C-reactive protein (CRP)
C-reactive protein (CRP) is a biomarker of inflammation and is used in various clinical settings for evaluation. Here’s how CRP is utilized:
- Detection and monitoring of inflammation: CRP levels increase rapidly in response to inflammation, making it a sensitive marker for detecting acute and chronic inflammatory processes in the body. It is often used to monitor the progression of inflammatory conditions such as infections, autoimmune diseases, and inflammatory disorders like rheumatoid arthritis or inflammatory bowel disease.
- Diagnosis and monitoring of infections: Elevated CRP levels are commonly seen in bacterial infections and serve as a supportive tool in diagnosing and monitoring infectious diseases. CRP levels rise quickly after the onset of infection and decrease as the infection resolves. Monitoring CRP levels helps assess the effectiveness of treatment and the resolution of infection.
- Assessment of cardiovascular risk: CRP levels have been associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular events, such as heart attacks and strokes. High-sensitivity CRP (hs-CRP) testing is used to evaluate cardiovascular risk in individuals without symptoms of cardiovascular disease. Elevated hs-CRP levels may indicate increased inflammation in the arteries, which can contribute to the development and progression of cardiovascular disease.
- Monitoring response to therapy: CRP levels can be monitored to assess the response to treatment in various conditions, including infections, autoimmune diseases, and cardiovascular disease. A decrease in CRP levels following treatment indicates a reduction in inflammation and may suggest a positive response to therapy.
- Prognostic marker in critical illness: Elevated CRP levels have been associated with an increased risk of adverse outcomes in critically ill patients, including higher mortality rates. Monitoring CRP levels in critically ill patients helps predict prognosis and guide treatment decisions.