Fecal Calprotectin in Pediatric Gastrointestinal Disorders

Gastrointestinal symptoms such as chronic abdominal pain, persistent diarrhea, and rectal bleeding are common reasons for referral to pediatric gastroenterology clinics. Distinguishing organic inflammatory disease from functional disorders remains a diagnostic challenge.

Fecal calprotectin is a non-invasive marker of intestinal inflammation. This study will include children aged 2 to 18 years with chronic or recurrent gastrointestinal symptoms who are scheduled for endoscopic evaluation. Fecal calprotectin levels will be measured and compared with endoscopic and histopathological findings to determine diagnostic performance, including sensitivity, specificity, and optimal cutoff values.

Inclusion criteria

• - Age 2 to 18 years
• Chronic gastrointestinal symptoms of more than 4 weeks duration (chronic diarrhea, recurrent abdominal pain, rectal bleeding, unexplained weight loss, or failure to thrive)
• Scheduled for upper gastrointestinal endoscopy and/or ileocolonoscopy with mucosal biopsy
• Written informed consent from parents or legal guardians

Exclusion criteria

• Age below 2 years
• Use of NSAIDs, systemic corticosteroids, or antibiotics within 4 weeks before stool sampling
• Documented acute gastrointestinal infection, surgical gastrointestinal bleeding, or intestinal parasitic infestation
• Previous gastrointestinal surgery, known malignancy, chronic liver disease, chronic kidney disease, or cystic fibrosis
• Refusal of parents or legal guardians to participate
• Failure to obtain an adequate stool sample