PERSONALHEALTHNEWS.CA A SPECIAL INTEREST SECTION BYMEDIAPLANETCanadians living with infl ammatory bowel
disease (IBD), such as Crohn’s or ulcerative
colitis, often don’t show outward signs of
infl ammation. Yet their insides could be
severely infl amed, putting them at risk
of a disease fl are and its complications.
With severe fl ares, patients may require
the surgical removal of a section of their
intestinal tract.
Monitoring inflammation levels iscritical to avoid both complications and
surgery. A colonoscopy is one method of
monitoring but it’s uncomfortable, invasive,
and time-consuming. It involves passing a
small camera through the rectum on a long
guidable cable. In preparation, patients need
to fast the night before and purge the entire
gut through laxatives and enemas.
A simpler and less-invasive way tomonitor infl ammation levels is with the
fecal calprotectin test. It’s delivered through
a stool sample and measures the level of
calprotectin in the fecal matter.
“The fecal calprotectin test is used as
a marker for intestinal inflammation,”
explains Dr. Rachel Bourgault, gastro-
enterologist at the Integrated University
Health and Social Services Centre (CIUSSS)
for Mauricie and Centre-du-Quebec. “Cal-
protectin is a protein found in the white
blood cells. When there is infl ammation in
t he digestive tract, calprotectin builds up in
the stools.”
While the calprotectin test doesn’t
completely replace a colonoscopy, it’s an
important, non-invasive monitoring tool to
be considered, as it can easily be repeated
and involves no preparation.Benefits of fecal calprotectin
testing
The fecal calprotectin test helps physicians
and specialists diff erentiate between dis-
eases like IBD and functional disorders, such
as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). “The test
will show negative results in cases of IBS,eliminating the need for further, unneces-
sary testing,” says Dr. Bourgault.
The test can help distinguish patients
having a disease fl are from those who are
having non-disease-related bowel symp-
toms. Most importantly, it can help identify
severe infl ammation, even in people who
don’t show any symptoms.
“It’s a quick and simple test for the
patient,” says Dr. Bourgault. “They can even
do it at home using a smartphone!”
Having the ability to track and be aware
of their own inflammation levels can
empower people living with IBD, allowing
them to have more clear and focused discus-
sions with their physician.Anne PapmehlC
roh n’s d i s e a s e a nd u lc er at ive c ol it i s a re t wo
forms of infl ammatory bowel disease (IBD)
which involve a dysregulated immune
system, and unpleasant, often debilitating
gastrointestinal symptoms such as abdominal pain,
diarrhea, and impaired nutrient absorption.
People tend to be diagnosed with Crohn’s or
ulcerative colitis during their peak reproductive
years — typically between the ages of 15 and 30 —
which can be especially challenging for women who
wish to have children. “Unfortunately it’s a chronic
illness, so they carry that diagnosis for their whole
lives,” says Dr. Yvette Leung, MD and Associate Clin-
ical Professor at the University of British Columbia.Navigating the pregnancy conversation
In the past, women taking medication for IBD were
advised against pregnancy and breastfeeding. “There
were a lot of myths and misconceptions about fertil-
it y a nd t he abi l it y to become preg n a nt, st ay preg n a nt,and have healthy children while on IBD medication,”
says Dr. Leung.
It’s critical that women diagnosed with IBD
speak with their gastroenterologist about medica-
tion options prior to becoming pregnant and how
those medications might impact the safety of their
p r e g n a n c y.
Recent evidence shows that the majority of IBD
medications are considered safe for pregnancy and
nursing. “Looking at large studies with appropriate
control groups, there doesn’t seem to be any risk to
the pregnancy itself or the health of the newborn
from these medications,” says Dr. Leung.
While some women still have concerns, Dr.
Leung points out that it’s important for future moms
to have frank, one-on-one conversations with their
health care providers about the potential risks of con-
tinuing the medication versus the potential risks of
stopping it. “Women have options and we want t hem
to feel comfortable with their own decisions, but we
also want them to be educated decisions,” says Dr.
Leung. Fortunately, there are now many centres in
Canada that specialize in IBD and pregnancy, which
can help women living with IBD feel supported and
confi dent in their own health care decisions.Anne PapmehlDr. Rachel Bourgault
Gastroenterologist,
Integrated University Health
and Social Services CentreMoms-to-be with IBD
Can Have Safe Pregnancies
Dr. Yvette Leung
MD & Associate Clinical
Professor, University of
British ColumbiaA Simpler Way to Help
Prevent IBD Flares
This page was made possible with support from AbbVie.To learn more about the fecal
calprotectin test, visit
cdhf.ca/en/videos/fecal-calprotectin