What is C-reactive protein in the blood and the reasons for its increase. Increased C-reactive protein in the blood. Preparation for analysis

Proteins - required component human body, there are many types of them. Plasma - liquid part blood, 7-8% consists of these macromolecular organic compounds. Proteins circulating in it take part in all metabolic processes, perform protective, transport and many other important features. The concentration of some species is maintained in plasma at a constant level, while others, such as c-reactive protein (abbreviation - CRP), change with the appearance of health problems. A blood test for CRP allows you to accurately diagnose various inflammatory diseases.

When to Use Analysis

To find out in which cases the analysis is used, it is necessary to understand: c-reactive protein - what it is, what is its distinguishing feature and how exactly it reacts to inflammation. It is a protein synthesized by the liver, sensitive to any inflammatory processes and tissue damage. AT a small amount it is present in the body of every healthy person. It is one of the leading components of the innate immune system.

One of the proteins constantly secreted into the blood serum is c-reactive protein: what is it responsible for and what are the reasons for increasing its level. The main purpose of SRP is to activate defensive forces organism. It received the name C-reactive protein or protein because of its ability to perform the following important functions:

recognize microbes, foreign antigens, various pathological factors, potentially toxic substances, incl. formed during the decay and death of the body's own cells;
bind pneumococcal polysaccharide, other polysaccharides, lipid components of bacterial membranes, dead, damaged cells;
enhance the functional activity of platelets and leukocytes;
joining dying cells and harmful foreign particles, facilitate their absorption by immunocompetent cells, neutralize and remove them from the blood.

CRP belongs to the group of acute phase proteins or rapidly reacting proteins. They are united by one common feature- ability to a short time and greatly increase your concentration. Is quantitative characteristic, which allows for a blood test for CRP and which shows the intensity of the inflammatory process.

To cause such a reaction in response to cell death - an increase in reactive protein in the blood can:

acute infections caused by pathogenic microorganisms - bacterial, fungal, viral;
tumor antigens - bioorganic substances found in the blood of cancer patients;
physical injuries provoked by thermal, radiation or electrical traumatic factors;
chemical injuries - burns, poisoning resulting from exposure to tissues of alkalis, acids, poisons, other chemical agents and toxic substances that enter the body from the outside;
mechanical damage - bruises, fractures, sprains, dislocations;
allergens;
diseases that are heterogeneous in clinical manifestations and develop as a result of impaired functioning of the immune system.

Indications for determining the level of CRP

Widespread clinical use is based on distinguishing feature CRP is the most sensitive and fastest indicator of inflammation and tissue damage. Outwardly, the disease may not have manifested itself yet, the person is healthy and feels good, and the body has already joined the fight - it intensively produces antibodies, triggers immune defense mechanisms. The level of CRP increases several times in a matter of hours (usually within 4-6 hours) after the appearance of a source of illness or tissue damage. Maximum - a hundred times increased concentration noted after 24-72 hours.

The "golden marker" is what clinicians call c-reactive protein and what is this highly sensitive compound that is part of the blood serum, which allows you to successfully use a blood test to:

diagnosing various kinds of diseases at their early stages;
assessment of the degree of activity of the inflammatory process and the likelihood of complications;
monitoring the dynamics of changes in the level of CRP, to carry out differential diagnosis identified diseases, if necessary, correct the earlier diagnosis;
predicting the risk of developing pathologies;
prescribing adequate treatment;
deciphering the blood test for CRP, the obtained value significantly correlates with clinical manifestations, evaluate and monitor the effectiveness of the chosen therapy tactics.

It is important to know that the reactive protein in the blood is not evaluated in all cases and this appointment can only be obtained for certain medical indications:

suspicion of cancerous processes, the formation and growth of neoplasms - benign or malignant, accompanied by a specific skin reaction;
diagnosis of collagenosis systemic lesion and destruction of connective tissue;
risk assessment and prevention of complications in hypertensive patients, patients with diabetes mellitus, atherosclerosis, cardiac ischemia;
with antibiotic therapy, to determine the duration of antibiotics;
to determine the degree of rejection and tissue necrosis after myocardial infarction myocardial infarction, stroke, organ transplant, coronary bypass surgery;
routine examination of patients with chronic diseases;
medical examination of the senior population age group.

How the study is conducted, preparation for analysis

Before proceeding to the most important thing - deciphering the results of the study, you should find out a blood test for CRP: what it is, what it is and how to properly prepare for it. This is a biochemical analysis, or simply biochemistry, is one of the reliable methods laboratory diagnostics. The test material was blood serum taken from cubital vein, radial or other, accessible for inspection and fixation, veins. The procedure requires some preparatory steps:

Pre-treatment of the blood sampling site with an antiseptic to prevent infection.
Applying a special harness.
Insertion of a needle into a vein and blood sampling.
Sending it to a biochemical or immunological laboratory, where, using special techniques, a qualitative or quantitative analysis will be carried out.
The survey will take 1 business day.

