A novel prognostic biomarker for recurrent aphthous stomatitis: calprotectin

Abstract

AbstractObjectiveThis study aims to investigate whether there is a correlation between serum calprotectin concentration and oral ulcer activity in patients with active recurrent aphthous stomatitis.MethodThis prospective, cross-sectional, historical cohort study included 52 patients (26 with active lesions and 26 with inactive lesions) with recurrent aphthous stomatitis and 27 healthy volunteers. The relationship between the groups was statistically evaluated in terms of serum calprotectin level and other inflammatory parameters.ResultsThe median calprotectin value of the active lesion group (80.5 ng/ml) was significantly higher than that of the control group (55.4 ng/ml, p = 0.002). Furthermore, the median calprotectin value of the active lesion group was significantly higher than that of the inactive lesion group (72.5 ng/ml, p = 0.017).ConclusionIn patients with recurrent aphthous stomatitis and active ulcer lesions, the serum calprotectin value can be used as a reliable and robust prognostic marker for inflammation.