Review of fecal biomarkers in inflammatory bowel disease

Abstract

Purpose: We reviewed potential fecal biomarkers of inflammatory bowel disease and assessed their utility in a range of clinical applications.

Methods: A literature search using PubMed, MEDLINE, and Embase database was performed, locating all language articles on fecal biomarkers, including calprotectin and lactoferrin. The references of these papers were searched manually for further references.

Results: A wide range of fecal biomarkers have been evaluated in the research setting. Only fecal calprotectin and lactoferrin have translated into useful clinical tools. These biomarkers have demonstrated high sensitivity for organic intestinal disease and good correlation with other measures of disease activity in inflammatory bowel disease.

Conclusions: Fecal calprotectin and lactoferrin are useful triage tools to differentiate organic intestinal disorders from functional disorders. They also have a role in monitoring inflammatory bowel disease activity and predicting relapse.