"Tight Control" Using Biomarkers Improves Crohn's
Monitoring certain levels can predict inflammation even without symptoms
Other testing that is used for maintaining tight control are the monitoring of fecal calprotectin and C-reactive protein. Monitoring these levels can help doctors predict if a patient is experiencing bowel inflammation even without showing symptoms. These levels can also show if a patient is beginning to heal, even if they are still showing signs of inflammation. According to these studies, there is a lag between when patients feel better and when they actually start to really “heal” inside, which is why it’s important for doctors to monitor these levels.
Monitoring the levels of fecal calprotectin and C-reactive protein while also performing regular endoscopies does wonders in identifying where the inflammation is occurring, if it’s begun to heal, if it’s causing any permanent damage, and when another flare up is likely to occur.