Modern highly sensitive methods make it possible to determine even small values of CRP - the lower limit of detection is 0.25 mg/l. Such a meager amount indicates a healthy body of the subject.

They take blood for analysis usually in the morning, on an empty stomach. To get the most reliable result, confirming or refuting the fact that c-reactive protein is present in the blood serum and that it shows the correct values, on the eve of going to the clinic, you should follow a few recommendations and a few simple rules:

a day before pickup venous blood exclude fatty, smoked, fried foods from the diet, do not overeat;
avoid physical overwork, nervous, emotional overstrain;
do not visit baths, saunas, do not drink alcohol-containing drinks;
at least 8-12 hours before the scheduled time for blood donation, do not eat anything;
do not drink juices, tea, coffee, sugary drinks. The exception is pure, non-carbonated water;
half an hour before going to the office do not smoke.

Due to the fact that the parameter determined by biochemical analysis is an indicator of the acute phase of inflammation, it is CRP that provides the primary reaction of the body . It is the most highly sensitive plasma component bloodstream, it is important to exclude any factors that can affect the results obtained.

You must notify your doctor if you have:

taking combined oral contraceptives;
bearing a child;
drug treatment with hormonal drugs;
recent surgeries, implantation of artificial organs, transplants placed in the body;

Analysis results

Protein in the blood: what is it and how does it differ from c-reactive. Often, the term "protein in the blood" means the content total protein, i.e. a collection of different proteins with characteristic properties and endowed with certain functions. C-reactive protein is specific, both in function and in detection. It is not detected by traditional methods; separate biochemical tests are needed. Results are displayed in mg/l or mg/ml, this unit of measurement means the concentration of protein (mg) contained in 1 liter or ml of blood.

A qualitative blood test for c-reactive protein and a more informative quantitative one can be prescribed. For their correct interpretation, it is important to consider such factors:

patient's age;
physiological indicators - the level of functioning of individual systems and the whole organism;
the presence of diseases;
CRP norm for different groups population.

According to the recommendations of WHO doctors, the norm is a universal indicator for all groups of people, regardless of age and gender, it is considered that it is 0-5 mg / l. But laboratories, using various reagents and research methods, stick to their numbers. They indicate them in the appropriate forms.

adult women and men and children - no more than 5-10 mg / l;
newborns - less than 12-15 mg / l;
pregnant women - can reach 20 mg / l, but no more.

Some medical institutions normalize indicators for smokers and athletes, separating them into separate groups.

The results of a qualitative study range from the minimum value to the maximum concentration, and mean the following:

“(-) or there is no reaction” - corresponds to the norm;
“(+) or c-reactive protein weakly positive” - that this value exceeds the norm, but within acceptable limits, the concentration is less than 6 mg / l. If others clinical symptoms absent, then there is no reason to worry;
"(++++) or abruptly positive reaction”, indicating the development of an acute inflammatory process.

Deciphering the data of the analysis and detecting deviations from the norm, it is important to determine how much the reactive protein in the blood is increased and what are the reasons for such a peculiar reaction of the body. The more severe the disease, the more acute its severity, the greater the deviation and the higher the CRP values. The degree of increase and the level of concentration (in mg / l) helps to navigate:

up to 30 - sluggish chronic diseases that occur without severe symptoms, incl. rheumatic. Viral infections - measles, diphtheria, hepatitis, chicken pox, scarlet fever, shingles;
40-200 – acute inflammation, effects surgical interventions exacerbation of a chronic disease.
C-reactive protein at rheumatoid arthritis in the active stage it increases sharply, can reach a value of 400 mg / l and above;
80-1000 - infectious inflammatory processes in an acute form: pneumonia, colitis, inflammation of the kidneys, small intestine. Bacterial infection, incl. postoperative and nosocomial;
up to 300 or more - severe generalized infections, in which the pathogen, spreading mainly by the lymphohematogenous route, affects many organs and systems. Such indicators of CRP correspond to various injuries, extensive burns, necrosis of the heart muscle, pancreas.

In all cases, the reactive protein is elevated - the reasons for such deviations may be different.

There is a whole list of diseases that induce the body to produce CRP in large quantities.

They are conditionally divided into 3 main groups:

Inflammatory process.
Oncological diseases.
Pathology of arterial vessels.

