Prevalence and Correlates of Fecal Calprotectin among Spondyloarthritis’s Patient

Abstract

ABSTRACT Aims and Objectives: The study was undertaken to estimate the prevalence of fecal calprotectin among spondyloarthritis (SpA) and its correlates among the Indian population. Methods: All newly diagnosed patients of SpA were enrolled in the study. The data were collected for socio-demographic, inflammatory markers, and disease activity at the time of diagnosis. Stool samples were collected, homogenized, and processed for measurement of fecal calprotectin levels using Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). Results: A total of 93 patients with 18 (19.4%) having peripheral SpA and 75 (80.6%) having axial SpA were included in the study. The average fecal calprotectin (FCP) level was 31.54 ± 30.83 mcg/g. The FCP levels were higher for the peripheral group (46.34 mcg/g vs. 28.16 mcg/g P value < 0.001). High FCP, more than 50 mcg/gm, was found in 24.75% of patients, 20% patients of Axial SpA group, and 44.4% in peripheral SpA. There was a statistically significant correlation between the FCP levels and BASFAI levels. Conclusion: This study demonstrated that a significant proportion of newly diagnosed patients of SpA would have subclinical gut inflammation as measured by FCP. Identifying this subset may be important for early treatment.