial Managed Care (HMO and POS) Prior authorization is not required. Commercial PPO and Indemnity Prior authorization is not required. Medicare HMO BlueSM Prior authorization is not required. Medicare PPO BlueSM Prior authorization is not required. 1 CPT Codes / HCPCS Codes / ICD Codes Inclusion or exclusion of a code does not constitute or imply member coverage or provider reimbursement. Please refer to the member’s contract benefits in effect at the time of service to determine coverage or non-coverage as it applies to an individual member.
    [Show full text]
  • Comparing of Faecal Calprotectin Levels in Patients with Osteoarthritis Taking Nsaid Treatment and Patients Without Nsaids Therapy
    Original Research Article: (2020), «EUREKA: Health Sciences» full paper Number 2 COMPARING OF FAECAL CALPROTECTIN LEVELS IN PATIENTS WITH OSTEOARTHRITIS TAKING NSAID TREATMENT AND PATIENTS WITHOUT NSAIDS THERAPY Olena Gubska1 [email protected] Andrii Kuzminets1 [email protected] Artem Panin1 [email protected] 1Department of Therapy, Infectious Disease and Dermatology Postgraduate Education Bogomolets National Medical University 13 T. Shevchenko blvd., Kyiv, Ukraine, 01601 Abstract Faecal calprotectin (FC) level can be increased in several conditions, which are characterised by neutrophilic inflammation. Some medications, particularly NSAIDs, can elevate its level as well. NSAIDs are taken by patients in many chronic conditions, includ- ing osteoarthritis (OA). On the other hand, there is growing evidence that osteoarthritis is not only a degenerative disease, but it has a significant inflam- matory component. The role of systemic inflammation is well-known in inflammatory joint diseases, but there is some evidence that it can play an essential role in the OA as well. It can suggest that in the OA, the inflammatory changes could be found in the different organs and systems. The aim of this study was to investigate the FC level in patients with osteoarthritis depending on the NSAIDs intake and to compare it to the FC levels in healthy adults. Materials and methods. In this small observational study, we evaluated the FC levels in patients suffering from OA (36 per- sons), divided them into two groups depending on their NSAIDs intake, and compared it to FC levels in healthy participants (12 persons). We compared the FC levels depending on the selectivity of the NSAIDs taken by our participants, as well.
    [Show full text]
  • Calprotectin Poster
    70th AACC Annual Scientific Meeting & Clinical Lab Expo July 29 – August 2, 2018, Chicago, Illinois, USA Calprotectin Antibodies With Different Binding Specificities Can Be Used as Tools to Detect Multiple Calprotectin Forms 1 Laura-Leena Kiiskinen1, Sari Tiitinen 1Medix Biochemica, Klovinpellontie 3, FI-02180 Espoo, Finland Calprotectin –A Pro-Inflammatory Protein Materials & Methods Calprotectin (leucocyte L1-protein) We have developed five mouse monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) is a pro-inflammatory protein against human calprotectin: 3403 (#100460), 3404 (#100468), primarily secreted by neutrophils, 3405 (#100469), 3406 (#100470) and 3407 (#100618). Binding macrophages and monocytes at the specificities of the antibodies were studied in fluorescent site of inflammation1–4. Neutrophils immunoassays (FIA) using purified recombinant monomeric accumulate in mucosa, where calprotectin subunits S100A8 (#710018; Medix Biochemica) calprotectin is released and easily and S100A9 (#710019; Medix Biochemica), and the S100A8/A9 detectable4. complex (#610061; Medix Biochemica) as antigens. Calprotectin is comprised of two Antigens were coated onto a microtiter plate (#473709; NUNC®) calcium-binding monomers, a at 50 ng/well, blocked for 1h at room temperature, and 93-amino-acid S100A8 (MRP-8) and antibodies added at concentrations 31–1,000 ng/mL. Bound a 114-amino-acid S100A9 (MRP-14). antibodies were detected using an europium (Eu)-labeled Dimers pair non-covalently with each DELFIA® Eu-N1 Rabbit Anti-Mouse IgG antibody (#AD0207; other, forming heterotetramers. S100A8 PerkinElmer) as described previously9. and S100A9 both contain two EF-hand The specificities of calprotectin antibody pairs were studied in type Ca2+ binding sites (Figure 1). sandwich FIA. Capture antibodies (150 ng/well) were incubated Elevated serum or fecal calprotectin with the S100A8/A9 complex at concentrations 0.15–1,000 levels are indicative of several ng/mL.
