Which statement best describes the interpretation of a decreasing C-reactive protein and fecal calprotectin in therapy?

Which statement best describes the interpretation of a decreasing C-reactive protein and fecal calprotectin in therapy?

• A. Indicates worsening disease.
• B. Requires only more antibiotics.
• C. Indicates reduced inflammation and favorable response.
• D. Is not informative.

Answer: (C)

A decrease in these markers signals that inflammation is subsiding, which is what you want to see when therapy is working. C-reactive protein rises with systemic inflammation, while fecal calprotectin reflects neutrophil activity in the gut. When effective treatment reduces bowel inflammation, both markers tend to fall, indicating a favorable response and often aligning with symptom improvement and mucosal healing. These tests are useful noninvasively to monitor how well the therapy is controlling disease activity. They’re not indications to add antibiotics, and they aren’t meaningless numbers; a downward trend is generally a good sign of reduced intestinal inflammation.

A decrease in these markers signals that inflammation is subsiding, which is what you want to see when therapy is working. C-reactive protein rises with systemic inflammation, while fecal calprotectin reflects neutrophil activity in the gut. When effective treatment reduces bowel inflammation, both markers tend to fall, indicating a favorable response and often aligning with symptom improvement and mucosal healing. These tests are useful noninvasively to monitor how well the therapy is controlling disease activity. They’re not indications to add antibiotics, and they aren’t meaningless numbers; a downward trend is generally a good sign of reduced intestinal inflammation.