As per the information provided by a recently published cross-sectional study, calprotectin serum levels can be used as a reliable and useful biomarker to diagnose rheumatoid arthritis and its severity.

A total of 44 participants (53±1.6 years old) with disease flare-up were selected for the analysis. The serum samples were collected before and after the treatment to measure ESR, CRP and calprotectin. Disease activity was estimated by applying the Disease Activity Score 28 (DAS28).

Out of 44 participants, 27 showed high, and 17 showed moderate DAS28. The average level of calprotectin in remission and flare-up phases noticed was 188.04±23.58 ng/ml and 347.12±203.60 ng/ml, respectively. Calprotectin showed no significant associations with general health, swollen joint count, and tender joint count. However, ESR and DAS28 found to have considerable connections with calprotectin level. Further, high DAS28 showed higher average calprotectin level as compared to the moderate DAS28. Along with predicting RA and its severity, the calprotectin serum level may also predict the treatment response.