    [Show full text]
  • FAECAL CALPROTECTIN Who Should Be
    FAECAL CALPROTECTIN Who should be tested? Calprotectin is an S-100 protein (mainly produced by neutrophils) measured in stool and is a non-specific marker of inflammation. It is relatively sensitive for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) at around 97%, but is NOT very specific (approximately 70%). In children over 5 years of age with a high clinical suspicion of IBD (persistent diarrhoea with or without blood, abdominal pain, weight loss, family history of IBD) and in the context of a negative stool infection screen, we recommend urgent referral to the RHSC GI team with a calprotectin sent concurrently. Like adult practice, the relevance of faecal calprotectin testing is to determine who requires further, more invasive, investigation and to help understand if inflammation is playing a part in the patient’s symptoms (i.e. IBS versus IBD). We are keen that this test is performed in the workup of relevant children along with relevant blood testing and either performed in primary care or at RHSC as part of the open access service. Who should not be tested? Not only are children under the age of 5 years less likely to present with IBD but baseline faecal calprotectin is higher in this age group making interpretation more difficult therefore this should be avoided. Faecal calprotectin should also not be performed in children on aspirin or NSAIDs or who are recovering from (within 4 weeks) an obvious gastrointestinal infection; it should be routine to send stools concurrently for bacteriology (C diff in selected cases if there is suspicion and risk factors) and virology when requesting a faecal calprotectin.
    [Show full text]
  • Calprotectin, Stool
    Test Summary Calprotectin, Stool be used as 1 of the initial tests in patients with suspected IBD; Test Code: 16796 levels can help avoid unnecessary colonoscopy, as normal levels are not typically associated with active IBD.2 Conversely, Specimen Requirements: 1 g frozen stool; 0.3 g levels above normal are consistent with organic diseases such minimum as IBD and colorectal cancer, and warrant consideration of colonoscopy.2,4 CPT Code*: 83993 Calprotectin testing can also be used to monitor response to IBD treatment, since lower concentrations correlate with less severe disease and better response to treatment.5 CLINICAL USE The correlation, however, is higher in patients with colonic • Diagnose inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) than ileal disease activity.6,7 Failure of calprotectin level to normalize with treatment is considered an indication for • Differentiate IBD from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) further endoscopic evaluation, regardless of symptoms.8 • Monitor patients with IBD for treatment response and Among IBD patients who are in remission, calprotectin helps relapse predict those who will experience a relapse. Gisbert et al CLINICAL BACKGROUND showed that an elevated calprotectin concentration predicted Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is characterized by chronic, relapse during the next 12 months with a sensitivity of 69% relapsing inflammation of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract lining. and a specificity of 75%.9 Costa et al showed that Crohn The 2 primary forms of IBD are Crohn disease and ulcerative disease patients in remission had a 2-fold, and ulcerative colitis, which share clinical symptoms such as abdominal colitis patients a 14-fold, increased risk of relapse when the pain, dyspepsia, and diarrhea that can be profuse and bloody.1 stool calprotectin concentration was elevated.10 Another Abdominal pain, dyspepsia, and diarrhea (non-bloody) are study showed that Crohn disease patients with an elevated also seen in patients with IBS.
