Diagnostic value of fecal calprotectin in primary care patients with gastrointestinal symptoms: A retrospective Swedish cohort study

Abstract

Abstract Aims To investigate the diagnostic accuracy of fecal calprotectin (FC) for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and organic gastrointestinal disease (OGID) in primary care. To examine the association with demographic factors, symptoms and concomitant medical therapy. Methods A retrospective analysis of data on all semiquantitative FC tests from individuals ≥18 years conducted in primary care in Östergötland County in 2010. A 5‐year follow‐up with inclusion of new gastrointestinal diagnoses. Results A total of 1293 eligible patients were included. IBD was found in 8.8% and other OGID in 30.8% of patients with positive FC. Positive FC was associated with diarrhea, age >60 years, duration 35 years, abnormal clinical findings, and duration 35 years, should encourage a prioritized investigation. Use of NSAID, PPI, and ASA may affect the diagnostic accuracy of FC for IBD and OGID.

Keywords

• fecal calprotectin
• gastrointestinal disease
• inflammatory bowel disease
• nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs
• proton pump inhibitors