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C-reactive protein: Difference between revisions
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(Created page with "'''C-reactive protein''', often abbreviated '''CRP''', is an acute phase protein and a commonly measured laboratory parameter in the evaluation of inflammation. Its name comes from its ability to bind to the C-polysaccharide of pneumococci. == 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 phagoc...") |
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'''C-reactive protein''', often abbreviated '''CRP''', is an [[acute phase protein]] and a commonly measured laboratory parameter in the evaluation of [[inflammation]]. Its name comes from its ability to bind to the C-polysaccharide of [[Streptococcus pneumoniae|pneumococci]]. | <section begin="clinical biochemistry" />'''C-reactive protein''', often abbreviated '''CRP''', is an [[acute phase protein]] and a commonly measured laboratory parameter in the evaluation of [[inflammation]]. Its name comes from its ability to bind to the C-polysaccharide of [[Streptococcus pneumoniae|pneumococci]]. | ||
== Biochemistry == | == Biochemistry == | ||
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The level of CRP correlates to some degree to the degree of inflammation and therefore the severity of the disease. An infection with CRP 200 is almost always more severe than one with 50. | The level of CRP correlates to some degree to the degree of inflammation and therefore the severity of the disease. An infection with CRP 200 is almost always more severe than one with 50. | ||
The level of CRP can be used to distinguish between bacterial infection and other causes of inflammation, such as viral infections. There is no sharp cut-off, but markedly elevated levels > 100-150 is | The level of CRP can be used to distinguish between bacterial infection and other causes of inflammation, such as viral infections. There is no sharp cut-off, but markedly elevated levels > 100-150 is associated with bacterial infection. However, adenovirus infection can also cause a markedly elevated CRP. | ||
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.<section end="clinical biochemistry" /> | ||
== 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- | CRP is elevated, usually only mildly (10-100 units) in some malignancies, most notably haematological ones. | ||
[[Category:Laboratory Medicine]] | [[Category:Laboratory Medicine]] | ||
[[Category:Biochemistry]] | [[Category:Biochemistry]] | ||