    [Show full text]
  • Fecal Calprotectin Testing
    UnitedHealthcare® Commercial Medical Policy Fecal Calprotectin Testing Policy Number: 2021T0434R Effective Date: June 1, 2021 Instructions for Use Table of Contents Page Community Plan Policy Coverage Rationale ........................................................................... 1 • Fecal Calprotectin Testing Applicable Codes .............................................................................. 1 Description of Services ..................................................................... 3 Clinical Evidence ............................................................................... 4 U.S. Food and Drug Administration ................................................ 9 References ......................................................................................... 9 Policy History/Revision Information..............................................11 Instructions for Use .........................................................................11 Coverage Rationale Fecal measurement of calprotectin is proven and medically necessary for establishing the diagnosis or for management of the following: • Crohn’s Disease • Ulcerative Colitis Due to insufficient evidence of efficacy, fecal measurement of calprotectin is unproven and not medically necessary for establishing the diagnosis or for management of any other condition. Applicable Codes The following list(s) of procedure and/or diagnosis codes is provided for reference purposes only and may not be all inclusive. Listing of a code in this policy does not imply that
    [Show full text]
  • Faecal Calprotectin in Inflammatory Bowel Diseases
    Clin Chem Lab Med 2019; 57(9): 1295–1307 Review Emilio J. Laserna-Mendieta* and Alfredo J. Lucendo Faecal calprotectin in inflammatory bowel diseases: a review focused on meta-analyses and routine usage limitations https://doi.org/10.1515/cclm-2018-1063 Received September 28, 2018; accepted November 28, 2018; Introduction previously published online January 7, 2019 Calprotectin is a calcium and zinc-binding protein formed Abstract: A growing body of evidence has been published by a heteromeric complex of two subunits, S100A8 and about the usefulness of measuring calprotectin in fae- S100A9. Conformation and oligomerisation state of cal samples (FCAL) in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) S100A8/A9 is driven by their calcium and zinc-binding assessment, including diagnosis, monitoring of disease properties, which leads to the formation of the physiologi- activity and relapse prediction. Several systematic reviews cally active heterooligomer [1, 2]. It is derived from human with meta-analyses compiling studies for each particular neutrophils and monocytes and represents around 60% of clinical setting have been carried out in recent years. Most soluble cytosol proteins in human neutrophil granulocytes of these were focused on the use of FCAL in IBD diagno- [3]. Calprotectin was previously known as MRP8/MRP14, sis and showed a relevant role for this marker in select- cystic fibrosis-associated antigen, calgranulin and S100, ing patients with gastrointestinal symptoms who would and it has been classically considered a defence protein at not need a further examination by endoscopy. Although the epithelial surface level due to its antimicrobial activ- a lesser number of meta-analyses have been performed on ity depriving microorganisms of transition metals [4, 5].
    [Show full text]
  • Fecal Calprotectin (And Fecal Lactoferrin) More Accurately Reflect Endoscopic Activity of Ulcerative Colitis Than
    Biomarkers for Inflammatory Bowel Disease Objectives • Describe Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Irritable Bowel Syndrome • Describe the Clinical and Laboratory investigation of Chronic Gastrointestinal disease • Learn how Receiver Operator Curves can be used to assess the clinical utility of tests • Understand the Role of Inflammatory Markers in the Diagnosis of Inflammatory Bowel Disease • Understand how these markers can be used for monitoring therapy and relapse • Learn about cutting edge markers for diagnosis of Crohns disease and Ulcerative Colitis. Burden of Disease • Inflammatory Bowel Disease – 250,000 in Canada • Irritable Bowel Syndrome – 3,000,000 in Canada Chronic Gastrointestinal Disease Inflammatory Bowel Disease(IBD) Irritable Bowel Syndrome(IBS) Rome III Lichtiger index (2006) Criteria ▪ Diarrhea frequency ▪ At least 3 days per month in past 12 ▪ Nocturnal diarrhea weeks of continuous or recurrent ▪ Need for antidiarrheal medications abdominal pain or discomfort ▪ With at least 2 of the following: ▪ Visible blood (% of movements) ▪ Relief with defecation ▪ Altered stool frequency ▪ Fecal incontinence ▪ Altered stool form ▪ Abdominal pain/cramping ▪ Onset of symptoms more than 6 ▪ Abdominal tenderness months before diagnosis ▪ Well-being Crohn’s Disease Ulcerative Colitis IBD – Crohn’s and Ulcerative Colitis Crohn’s Ulcerative Colitis • crampy abdominal pain • crampy abdominal pain • persistent diarrhea • urgent bowel (Tenesmus) • Fever • loose stools • occasional rectal bleeding • bloody stool • loss of appetite • Fatigue • anemia due to blood loss (in severe cases only) • Weight loss • Fatigue • Patchy Inflammation Continuous Inflammation • Histology • Histology • deep into tissue • Shallow, mucosal • may be transmural Common Biomarkers in Ulcerative Colitis. The Receiver Operator Characteristic (ROC)curve • is used to determine the diagnostic performance of a test(clinical classification ability).
