CRP is a cytokine-induced, acute-phase protein and is useful in the detection and evaluation of infection, tissue injury, and inflammatory disorders. Plasma levels begin increasing within 4 " “6 hours after initial tissue injury and continue to increase several hundred-folds within 24 " “48 hours. CRP remains elevated during the acute-phase response and returns to normal with restoration of tissue structure and function. The rise in CRP is exponential, doubling every 8 " “9 hours. The half-life is <24 hours.
Normal range: Less than 10 mg/L.
Use
For evaluation of infection, tissue injury, and inflammatory disorders
Provides information for the diagnosis, therapy, and monitoring of inflammatory disorders
Independent risk factor for atherosclerosis, cardiac vascular events, hypertension, and MI
Interpretation
Increased In
Acute inflammation
Rheumatoid arthritis, lupus
Cardiovascular disease, atherosclerosis
Oral contraceptives
Inflammatory bowel disease
Giant cell arteritis
Osteomyelitis
Cancer of the lymph nodes
Pregnancy
Decreased In
Patients treated with carboxypenicillins
Liver failure
Limitations
Elevated C-reactive protein (CRP) values are nonspecific and should not be interpreted without a complete clinical history.
Heterophile antibodies may falsely increase levels.
Elevated levels of CRP are influenced by genetics, age, a sedentary lifestyle, stress, exposure to environmental toxins, and diet that specifically contains refined, processed, and manufactured foods.