Non-invasive investigation of inflammatory bowel disease

摘要: The assessment of inflammatory activity in intestinal disease man can be done using a variety different techniques. These range from the use non-invasive acute phase markers measured plasma such as C reactive protein (CRP) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) (both which give an indirect activity) to direct by biopsy performed during endoscopy association with endoscopic scoring systems. Both radiology are conventional for diagnosis bowel (IBD). However these techniques have severe limitations when it comes assessing functional components prognosis. Here we briefly review value two emerging function tests. Intestinal permeability, although ideally suited diagnostic screening small Crohn’s disease, appears reliable predictive data imminent relapse used assess responses treatment. More significantly is now clear that single stool assay neutrophil specific proteins (calprotectin, lactoferrin) same quantitative on inflammation 4-day faecal excretion 111Indium labelled white cells. Faecal calprotectin shown increased over 95% patients IBD correlates clinical activity. It reliably differentiates between irritable syndrome. importantly, at given concentration quiescent IBD, test has specificity sensitivity excess 85% predicting disease. This suggests closely related degree targeted treatment asymptomatic stage may indicated.