Is colonoscopy needed for ulcerative colitis?

Question

Hi doctor,

I have ulcerative colitis, and I am taking Humira 40 mg every other week. I did a colonoscopy, and there was mild inflammation. However, recently, I did a calprotectin test, and the result was 1000 mg. I retook the test after a month, and the result was 1120 mg. My CRP is 0.4 mg/L. My gastroenterologist does not think I should be worried and thinks it might be due to food poisoning two months ago. I want a second opinion. Do I need rescue therapy? Should I increase the dosage for Humira? Do I need a colonoscopy?

Thanks.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

Your calprotectin levels are high. Generally, this means that you have IBS (inflammatory bowel syndrome) (which is, of course, diagnosed already). Mostly, it is high in cases of IBS, some bacterial infections of the intestine, cancer of the intestine, and the excessive use of anti-inflammatory medicines. You can get a colonoscopy done if you have worsening symptoms; otherwise, it is not needed. Kindly share all the lab reports done. Also, let me know if you have a history of intestinal cancer in your family.

I hope this information will help you.

Thanks.