Elevated fecal calprotectin is linked to psychosocial complexity in pediatric functional abdominal pain disorders

Complex functional abdominal pain disorders (FAPD) in youth (e.g., categorized by elevated levels of anxiety, pain, and functional disability) are associated with the greatest risk for persistent disability.  Recent findings by senior investigator Cunningham and her colleagues suggest this complex profile of FAPD are also categorized by elevated gastrointestinal inflammation (measured via fecal calprotectin) as compared to those with FAPD and fewer psychosocial risk factors.  These findings highlight the importance of a biopsychosocial approach to enhance understand of phenotypes of FAPD. Read more.