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C-reactive protein: Difference between revisions
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== Biochemistry == | == Biochemistry == | ||
CRP binds to phosphocholine which is found on the cell membrane of dead cells and some bacteria. This binding activates the ''[[complement system]].'' CRP also enhances [[phagocytosis]] of whatever CRP binds to, making it an [[opsonin]]. | CRP is a ring-shaped pentameric protein which binds to phosphocholine which is found on the cell membrane of dead cells and some bacteria. This binding activates the ''[[complement system]].'' CRP also enhances [[phagocytosis]] of whatever CRP binds to, making it an [[opsonin]]. | ||
CRP is synthesised in the liver. | CRP is synthesised in the liver. | ||
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Following CRP levels daily or over time can be used to monitor treatment response. If the CRP level decreases over time, one can conclude that the inflammation is decreasing and therefore that the treatment is efficacious. | Following CRP levels daily or over time can be used to monitor treatment response. If the CRP level decreases over time, one can conclude that the inflammation is decreasing and therefore that the treatment is efficacious. | ||
CRP has a high negative predictive value for infection and inflammation, meaning that a negative result with high probability rules out severe infection and inflammation. A notable exception is some rheumatological disorders, for which [[erythrocyte sedimentation rate]] is a more sensitive marker of inflammation. | CRP has a high negative predictive value for infection and inflammation, meaning that a negative result with high probability rules out severe infection and inflammation. A notable exception is some rheumatological disorders, for which [[erythrocyte sedimentation rate]] is a more sensitive marker of inflammation. | ||
== CRP as a marker of cardiovascular risk == | == CRP as a marker of cardiovascular risk == | ||
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== CRP as a marker of malignancy == | == CRP as a marker of malignancy == | ||
CRP is elevated, usually only mildly (10-100 units) in some malignancies, most notably haematological ones. | CRP is elevated, usually only mildly (10-100 units) in some malignancies, most notably haematological ones. <section end="clinical biochemistry" /> | ||
[[Category:Laboratory Medicine]] | [[Category:Laboratory Medicine]] | ||
[[Category:Biochemistry]] | [[Category:Biochemistry]] | ||