Faecal calprotectin effectively excludes inflammatory bowel disease in 789 symptomatic young adults with/without alarm symptoms: a prospective UK primary care cohort study

• DOI: 10.1111/apt.14563
• Publication Date: 2018-03-06T04:28:35Z
• Authors: G. J. Walker; L. Moore; N. Heerasing; P. Hendy; M. H. Perry; T. J. McDonald; T. Debenham; R. Bethune; C. Bewshea; C. Hyde; G. A. Heap; A. Singh; C. Calvert; N. A. Kennedy; J. R. Goodhand; T. Ahmad
• Keywords: Faecal calprotectin

Summary Background Primary care faecal calprotectin testing distinguishes inflammatory bowel disease ( IBD ) from functional gut disorder in young patients presenting with abdominal symptoms; however, previous evaluations have excluded alarm symptoms. Aims We sought to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of distinguish adults whom general practitioners GP s) suspected ; including reporting gastrointestinal hypothesised that would reduce secondary referrals and healthcare costs. Methods undertook a prospective cohort study 789 (18‐46 years old) symptoms 49 local practices had undergone (1053 tests: between Jan 2014 May 2016) because . considered levels ≥100 μg/g positive. records over 12 months point were used as reference standard. Results Overall, 39% (308/789) reported 6% (50/789) tested diagnosed The positive negative predictive values for distinguishing 50% (95% CI 36%‐64%) 98% (96%‐100%): without 27% (16%‐41%) 99% (98%‐100%), respectively. estimate savings 279 £160 per patient. Conclusions Calprotectin primary accurately disorder, even reduces