Reactive Protein (CPR)

CRP is an acute-phase protein produced by the liver in response to inflammation, and its levels in the blood rise quickly in response to inflammatory stimuli.

CRP levels rise significantly in bacterial infections, making it a useful marker for differentiating bacterial from viral infections, which typically cause a less pronounced increase. Elevated CRP levels can indicate sepsis, a severe and systemic response to infection.

CRP is a useful marker for detecting postoperative complications, such as infections or anastomotic leaks, particularly in abdominal surgery.

CRP levels correlate with disease activity in Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), helping to monitor inflammation and response to therapy.

In conditions like Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, CRP levels reflect disease activity and can guide treatment decisions.

CRP levels, particularly high-sensitivity CRP (hs-CRP) assays, are used to assess cardiovascular risk. Elevated hs-CRP levels are associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular events such as heart attacks and strokes. Hs-CRP can be used alongside other risk factors to stratify patients' cardiovascular risk. It can indicate a worse prognosis in patients with acute coronary syndromes and may guide the intensity of preventive strategies.

CRP assays are valuable in monitoring the effectiveness of anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive therapies. Changes in CRP levels can indicate whether a treatment is reducing inflammation or if there is a need for therapeutic adjustments.