[The role of fecal calprotectin in the diagnosis and treatment of gastrointestinal diseases].

The diagnostics of gastrointestinal diseases have evolved significantly in the past few decades. Besides endoscopy and conventional imaging modalities, there is a growing interest for rapid point-of-care laboratory tests to help discriminate between diseases with similar clinical symptoms and/or help the follow-up of chronic conditions, predicting relapses. The fecal calprotectin testing is a routine diagnostic tool in many countries. It is also more and more accessible in Hungary as well. We aim to present a short review on the role and performance of fecal calprotectin test in the diagnosis and follow-up of gastrointestinal diseases, especially inflammatory bowel diseases, gastrointestinal infections, irritable bowel syndrome and pediatric conditions. By presenting the different cut-off values, sensitivity and specificity rates representative for each disease, we hope to further aid clinicians in decision-making regarding these conditions. Orv Hetil. 2019; 160(9): 322-328.