    [Show full text]
  • Doctor I Still Have Symptoms!
    Doctor I still have symptoms! Coeliac UK March 2019 Professor David S Sanders NHS England’s Rare Diseases Collaborative Network (RDCN) for Non- Responsive and Refractory Coeliac Disease. Royal Hallamshire Hospital & University of Sheffield What would you do with this case? • 25 year old girl presents with abdominal pain and diarrhoea • Weak positive EMA • Symptoms don’t respond on a GFD and losing weight after 3/12 30% of patients with serology negative VA have coeliac disease Tropical sprue Allergies to proteins other than gluten (cow’s milk/soya) Autoimmune enteropathy Giardia on duodenal biopsy Collagenous'sprue Common variable • No cause found in 18% (n=36) immunodeficiency/AIDS • Of these 72% (n=26/36) Drug-induced/radiation enteritis spontaneously normalised Hypogammaglobulinaemic sprue duodenal histology whilst Ischaemia consuming gluten Inflammatory bowel disease • Do not place patients with Kwashiorkor Antibody Negative Villous Helminth infestation/Giardia Atrophy on a Gluten Free Diet Whipple’s/Tuberculosis Zollinger-Ellison syndrome Aziz I et al Gut 2016 Olmesartan! Antibody negative coeliac disease prevalence ranges from 6.4-9.1% in cohorts of patients diagnosed with coeliac disease Why? IgA deficiency Early in disease Late in disease Immunosuppresants Imran Aziz Patient commenced a GFD prior to Testing Family History: 1st degree relatives Hopper AD et al BMJ 2007;334(7596):729 Hopper AD et al Clin Gastro 2008;6:314-20 Adult patients with coeliac disease and persisting symptoms Not Review original CD diagnosis: Coeliac histology,
    [Show full text]
  • Diarrhoea What Happens After I Refer My Patient to Gastro?
    Diarrhoea: A Running Commentary Diane O’Meara Physician Associate Digestive Diseases Centre Objectives • Discuss common and sort-of-common causes of (chronic) diarrhoea • Review the standard tests done in GP setting for evaluation of diarrhoea • Discuss what happens after a patient is referred to gastroenterology for investigation of diarrhoea A Few Causes, in no particular order • Medication • Microscopic colitis • Infectious • Bile acid diarrhoea • Coeliac • Small bowel bacterial • IBD overgrowth • Bowel cancer • Pancreatic insufficiency • Diverticular • Lactose malabsorption • Overflow • IBS Definition • A condition in which stool is – more liquid than usual and – is passed more frequently than usual (three or more in a day) • Patients may use a variety of terms – Clotted cream – Liquidy – Fluffy – Wet wind Classification Possible Investigations GP • Standard stool culture – Salmonella, Shigella, Campylobacter, E coli 0157 – C difficile • Ova and Parasites, Giardia and Cryptosporidium • Bloods – FBC, B12, folate, iron studies – Thyroid function – tTG IgA (coeliac) – CRP (IBD) – CA-125 (ovarian cancer) • FIT (if age appropriate) – Measure of occult blood- neoplasm/polyp? • Faecal calprotectin – Measure of inflammation- (IBD?) Parasitic Infection and Chronic Diarrhoea • Recommended to send 3 samples for O&P, 2 days apart • Immunocompromised • Travellers – ‘other than to Western Europe, North America, Australia or New Zealand’ (NICE) Note travel history • On request form for the lab • Where • When (up to 2 years?) • Household contacts travelled?? UHL Coeliac Disease • Immune-mediated Enteropathy (immune system attacking the small bowel) • Precipitated by exposure to dietary gluten Coeliac Disease • 0.7% prevalence in Europe • Diarrhoea may be present in 43-85% of patients • Other signs and symptoms may include abdominal pain, constipation, weight loss, iron/vitamin deficiencies, fatigue, infertility Interactive • A 25 year old woman is seen in the GP surgery for a history of abdominal bloating and diarrhoea.