Except various pathologies, high values CRP can be caused by the following factors:

The main difference between CRP and other biochemical markers is that it shows only the upper limit, and its excess indicates the development of a particular disease. For an accurate diagnosis, the c-reactive test alone is not enough. In diagnostic practice, the attending physician, in order to reveal a clear picture of the disease, simultaneously with CRP relies on the following data:

results of clinical examination;
laboratory and instrumental research methods;
blood biochemistry, analyzing other criteria, usually ESR - erythrocyte sedimentation rate.

Where to get researched

The final diagnosis is made by the attending physician - a general practitioner, cardiologist, narrow specialist or doctor general practice. He also writes out a referral, interprets the results of the venous blood submitted for analysis, and can advise a medical center or laboratory that conducts such testing. This may be a government or commercial facility. When choosing, it is important to consider the following criteria:

Pathological proteins in the blood serum are indicators of various diseases, and when the analysis indicates that C-reactive protein is elevated, the causes lie in the acute inflammatory process occurring in the body. There are many phenomena provoking it - from serious illnesses to allergies.

The passage of diagnostics and a biochemical blood test - it examines the norms of the protein in it - the doctor can prescribe when the patient complains of a noticeable loss of strength, but it is not possible to find out the reasons for the phenomenon. AT modern medicine The method is widely used and recognized as the most informative. Stress or C-reactive protein (C-reactive protein) is an indicator that shows the body's response to the acute phase of inflammation. as a key ingredient innate immunity, it provides a link between the immune systems - innate and adaptive.

CRP c-reactive protein recognizes microbes. When its index is increased, in the analysis this manifests itself as an increase in α-globulins. Based on the results of the study, the doctor will be able to choose the right therapy in the future. But the analysis for C-reactive protein not only indicates the disease, but also helps to control its course. The protein responds well to treatment - therapeutic measures taken to eliminate the provocative phenomenon.

What does C-reactive protein say?

Assigned to the group of plasma proteins, the blood component of CRP is hypersensitive and reacts to any (negative and positive) changes in the body. The main thing that C-reactive protein shows, or rather its increased concentration, is the acute phase of the ongoing inflammatory process. It is its central component. In inflammation, the amount of CRP increases many times, sometimes 100 times. It takes from 6 to 12 hours from the onset of inflammation. But additional tests it is recommended to carry out in the first two weeks of the alleged disease.

C-reactive protein is normal

Conducted laboratory research show whether the concentration of C-reactive protein in the blood is increased. Reference values may differ slightly, but general indicators are available. So, the blood of a healthy person either does not contain protein at all in the analyzes - meager values \u200b\u200bare simply not displayed - or its level is low. When CRP is detected in the blood, the norm of its amount is up to 5 mg / l. This indicator is the same regardless of the sex and age of the patient. But the upper limits of values can change for various reasons, and this is also a variant of the norm.

C-reactive protein is elevated - what does it mean?

Analyzes for C-reactive protein are taken from a vein on an empty stomach. In some cases, C-reactive protein is elevated, but no pathological processes occur in the body. Negative environmental factors or incorrect collection of analysis are to blame (after eating, exercise, experienced stress). The correctness of the results is affected by the use of NSAIDs, some hormonal contraceptives and drugs. Sometimes an increase in the amount of protein in healthy people cause natural processes(for example, the period of bearing a child). And of the pathological most common are called:

oncology;
postoperative complications;
and injury;
cardiac pathologies;
infections;
and others.

C-reactive protein is elevated - causes in adults

When a natural “beacon”, CRP in the blood, which is elevated in an adult, declares the presence of pathologies in the body, they can be determined after a laboratory analysis. The values vary slightly because the reagents that are sensitive to the protein are different in laboratories. When the results show that C-reactive protein is elevated, the reasons can be found by looking at the deviation of the indicators from the accepted norm:

A concentration of 10 to 30 mg/l usually indicates viral infections, rheumatic pathologies or tumor metastases.
High protein - from 40 to 95 mg / l indicates operations, bacterial infections,.
More than 95 mg / l - these are already severe infectious lesions, cancer, septic conditions, severe burns. In chronic inflammation, concentrations up to 100 mg/l can be expected. Sometimes the figures soar to 300 mg / l.

C-reactive protein is elevated - causes in children

The sensitive element of the blood, CRP - C-reactive protein, elevated in children - this is a reason to consult a doctor. Norm - as in adults, not higher than 5 mg / l. However, infants are allowed to have a protein concentration of up to 10 mg / l, and newborns - up to 15 mg / l. Analyzes are taken directly in the maternity hospital. If sepsis is suspected, the rules are separate: if the C-reactive protein is increased to 12 mg / l, neonatologists are looking for the cause of the pathology. At an older age, if the C-reactive protein is elevated in a child, the most common provocateurs are diseases:

chickenpox;
rubella;
meningitis;
flu;
systemic lupus erythematosus.

