IntroductionFaecal calprotectin (FC) is a routinely used marker for identifying and monitoring children with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). This non-invasive test is useful for screening children with gastrointestinal symptoms to avoid unnecessary invasive procedures. In this study, we validated for the first time the performance of a fully automated particle-enhanced turbidimetric immunoassay (PETIA) on the VITROS® 5600 analyzer for measurement of FC in symptomatic children and adolescents.Materials and methodsFor performance validation of the PETIA (fCAL® turbo, Bühlmann Laboratories, Switzerland) on the VITROS® 5600 analyzer (Ortho Clinical Diagnostics, USA) limit of quantitation (LoQ), linearity, precision data and calibration curve stability were defined. Additionally, 95 faecal samples were measured using the PETIA, an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA; fCAL®, Bühlmann Laboratories, Switzerland) and a semi-quantitative lateral flow assay (Quantum Blue Reader®, Bühlmann Laboratories, Switzerland) for agreement evaluation.ResultsThe LoQ for calprotectin using PETIA on the VITROS® 5600 analyzer was 21 µg/g. The linearity range was 20 - 2100 µg/g and the precision study showed a total coefficient of variation (CV) between 2.3% and 8.9%. The calibration curve was stable for 4 weeks. Using the clinical samples quantifiable by PETIA, ELISA and the semi-quantitative lateral flow assay, Passing-Bablok regression analysis and Bland-Altman plots showed good agreement.ConclusionsDue to good performance characteristics and agreement with established methods, the fully automated PETIA on the routine chemistry analyzer VITROS® 5600 is a new analytical option for the rapid determination of FC.

Summary Topical therapy plays an important role in the treatment of psoriasis. It is the gold standard in mild psoriasis cases and is also recommended in addition to UV and systemic therapy in cases of moderate to severe psoriasis. In this overview article we summarize the current therapeutic options, taking into account special localizations (scalp, facial, intertriginous/genital, or palmoplantar lesions) and situations (hyperkeratotic or inflammatory forms), as well as the therapy options during pregnancy and breastfeeding. In the initial phase, the combination of topical corticosteroids and vitamin D analogues has proven to be the therapy of choice, as well as monotherapy in each case. In maintenance therapy, fixed combination therapy is recommended once or twice a week. In addition to the right choice of active substances, the choice of the right formulation also plays an important role. To increase adherence, it is very important to consider the personal preferences and experiences of the patient. If topical therapy does not lead to a satisfactory result, additional UV therapy or systemic therapy should be considered.

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ZusammenfassungTopische Therapie spielt eine wichtige Rolle bei der Behandlung der Psoriasis. Sie kommt vor allem bei leichten Verlaufsformen zum Einsatz und wird auch bei mittel‐ bis schwerer Psoriasis zusätzlich zur UV‐ und systemischen Therapie empfohlen. In diesem Übersichtsartikel fassen wir die aktuellen Therapieoptionen zusammen und berücksichtigen dabei besondere Lokalisationen (Gesicht, Capillitium, intertriginöse/genitale Areale, palmoplantar, Nägel) und Situationen (hyperkeratotisch, stark entzündlich) sowie auch die Anwendung in der Schwangerschaft und Stillzeit. In der Initialphase hat sich die Kombination aus topischen Kortikosteroiden und Vitamin‐D‐Analoga als Therapie der Wahl bewährt sowie auch jeweils als Monotherapie. In der Erhaltungstherapie wird die Fixkombination (Bet/Cal) 1–2 x pro Woche empfohlen.Neben der richtigen Wahl der Wirkstoffe spielt auch die Wahl der richtigen Galenik eine bedeutende Rolle. Um die Adhärenz zu verbessern, ist es außerdem wichtig, die persönlichen Präferenzen und Erfahrungen der Patienten zu berücksichtigen. Führt die topische Therapie nicht zu einem zufriedenstellenden Ergebnis, sollte eine zusätzliche UV‐Therapie oder eine systemische Therapie allein oder in Kombination in Betracht gezogen werden.