Fecal calprotectin as an intestinal inflammation marker is elevated in glaucoma.

Objective

The aim of this study was to investigate the potential association between glaucoma and fecal calprotectin.

Methods

A total of 144 glaucomatous patients and 66 healthy controls were enlisted for this study. The fecal calprotectin was assessed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

Results

The median fecal calprotectin levels were significantly elevated in glaucoma (73.67 vs 41.97 μg/g; p < 0.001), primary angle-closure glaucoma (76.85 μg/g; p < 0.001) and primary open-angle glaucoma (69.29 μg/g; p = 0.016) groups compared with controls. A notable proportion of the glaucoma (24%; p < 0.001), primary angle-closure glaucoma (21%; p < 0.001) and primary open-angle glaucoma (24%; p < 0.001) subgroups exhibited highly abnormal fecal calprotectin levels (≥250 μg/g).

Conclusion

Elevated fecal calprotectin might indicate potential intestinal inflammation in glaucoma.