Sialic Acid as a Suitable Marker of Clinical Disease Activity in Patients with Crohn's Disease

Objective Elevated serum levels of sialic acid (SA) have been verified in patients with various inflammatory conditions. The association between the Crohn's disease (CD) activity and serum SA has been insufficiently studied. Materials and Methods Serum SA concentrations were determined using an enzymatic colorimetric assay method, and the correlation of SA with the Harvey-Bradshaw Index (HBI) and other inflammation activity markers was evaluated using the Spearman correlation. The predictive value of SA in estimating CD disease activity was assessed using the receiver operating characteristic. Results The SA levels were positively correlated with HBI and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels. The correlation of SA with the HBI was superior to that of CRP with the HBI. The area under the curve for SA was higher than that for CRP, with an optimal cutoff value of 53.14 mg/dL for active CD. Conclusion Serum SA correlates with the HBI score better and has better predictive value in monitoring CD disease activity than CRP or other inflammatory markers.