Predictive Value of Serum Calprotectin Level in Nasal Polyposis.

Objective: Nasal polyps are benign intranasal masses that are usually bilateral, smooth-surfaced, gelatinous, originating from the epithelium in the middle meatus and ethmoid region, and can block the nasal passage. It is a chronic inflammatory disease of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinus mucosa with multifactorial etiology. Calprotectin (aka S100A8/A9, calgranulin A and B, alarmins, CLP) is a 36.5 small calcium- and zincbinding heterodimer released from macrophages and neutrophils. As an acute phase reactant, its release increases after inflammatory and infectious diseases and trauma. This study aimed to investigate the predictive value of serum calprotectin levels in nasal polyps. Methods: This prospective controlled study constitutes 40 nasal polyp patients, aged between 18 and 65 years, without any chronic systemic and inflammatory disease, and 40 healthy volunteers. Patients' demographic data such as age and gender and the percentage of serum eosinophils in addition to calprotectin, mean platelet volume, leukocyte (white blood cell), hematocrit, total immunoglobulin E values, and neutrophil/lymphocyte ratios in their venous blood samples were recorded for statistical comparison. Results: The calprotectin variable showed a statistically significant difference between the groups. Calprotectin values were higher in group I than in group II (P=.003). However, no significant correlation was found between endoscopic examination grade and calprotectin levels within group I (P=.827). Conclusions: High calprotectin level alone is a strong indicator of nasal inflammation, independent of the patient's nasal polyp physical examination and paranasal sinus computed tomography (PNS CT) scores. It may be predicted that patients with high calprotectin levels will need more nasal and systemic steroid treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]