    [Show full text]
  • Introduction to Faecal Calprotectin for Gps Dr a Poullis
    Introduction to faecal calprotectin for GPs Dr A Poullis St George’s University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust Introduction Faecal calprotectin, a novel marker of intestinal inflammation and may play a role in clarifying the presence of pathology. Calprotectin is a stable protein that accounts for about 60% of neutrophil cytosolic protein. Calprotectin is released into the faeces when neutrophils gather at the site of any gastro-intestinal tract inflammation. Calprotectin can provide a non-invasive, inexpensive and objective method for assessing patients when considering the need for additional possible invasive procedures e.g. colonscopy or imaging studies. The faecal calprotectin test has a relatively high specificity and sensitivity (approximately 90%) for distinguishing between non-inflammatory bowel disorders (e.g. irritable bowel syndrome) and inflammatory bowel disease (e.g. ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease). Faecal calprotectin has displayed the most promise in the measurement of intestinal inflammation for which conventional diagnostic modalities are often invasive. It is also able to identify inflammation in the small bowel, an area which is not able to be examined fully with standard endoscopy equipment. Faecal calprotectin can be measured in a single stool, rather than a 24-hour or four- day stool collection, thus improving convenience for patients and laboratory staff. Only 5 grams of faeces is required to be collected in a standard faeces collection pot. Additionally, calprotectin is very stable due to calcium binding, and specimens can be stored for up to 7 days at room temperature before being processed. While faecal calprotectin is a very sensitive measure of intestinal inflammation, it is not specific for the cause of inflammation.
    [Show full text]
  • Calprotectin ELISA
    Calprotectin ELISA Sensitive marker for differentiation between chronic infl ammatory and functional bowel disease Fast test performance in 75 minutes Wide measurement range of 1.9 to 2100 μg/g Technical data Coating Monoclonal anti-calprotectin antibodies Calibration Quantitative, in microgram per gram(g/g), 6 calibrators Sample material Stool samples, 1 : 50 diluted in extraction buffer Reagents Ready for use, with the exception of the wash buffer (10 x) and extraction buffer (5 x); colour-coded solutions Test procedure 30 min / 30 min / 15 min (sample / conjugate / substrate incubation), room temperature, fully automatable. Measurement 450 nm, reference wavelength between 620 nm and 650 nm Test kit format 96 break-off wells; kit includes all reagents Order no. EQ 6831-9601 Clinical signifi cance Calprotectin is a calcium- and zinc-binding protein, which is mainly present in neutrophil granulocytes, monocytes and mac- rophages. With a share of 60 %, it is the most frequent protein in the cytoplasm of neutrophils. It is antimicrobial and immu- nomodulatory. In the case of infl ammation of the gastrointestinal tract, leucocytes, among them neutrophils, migrate into the bowel mucosa and release calprotectin, which is excreted with the stool (faecal calprotectin, FC). The concentration of FC is directly proportional to the intensity of the neutrophil infi ltrate in the bowel mucosa. Therefore, faecal calprotectin is a sensitive, accurate marker for intestinal infl ammation. Increased FC level have been found in (active) chronic infl ammatory bowel diseases (CIBD), infections (HIV; bacterial or viral gastroenteritis), colorectal carcinoma, untreated coeliac disease and diverticulitis. Signifi cantly increased values of FC were also observed after treatment with non-steroid antiphlogistics.
    [Show full text]