CRP during pregnancy

In list natural causes that can increase the concentration of proteins - pregnancy. The body of a woman undergoes many changes, and the rate has been increased to 20 mg / l. As a rule, an increase is observed at terms of 16-28 weeks and at. When C-reactive protein is elevated during pregnancy, this may indicate pathological processes flowing in the body:

thyroid diseases;
inflammation fallopian tubes or ovaries;
inflammation of the membranes of the fetus.

CRP in viral infection

A moderate (up to 40-50 mg/l) increase in the concentration of CRP in the blood gives a viral infection that proceeds sluggishly, with absent or mild symptoms. Most viruses do not entail an increase in protein, and when it is present, it is negligible. Thus, one can distinguish, for example, bacterial pathology from viral (meningitis, pneumonia, etc.). Slight increase in CRP in HIV - up to 10-30 mg / l. If the values are several times higher, this indicates the rapid progression of the disease and requires immediate response doctors.

The stress protein reacts more actively to bacteria that attack the body. The concentration increases to 50 mg (on average) if a local infection is involved, for example, bronchitis, cystitis; increased CRP in tuberculosis. As a rule, the indicators are much higher, especially in the first 4 hours of inflammation. Possible provocateurs manifest themselves differently. CRP points to:

Congenital bacterial infections. Umbilical blood sampling is carried out, and protein indicators are increased from 10 to 20 mg/l.
Pneumonia, colitis and other inflammations: up to 100 mg/l.
Meningitis bacterial nature– above 100 mg/l.
Generalized infections, when the bacteria are in the blood, can get into other organs: 200 mg / l and above.

CRP for allergies

Being an important link in the immune system, stress protein activates the release of antimicrobial and antiviral substances. The work of protective cells becomes more active. When CRP is elevated in the blood, this may indicate an exacerbation of allergies. In the blood serum, the protein will be detected even before the development clinical manifestations. The reaction is non-specific, and if the norm is not exceeded much, the disease is not life-threatening.

CRP in oncology

Testing for CRP in the blood can sometimes help diagnose cancer and treat it successfully. An increase from reactive protein to 10-31 mg/l indicates the appearance of metastases. Although other studies are required to specify the diagnosis - ultrasound, tomographs, tumor markers, etc. As a rule, we are talking about cancer of the stomach, lungs, cervix, ovaries, prostate. The results of the protein analysis help to keep the tumor under control, make assumptions about its growth, and make predictions for the patient's life.

C-reactive protein is elevated - treatment

For therapy to be successful, you need to know what to treat. And the tests only precede the actions of doctors. A high C-reactive protein in the blood indicates possible development diseases, but is not their direct evidence. He only indirect sign possible pathology. Therefore, before starting treatment, it is necessary to carry out additional diagnostics. For each patient with suspected certain disease there are security measures and definitions of the diagnosis:

If the concentration of CRP is high, and there are no signs of infection, a consultation with an oncologist is necessary.
If diabetes is suspected, an increase in glucose levels is unacceptable. You need to lower it or keep it at an acceptable value.
A jump in cholesterol levels is also a reason to lower it to normal levels.
Doubling the number of CRPs (and more) - possible start inflammatory process. It is necessary to find out the possible causes and eliminate it.
High protein in pregnant women is a threat of abortion. Ways must be found to preserve the health of the woman and the life of the child.

If C-reactive protein is elevated, the reasons do not lie on the surface. The protein cannot determine the location of the infection or injury, but it informs about the severity of the pathology and helps to control the treatment process. When used by doctors A complex approach and the correct therapy is chosen, in a day the protein level will begin to fall. This suggests that the disease is on the decline.

When C-reactive protein is elevated, you need to look for the causes. This name refers to a glycoprotein, for the production of which the liver is responsible. CRP in the blood above the norm indicates that some system is highly inflamed.

Already six hours after the start of the inflammatory process, there is an increase in the synthesis of C-reactive protein. At the same time, after one or two days, CRP in the blood will be 10-100 times higher than the normal concentration. Most often high level CRP can be noted during a bacterial infection, especially in a child. If we are talking about a viral infection, then the blood test will usually not go beyond 20 mg / l in terms of protein. Positive result analysis will also be obtained in the case of tissue necrosis, which manifests itself in myocardial infarction or necrosis as a result of a tumor.

Most often, a blood test for CRP is prescribed if necessary to diagnose:

various infectious inflammation, autoimmune processes;
bacterial and viral infection;
activity of the inflammatory process;
complications after surgery or infection;
hidden infections;
how effective the treatment is.

