Serum calprotectin and ischemia modified albumin levels as markers of disease activity in Behçet’s disease

Introduction
Behçet’s disease (BD) is a complex multisystemic inflammatory disorder which is characterized by recurrent attacks of acute inflammation. As there is no universally recognized pathognomonic laboratory marker of BD, its diagnosis is still based on clinical findings.

Aim
To evaluate the role of calprotectin and ischemia modified albumin (IMA) as biomarkers in the assessment of disease activity of BD.

Material and methods
A total of 93 patients with BD and 62 age- and gender-matched healthy controls were included in the study. Disease activity was assessed with the BD Current Activity Form (BDCAF) score. Serum levels of calprotectin, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) and IMA were measured in the patient and control groups.

Results
Serum levels of calprotectin, IMA and hsCRP in patients with BD were higher than those of the healthy control group (p < 0.001 for all). No correlations between calprotectin and IMA, hsCRP, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, CRP, or BDCAF score were found.

Conclusions
As the calprotectin level are increased in BD patients, it could be a candidate biomarker which plays a role in BD pathogenesis.