Procalcitonin (PCT) is gaining attention as a potential biomarker for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) due to its role in detecting inflammation, particularly in bacterial infections. While traditional diagnostic tools for IBD rely on invasive procedures, biomarkers like PCT offer a non-invasive alternative to assess disease activity. However, studies show conflicting results regarding PCT’s effectiveness in differentiating IBD activity, with varying diagnostic cut-off points and sensitivity. Although PCT measurement, combined with other markers such as C-reactive protein (CRP), can enhance diagnostic accuracy, further research is needed to clarify its role in monitoring IBD and predicting disease relapse.
Research suggests that PCT may be more effective than CRP in distinguishing bacterial infections from IBD flares, but it is less reliable for viral infections. Additionally, PCT shows promise as a predictive marker, especially in severe cases like acute ulcerative colitis, where it may indicate treatment response. However, studies have found mixed results in children, underscoring the need for larger, standardized trials. As new biologic therapies reduce emergency surgeries and improve outcomes in IBD, reliable biomarkers like PCT could play a critical role in personalizing treatment and improving patient management.
Reference: Pournaghi SJ, Jamialahmadi H, Pazhohan-Nezhad H, et al. Procalcitonin in inflammatory bowel disease: A diagnostic or prognostic marker. Pathol Res Pract. 2024 Oct;262:155548. doi: 10.1016/j.prp.2024.155548. Epub 2024 Aug 15. PMID: 39173465.
