Fecal calprotectin measurement to detect recurrence of solitary juvenile polyps: A case report

Abstract

Rationale: Juvenile polyps (JPs) are the most common polyp type and can be observed in 1% of all preschoolers. The peak incidence is observed at ages 3 to 5 years, constituting 90% of all polyps in children. Elevated levels of fecal calprotectin (FC) are often seen in children with JPs. Patient concerns: A 15-month-old girl was referred to our hospital for blood on the stool surface persisting for 3 months. She was healthy, with no abdominal pain, diarrhea, anorexia, or weight loss and no complaints other than hematochezia. Her physical examination, vital signs and laboratory date were unremarkable. Diagnosis: JPs Intervention: Total colonoscopy for her found 2 JPs in the sigmoid colon, which were subsequently resected endoscopically. Outcomes: At the age of 5 years, this patient again had bloody stools. Her FC measurement at that time was 1020 mg/kg, which normalized to 42 mg/kg 3 months after her second resection. Lessons: Single or multiple solitary JPs require follow-up that fully considers the possibility of recurrence. Establishing a method for early confirmation of JP recurrence based on bloody stools, fecal occult blood testing, and FC measurement is necessary.