Could fecal calprotectin serve as an indicator of gastrointestinal (GI) complications in individuals with systemic sclerosis?

Abstract Introduction : Systemic sclerosis is a connective tissue disease with unpredictable symptoms. The GI tract is often affected, with calprotectin levels indicating inflammation. We are examining fecal calprotectin as a simple method to diagnose GI disorders and disease activity. Materials and methods We gathered information from the 39 patients by filling out a UCLA SCTS 2.0 questionnaire regarding their GI symptoms. Additionally, we examined their skin and determined their skin score. Blood samples were taken to assess malnutrition, and stool samples were collected to measure the calprotectin level. We also conducted a non-aggressive Barium Swallow and CT Enterography to check for GI disorders. Results Increased levels of FC didn’t have any correlation with age (P Value = 0.79), disease type (P Value = 0.59), slight intestine wall thickening (P Value = 0.10), esophageal dilatation (P Value = 0.18), skin score (P Value = 0.25), final GI score (P Value = 0.30) and none of the serum tests. In our study, just 5 cases had evidence of wall thickening in CT Enterography, and all those 5 cases had increased levels of calprotectin. Also, as most of our patients take vitamin and mineral supplements, we couldn’t find any signs of micronutrient deficiencies or correlation with FC level. Discussion and Conclusion: While no statistical correlation was found between FC level and the variables, the results suggest that FC might be a specific tool for assessing intestinal wall thickness. However, due to the limited sample size, further studies are necessary to validate these findings.