Utility of serum Amyloid A as a serum biomarker for mucosal inflammation in patients with Ulcerative Colitis

Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammatory disease, serum Amyloid A is an acute phase reactant. To assess the utility of serum Amyloid (A) as a Serum Biomarker for mucosal inflammation in patients with ulcerative colitis. This cross sectional study included 180 patients complaining of symptoms and signs suggesting active U.C. Basic information was collected including age, sex and course of present illness. Patients were divided according to colonoscopic features and histopathological findings into 2 groups; Group I (non-UC, n = 156) and Group II (UC group, n = 24). Group II was subdivided into 3 subgroups; Group II a (Mild UC, n = 3), Group II b (moderate UC, n = 6) and Group II c (severe UC, n = 15). Clinical activity was assessed by SCCAI index. Serum Amyloid A was measured, followed by colonoscopy with biopsy, then patients started treatment according to the guidelines. After treatment, we reassessed patients by colonoscopy with biopsy and Amyloid A remeasured. A statistically significant difference between the studied groups as regards baseline serum amyloid A, which was higher among patients with severe UC (P<0.001). Serum Amyloid A, CRP, and calprotectin decreased significantly after treatment. Statistically significant differences were detected between treatment responders and non-responders in terms of CRP, Calprotectin and Amyloid A levels. Serum amyloid A is a useful marker in diagnosing ulcerative colitis and also as a predictor of disease severity and treatment response.