In addition, such a blood test is also prescribed for sufficiently serious indications. For example, when in pancreatic necrosis it is necessary to assess the possible lethal outcome. It can also be used to track progress. malignant formations. Of course, an increase in CRP is a consequence, so treatment should be based on finding the cause.

Why is protein elevated?

If the blood test showed an elevated level of CRP, the reasons for this phenomenon may be different. Quite often, such a positive analysis is observed after an acute infection, especially with regard to a child. If you have any disease in chronic course, including allergies, then such an overestimated blood test may be a signal for the onset of its acute form.

Tissue damage cannot be ruled out. Treatment is not always required here. After all, we are talking even about primitive injuries, burns, as well as the postoperative period.

The reasons for the increase are often problems with blood pressure, and in particular, with its increase. If endocrine pathologies are present in the body, such as diabetes mellitus, obesity, or an excessive amount of female hormones, then the analysis will also demonstrate increased CRP.

The reasons for the increase also often lie in unhealthy way life. In particular, smoking has such an effect. An increase in CRP occurs in women during pregnancy. Treatment, of course, in this case is not required. During pregnancy, this increase is due to physiological reasons.

There may be other harmless reasons as well. For example, significant physical activity or the use of hormonal-type contraceptives also lead to increased CRP. There is also a reduced level of CRP. It is associated with the intake of certain drugs, including non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Speaking specifically about testing, most doctors prefer quantitative analysis for CRP. Within its framework, changes in indicators will be presented, and in qualitative terms, an increase is indicated using a system of pluses.

Testing Features

Many believe that any disturbances in the body manifest themselves in the form of specific symptoms. Unfortunately, it is not. This also applies to the increase in CRP. The absence of any specific symptoms is primarily due to the fact that, by and large, an increase in CRP is only a consequence, and not a separate disease. Therefore, it is possible to determine that you have an increase in CRP only after passing the analysis.

However, doctors traditionally send representatives of the older age group for such a study, even as part of a routine examination, patients undergoing hemodialysis. The risk group for elevated CRP includes people suffering from hypertension, coronary heart disease.

Coronary artery bypass surgery is also an indication for testing, as there may be complications after it. Analysis is needed when treating cardiovascular complications in patients with cardiac problems.

An analysis of CRP allows you to evaluate the effectiveness of the treatment of a bacterial infection, chronic diseases. Neoplasms and acute infections are also a reason to check the level of CRP.

It is worth noting that during pregnancy in women who have preeclampsia, the level of CRP is higher than in healthy women during pregnancy. At the same time, it will be impossible to establish this in the first days of pregnancy. Within 16 weeks normal level for women is an indicator of 2.9 mg / l.

Treatment Methods

Deviation of CRP from the norm, when there are no physiological prerequisites for this, needs treatment. This is because elevated CRP may be a sign of cardiovascular disease risk.

Of course, the appointment of a specific treatment is performed only by a specialist after passing all the tests and studies. It is possible to reduce the level of such a protein only if the root cause of the increase is established. Treatment is prescribed individually for each patient.

To enhance the effectiveness of treatment, it is desirable to include a diet in addition to drugs. It is necessary to choose products that will further strengthen the cardiovascular system. In addition, you will need to lower blood cholesterol. To keep the body in good shape, it will take permanent basis exercise, and track your weight, especially if you have problems with it.

For those suffering from diabetes, it is mandatory to check the level of sugar, as well as blood pressure. You must stop smoking and completely eliminate alcoholic drinks. Only all these activities in the complex will quickly and effectively reduce the level of CRP.

There is a protein in blood plasma called C-reactive (CRP). He reacts the fastest to the appearance inflammatory processes. The protein belongs to the acute phase glycoproteins. Its concentration rises sharply when tissues are damaged in the body.

The importance of C-reactive protein for the body

CRP is the dominant protein that activates the immune system to respond to tissue damage (muscle, nerve or epithelial). Therefore, the level of CRP along with ESR is used in diagnostics as an indicator of inflammation.

In violation of the structure and integrity of tissues, an inflammatory process is triggered. White blood cells begin to secrete interleukins, which are part of the immune system. They stimulate the synthesis of CRP in the liver. Further, the protein performs the following functions:

CRP attaches to the surface of pathogens, as if marking them. Pathogens become more "visible" to the immune system.
Thanks to the C-reactive protein, its successive reactions are launched, contributing to the fastest elimination of the pathogen.
In the focus of inflammation, CRP binds to decay products and protects the body from them. negative impact. Thus, phagocytosis is activated - the process of absorption and elimination of pathogens.

Four hours after the onset of inflammation, the concentration of CRP increases several times. And after two days, CRP exceeds the norm by one thousand times.

