Age-dependent variation of fecal calprotectin in cystic fibrosis and healthy children

Abstract Background Fecal calprotectin may be used as a non-invasive method to assess the effect of novel therapies on the gut in cystic fibrosis (CF). Method Stools from CF patients and healthy controls (HC) (0–10years old) were prospectively collected for evaluation of temporal trends. Results 130 CF samples (64 subjects) and 114 HC samples (101 subjects) were collected. Overall, fecal calprotectin levels were different in CF patients and HC from 0 to 10years ( P =0.0002). Fecal calprotectin in CF was significantly lower than HC from 0 to 1years ( P = 0.03) and demonstrated an upward trajectory until 4years. From >4 to 10years calprotectin was consistently higher in CF patients compared with HC ( P =0.007). Conclusions Fecal calprotectin levels in children with CF and HC were age-dependent and had distinct trajectories. Careful interpretation of calprotectin is required if used in drug trials for CF, particularly in children less than 4years old.