title: The role and utility of faecal markers in inflammatory bowel disease.
abstract: Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis are characterized by periods of symptomatic relapse and remission. Diagnosis and assessment of inflammatory bowel disease has so far been based on clinical evaluation, serum parameters, radiology and endoscopy. Faecal markers such as calprotectin or lactoferrin have emerged as new diagnostic tools to detect and monitor intestinal inflammation. This review focuses on their potential clinical applications and limitations in the management of inflammatory bowel disease.
authors.affiliation: Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Hospital of Basel, Switzerland.
authors.forename: Frank S
authors.initials: FS
authors.lastname: Lehmann
authors.affiliation: Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Hospital of Basel, Switzerland.
authors.forename: Emanuel
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Burri
authors.affiliation: Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Hospital of Basel, 4031 Basel, Switzerland.
authors.forename: Christoph
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Beglinger
keywords: Crohn’s disease; calprotectin; inflammation; inflammatory bowel disease; lactoferrin; ulcerative colitis