The results of the analysis tell the doctor in time whether it is necessary to prescribe antibiotics. If CRP is elevated, then the answer is yes. Otherwise, these drugs are not used.

Causes of an increase in C-reactive protein

Most high rate CRP is observed with the penetration of bacterial infections. When they invade the body, the protein content increases tenfold. At a rate of 5 mg / l, its amount can jump up to 100 mg / liter.

In addition to bacterial infections, there are other reasons for the growth of CRP. Its level increases with the development in the body:

viral infections. The content of CRP can jump up to 20 mg/l;
necrosis and tissue damage as a result of: myocardial infarction, decay of tumors, injuries, burns, frostbite;
atherosclerotic vascular lesions. Slow inflammation in their walls contributes to the development of the disease;
rheumatoid and psoriatic arthritis;
polymyalgia rheumatica chronic pain in the muscles;
neoplasms;
atherogenic dyslipidemia, including a triad of metabolic disorders;
arterial hypertension;
diabetes;
violations hormonal background when the content of estrogens and progesterone exceeds the optimal number;
diseases of the gastrointestinal tract;
viral, bacterial or tuberculous meningitis;
bronchial asthma in case of damage to the respiratory system.

An increase in the level of C-reactive protein is also possible:

in postoperative period. Its growth signals the development of complications;
in pregnant women, when the threat of premature birth looms.

There are also subjective factors:

significant physical activity immediately before the test;
taking hormonal contraceptives;
obesity;
adherence to a diet with a significant amount of protein (most often, this applies to athletes);
depression and sleep problems;
addiction to smoking.

It should also be taken into account that there are drugs that artificially reduce the amount of C-reactive protein, which is actually elevated. These include:

anti-inflammatory nonsteroidal drugs;
glucocorticoid hormones (glucocorticosteroids).

Separately, it is worth highlighting the reasons for the growth of C-reactive protein in children.

Features of elevated C-reactive protein in children

In a baby who has just been born, the amount of C-reactive protein may not increase even with sepsis. The reason lies in the fact that the liver of the crumbs is not yet working at full capacity.

When an increase in CRP is nevertheless recorded in the blood of infants, antimicrobial treatment should be carried out immediately.

Sometimes an increase in the concentration of this type of protein may be the only sign of infection entering the child's body after any surgical intervention.

The level of CRP increases with the development of such childhood ailments:

chickenpox;
rubella;
measles.

The amount of CRP jumps up in the first days of the disease, when the child is feverish from a change in body temperature. After recovery, the protein concentration also quickly decreases to a normal level.

Signs of elevated C-reactive protein and test indications

The following indirect symptoms indicate an increase in the level of CRP:

temperature rise;
slight chills;
periodic cough and shortness of breath;
increased general sweating;
in general analysis blood recorded an increase in ESR and the number of leukocytes.

More recently, a C-reactive protein test has been prescribed in order to reveal hidden inflammatory processes. Today, it can be used to assess the risk of cardiovascular diseases in people who are practically healthy. First of all, this applies to elderly patients.

The main indications for the study are as follows:

The development of coronary heart disease and other ailments that develop against the background of atherosclerosis.
Timely fixation of exacerbations after surgical operations, such as bypass surgery or angioplasty.
Identification of the risk of a second heart attack or stroke.
Evaluation of the level of treatment effectiveness antibacterial drugs bacterial infection.
The period of treatment of cardiovascular diseases.
Suspicion of the presence of neoplasms.
The appearance of signs of lupus erythematosus.
Diagnosis of Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.

To ensure the validity of the results, the test is carried out in morning time. In addition, you should not eat 12 hours before the procedure, temporarily refuse physical activity and avoid stress.

Having fixed an increased level of protein and excluding the influence of subjective factors on the indicator, the doctor determines the therapy.

Taking drugs can blur the reliability of the obtained data on the level of CRP. To ensure the accuracy of the results, the test must be done again after fourteen days.

C-reactive protein elevated: therapy

An increased amount of CRP is not a disease, but an indirect sign of a possible pathology. Its exact name is determined by the doctor after additional examination. It is the identified ailment that needs to be treated.

If therapy is prescribed correctly, then the CRP level returns to normal in a day. When this does not happen, treatment needs to be adjusted.

In the case of an increase in the amount of CRP and the absence of signs of infection in the body, a consultation with an oncologist is necessary.

In order to make therapy more effective, it does not hurt to follow these recommendations:

work on lowering cholesterol levels;
don't forget about physical activity and maintain normal weight;
prevent the growth of sugar in the blood;
convince yourself of the dangers of smoking and alcohol, reducing their consumption to a minimum;
follow the dietary advice.

These are the standard rules for all those who want to maintain health and a high quality of life longer.

