Role of Faecal Calprotectin in Patients With Abdominal Pain

Role of Faecal Calprotectin in Patients Presenting to the Emergency Department With Abdominal Pain

The evaluation of patients with abdominal pain is a challenge for the emergency physician and the selection of patients for second-level radiological examinations or endoscopic procedures is not always easy to perform. Faecal calprotectin could be a useful diagnostic marker to distinguish between "organic" or "functional" form and its determination could be helpful to select patients for further examinations, in the context of emergency setting.

Inclusion Criteria:

• patients with abdominal pain and/or diarrhea and/or rectal bleeding

Exclusion Criteria:

• patients with age < 18 years
• pregnant women;
• patients with oncological, cardiological, nephrological terminal diseases;
• patients on antibiotic therapy or who have taken it during the last month;
• patients with a history of colic resection or gastrointestinal surgery;
• patients with a previous diagnosis of inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis)