2024, Vol. 7, Issue 2, Part A

Methods: This was a cross-sectional descriptive study carried out among 71 children between the age of 1 and 12 years with RAP. The collected data from the colnic patients consisted of demographic data, clinical manifestations such as diarrhea, constipation or abdominal bloated, and biochemical data like fecal calprotectin and high sensitivity C-reactive protein, hemoglobin, packed cell volume, white blood cell count, and IL-1 Beta. Pear’s product moment correlation, independent samples’ T-tests, regression analysis and ANOVA were used to test these hypotheses.

Results: Positive correlations obtained were observed between FC and CRP (r = 0. 67), WBC count (r = 0. 50), and IL-1 Beta of (r = 0. 70) which pointed out towards a good inflammation. Thus, the levels of fecal calprotectin were significantly higher in children with diarrhea and abdominal bloating; the mean value was 382. Multivariate regression analysis was used to determine the independent predictors of fecal calprotectin which included diarrhea, abdominal bloating, CRP, Hemoglobin, WBC count and IL-1 Beta. This study did not show any significant differences with regard to the gender and age of the patients as far as calprotectin levels are concerned.

Conclusion: Thus, the results regarding fecal calprotectin justify its use as an accessible marker for differentiation of the functional and organic origin of RAP in children. There are a correlation with calprotectin levels and inflammatory markers, as well as some specific gastrointestinal symptoms. Implementing fecal calprotectin measurement as an adjunct to the care of children with RAP in primary and secondary hospitals could increase diagnostic precise |and advance the management approach used among such children in LMICs.