It is advisable to evaluate the concentration of C-reactive protein no earlier than two weeks after the symptoms of any acute illness or exacerbation chronic disease. With an increase in the number of CRP two times or more, it is necessary to undergo an additional examination to clarify possible reasons start of the inflammatory process.

According to WHO pathology of cardio-vascular system(CVD) occupy a leading position among the causes of death of people around the world. This fact determines the importance of identifying deviations from the norm on early stage. Laboratory analysis to detect the level of c-reactive protein (CRP) in the blood is necessary to assess the risk of cardiovascular diseases and predict their outcome, as well as to identify the inflammatory process. Special meaning the study acquires, if necessary, the selection of adequate antibiotic therapy or the correction of already selected methods.

C-reactive protein is a two-component molecule consisting of proteins (peptides) covalently linked to several oligosaccharides. The name is due to its ability to interact with C-polysaccharides of bacteria of the Streptococcaceae family, thus forming a stable antigen-antibody complex (precipitation reaction). This mechanism refers to the protective reactions of the human body to infectious infection.

When a pathogen enters, it activates the immune system, which stimulates the synthesis of small peptide molecules - cytokines. They provide signal transmission about the manifestation of the inflammatory process and the need to increase the production of acute phase proteins, which are CRP. After 1-2 days, there is an increase in CRP by tens and hundreds of times compared with normal values.

It is noted that the maximum level of CRP (more than 150 mg/ml) is recorded in infectious diseases of bacterial etiology. While at viral infection protein concentration does not exceed 30 mg/l. Tissue death (necrosis) is another cause of elevated c-reactive protein, including heart attack, malignancy, and atherosclerosis (deposition in blood vessels excess cholesterol).

Physiological function of CRP

CRP belongs to the proteins of the acute phase of the inflammatory process, it takes an active part in:

launching a cascade of enzymatic reactions of the compliment system;
strengthening the production of monocytes - white blood cells capable of implementing the process of phagocytosis of relatively large foreign particles;
stimulating the synthesis of adhesion molecules, which are necessary for the attachment of immunity cells to the surface of an infectious agent;
the process of binding and converting low-density lipoproteins (“bad” cholesterol), the accumulation of which indirectly increases the risk of developing CCC pathologies.

Thus, the importance of c-reactive protein for the human body is difficult to overestimate, since without it it is impossible to implement full protection against foreign pathogenic microorganisms.

Blood test with reactive protein

Determining the value of CRP quantitatively is a technique implemented in private and some public laboratories. The term of execution, not counting the day of taking the biomaterial, does not exceed 1 day. However, results may be delayed due to high laboratory workload.

The analysis is performed using the method of immunoturbidimetry, the essence of which is to determine the degree of turbidity of the solution in the presence or absence of the formation of a stable antigen-antibody complex. The advantages of the method include low cost, a high degree of reliability and the possibility of obtaining quantitative results.

The technique is divided into analysis with normal and increased sensitivity. A highly sensitive blood test is necessary to diagnose the presence of not only an acute, but also a chronic inflammatory process in the blood vessels, as well as early form atherosclerosis. The minimum level of CRP detected by the devices is 0.1 mg/l.

Signs of elevated c-reactive protein

Symptoms advanced level CRP correspond to the clinical picture of the disease that caused this pathological condition. Often, patients have sharp rise body temperature (fever), joint pain, nausea and vomiting, and general state weakness and increased drowsiness.

Oncology for a long time can proceed without the manifestation of typical signs. classical clinical picture can develop at stages 3-4 of cancer when malignant neoplasm led to tissue necrosis and spread of metastases.

The danger of atherosclerosis lies in the long-term asymptomatic course. With this disease, the risk of myocardial infarction, which can be fatal, is significantly increased.

Therefore, it is extremely important to undergo an annual scheduled preventive examination, which includes a set of mandatory general clinical and biochemical analyzes, and often specific laboratory markers (if indicated).

Indications for the test

An analysis for c-reactive protein in the blood is prescribed for:

the need to identify inflammatory processes resulting from autoimmune pathologies or infectious invasion;
evaluation of the effectiveness of the chosen tactics for the treatment of infectious diseases;
differentiation of a bacterial infection from a viral one;
determining the severity of an inflammatory or autoimmune disease;
postoperative control and prevention of infectious complications;
deciding on the need to prescribe antibiotic therapy, as well as the duration of the course;
making a prognosis, including a lethal one, against the background of pancreatic necrosis;
analysis of the degree of spread and extent of damaged tissues by malignant neoplasms;
differentiation of some pathological conditions similar in symptoms and manifestations. For example: with granulomatous enteritis, c-reactive protein is increased, and with nonspecific ulcerative colitis- lowered;
continuous monitoring of the activity of chronic pathologies.

