Elevated Fecal Calprotectin Levels in Pediatric Patients with H pylori Infection

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P Villalba-Davila et al. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr. 2025;80:617–622 Helicobacter pylori infection is associated with significant elevations to fecal calprotectin, systemic inflammatory markers

In this retrospective study from a high immigrant density community, patients aged 6–18 years old who had an fecal calprotectin (FC) level within 6 months prior to EGD and who were tested for HP infection were included in the study. 

Key findings:

  • Of 129 patients, 37 (28.7%) tested positive for HP infection.
  • The mean FC level was significantly elevated in HP-positive patients (241.2) as compared with HP-negative patients (88.1) (p < 0.001)
  • HP-positive patients were also found to have small but notably higher elevations of CRP and ESR levels

My take: This study confirms what I have seen in my own practice. Patients with H pylori frequently have elevated calprotectin levels. Checking stool for H pylori may help avoid some colonoscopies. H pylori infection, however, can be present in patients with inflammatory bowel disease as well.

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Phang Nga Bay, Thailand