Rate of C-reactive protein (CRP)

C-reactive protein can be seen in extended biochemical analysis. This fraction of plasma proteins increases in the presence of an inflammatory process in the body. It is synthesized in response to the ingress of toxins of pathological microorganisms into the bloodstream and neutralizes them by binding them. In addition, it appears when the body's own cells are destroyed in the event of necrosis, tumor disintegration or extensive trauma, inactivating the resulting products. In addition to eliminating toxins, CRP triggers a cascade of immune responses aimed at eliminating pathologically altered structures.

Normally absent (or less than 0.4 mg / l). Its appearance indicates the development of pathology, and the quantitative value is proportional to the severity of the condition. It can be used as an indicator of the effectiveness of treatment, as it decreases rather quickly (within a few days) after the improvement in health. Indications for the study of C-reactive protein:

• Infectious manifestations (fever, weakness, sweating, headaches, runny nose, cough, sore throat, skin rashes, diarrhea, urinary disorders);
• Assumption of the presence of parasites (jaundice, emaciation, indigestion, intestinal upset, bloody discharge from the anal canal, muscle pain, eosinophilia);
• Symptoms of pancreatitis (girdle pain in the epigastrium, bloating, nausea after eating and subjective improvement with fasting);
• Pyelonephritis, glomerulonephritis, cystitis (changes in the general analysis of urine, pain during urination, increased urine output);
• Hepatitis (discomfort in the right hypochondrium, nausea, yellowing of the skin, pruritus, increased liver enzymes, bilirubin);
• Ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease (frequent, false urge to defecate, blood in the stool, loose stools);
• Suspected oncology (weight loss, increased fatigue, loss of appetite, pallor, symptoms of local damage to the relevant organs);
• Crushing injury of tissues, burns, long-term non-healing ulcers.

Sometimes CRP builds up more actively than symptoms. This is especially true for acute infections (when bacteria multiply) and inflammation. For the purpose of early diagnosis, CRP is prescribed in the postoperative period, after hypothermia, dubious signs of the disease (for example: an unclear clinic of appendicitis, peritonitis).

This study is used in the complex confirmation of the diagnosis of myocardial infarction, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, tuberculosis, as well as in the compilation of prognostic factors after recovery. By the level of such an indicator, you can preliminarily determine the nature of the pathology:

• A content of up to 5 may be considered a relatively normal concentration or indicate a sluggish chronic inflammation;
• A value up to 20 is typical for viral and systemic diseases;
• With an exacerbation of autoimmune processes, severe damage to cells by viruses, with injuries, it rises to 40;
• Acute bacterial infections, myocardial infarction are accompanied by a level of 100;
• Higher numbers are observed in severe destructive conditions (pancreatic necrosis, pneumonia and tuberculosis, deep burns, necrosis of malignant neoplasms).

Given the significant diagnostic value and sensitivity to a wide range of diseases, it is necessary to perform biochemistry in a timely manner in case of deterioration of health.