Calprotectin test results when you have IBD
Hi all.
I’m new to this forum and to have had a recent diagnosis of IBD.
After a few years of having been hospitalised for colitis and diverticulitis, I have only recently had a calprotectin test. This showed my levels to be at around 900. After two courses of steroids it came down to 160 ish. Then after a third course it went up to 260…? I did have a cold and sore throat about a week later, so I don’t know if my digestive system was getting upset at that time.
I will be contacting my GP surgery soon, but before I get an appt, I would like to know if people who are living with IBD ever have normal calprotectin levels, which I believe normal levels should between O-49.
Am I expecting too much for it ever to be in the normal range?
Can fluctuations happen for no apparent reason?
Any thoughts and advice would be really appreciated.
Thanks.
PS.
60 year old male. I take a coated baby aspirin daily and lansaprosole. I do get indigestion regularly. Don’t smoke, eat healthy and exercise daily.
In my experience with Crohn's for the past 35 years, my calprotectin levels always fluctuated even if I didn't do anything. It really only shows your level of inflammation and that will always go up and down. My last test done just this year was the first time in 35 years that it has been low (it was only 5) but it's been as high as almost 2000. Your doctor should be able to advise better, but in my experience, yes, it goes up and down.
Vern - IBD Team Member
Mine aways fluctuates. Unfortunately, having the IBD diagnosis it is expected to be high. I have been in the 4,000's before during a bad flare. The lowest I have ever been throughout my over ten years of being diagnosed is in the 30's. My most recent I was just under 200. I think when levels are in normal range, that will only happen when the disease is under control. I hope this helps some. -Elizabeth (team member)