A blood test for c-reactive protein in newborns is performed if sepsis is suspected. It is characterized by infection by pathogenic microorganisms not of individual organs and tissues, but of the entire human body as a whole. The condition is life-threatening.

Norm indicators for adults and children

Important: only the attending physician can decipher the results of a blood test, determine the diagnosis and select treatment methods.

It should be noted that the isolated use of the CRP test when examining a patient is unacceptable. Data from other laboratory tests and instrumental diagnostic methods, as well as the patient's history.

The rate of c-reactive protein in women and men varies depending on the degree of sensitivity of the method used and is presented in the table.

It should be noted that the norm of c-reactive protein in children is similar to adults and should not exceed the indicated reference (normal) values.

The rate of reactive protein in women over 50 years of age also corresponds to the standard values, while even a slight increase in reference values is a sufficient reason for a comprehensive examination.

CRP risk assessment

Important: for the purpose of assessing the risk of a heart attack, it is permissible to use an exclusively highly sensitive technique. Test with normal sensitivity does not allow to determine the likelihood of developing a heart attack or other diseases of the cardiovascular system.

A direct relationship has been established between the level of CRP and the degree of risk of CVS pathologies, as well as their complications. So, normal values, not exceeding 1 mg/l, are characteristic of a low probability of developing cardiovascular disease. The concentration of the considered laboratory criterion from 1 to 3 mg/l correlates with the average risk of developing atherosclerosis and, as a consequence, myocardial infarction. An increase in the value to 3 mg / l or more indicates a high probability of vascular and cardiac pathologies.

An increase in CRP to 10 mg / l or more is a sufficient reason for conducting an additional examination in order to identify infectious diseases, viral or bacterial etiology.

It should be noted that, in comparative terms, patients with elevated levels of CRP and normal indicators"bad" cholesterol are characterized by a higher risk of developing cardiovascular pathologies than people with CRP within the normal range and high cholesterol.

If a person with coronary heart disease has high values of the criterion under consideration, then we can talk about a dangerous risk of recurrence of a heart attack or stroke, as well as high probability development of complications after coronary artery bypass grafting.

What does it mean if an adult has elevated c-reactive protein?

The reasons for the increase in c-reactive protein in a child and adult patients may be different, which makes it possible to classify the study as low-specific. List of possible reasons:

acute form infectious infection with viruses (increase in the range of 10 - 30 g / l) or bacteria (from 40 to 100 mg / ml, and with severe degree infection - up to 200 mg / l);
autoimmune pathologies (arthritis, vasculitis, polyarthritis);
some lymphadenopathy;
extensive damage to the integrity of tissues and organs: surgery, trauma, acute form of pancreatitis, pancreatic tissue necrosis, heart attack, stroke (up to 100 mg / l);
penetration of pathogenic microorganisms into the tissues of the heart valve;
cancer, accompanied by the spread of metastases;
extensive burns and sepsis (more than 300 mg/l);
excessive production of female sex hormones (estrogen and progesterone). What explains the increased CRP in the blood of women during pregnancy, as well as when taking oral contraceptives. However, it should be borne in mind that a significant deviation from the norm (by 2 or more times) indicates the development of the disease and requires immediate additional examination.

It is noted that a slight excess of the norm is recorded when diabetes, increased blood pressure and in the presence of overweight in a person.

Preparation for the delivery of biomaterial

The biomaterial for the test is venous blood serum taken by a specialist from the cubital vein at the elbow bend. More than 70% of errors are made at the preanalytical stage: at the stage of patient preparation and in case of incorrect implementation of the blood sampling procedure. Therefore, the reliability of the results obtained depends not only on the exact implementation of the test in the laboratory, but also on proper preparation the patient himself.

It is necessary to donate blood in the morning strictly on an empty stomach, the minimum time interval after the last meal should be 12 hours. In addition, half an hour before the delivery of the biomaterial, the patient is forbidden to smoke, as well as experience physical and emotional overstrain. sports training in the evening before the morning visit to the laboratory should also be canceled.

For 2 days, you should exclude the reception of any medicines after consulting with your doctor. This rule is of particular importance for people who use the following medicines:

aspirin ® ;
ibuprofen ® ;
steroids;
lipid-lowering agents;
beta blockers.

This fact is due to the ability of the above drugs to temporarily reduce the concentration of the considered laboratory criterion. Neglect of the rule can lead to false negative results, and, as a result, a delay in the appointment of the necessary treatment.

It is extremely important to take a responsible approach to your health and be aware of the fact that the earlier the disease is detected, the easier it will be to cure it and the more favorable the prognosis of the outcome for the patient himself.