Serum Calprotectin and Iron Metabolism Biomarker Levels in Behcet's Disease

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the serum levels of calprotectin, hepcidin, iron, and ferritin in Behcet's disease (BD). Materials and Methods: This study included 40 patients with BD who met the diagnostic criteria of the BD International Study Group (1990) and 40 healthy control participants. Serum high-sensitive C-reactive protein (hsCRP), hepcidin, calprotectin, ferritin, iron, and unsaturated iron-binding capacity (UIBC) levels were determined in all study participants. Results: Statistically significant difference was found between the groups in respect of calprotectin (p<0.05), UIBC (p<0.05), hsCRP (p<0.05), and hemoglobin (p<0.05) levels. No statistically significant differences were determined between the patients and the controls in terms of hepcidin, iron, and ferritin levels. Cut-off value of 212.3 pg/mL for calprotectin was determined to identify patients with BD having a sensitivity and specificity of 100% and 90%, respectively. Conclusion: Serum calprotectin may be a useful biomarker in the evaluation of inflammatory status and BD diagnosis. Total iron-binding capacity and hemoglobin may be more useful in evaluating iron deficiency anemia in patients with BD.