77. High C-reactive protein levels in active duty soldiers are associated with depression, PTSD and combat exposure

Abstract

Fifty two active duty soldiers were enrolled in a warfare virtual reality training scenario developed by Meggitt’s Training Systems (Suwanee, GA). This abstracts reports on baseline data gathered before the training scenario. Venipunctures were completed and blood was analyzed for cytokines (IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, IFN-gamma, TNF-alpha) and C-reactive protein (CRP). Participants also completed a panel of instruments including the CESD, the Combat Exposure Scale (CES), and the PCL-Military, which screens for PTSD. Hair was analyzed for cortisol. The mean age of participants was 25 years old, 90% were Caucasian, and one was female. Only four had completed college degrees. Sixty seven percent had been deployed and 33% currently led combat troops. There was a range of ranks and years of service. The baseline mean level of CRP was 10.9 mg/L (range of 0.7–93). Normal CRP is under 3 mg/L. There were positive correlations of CRP with CESD score ( r = .3, p = .03, CES score ( r = .34, p = .05) and PTSD ( r = .3, p = .03). There were six participants with scores indicating high probability of severe PTSD, and these soldiers had the highest levels of CRP. Few cytokines were correlated with these variables and means were in normal range. Hair cortisol measurement is pending. CRP is associated with inflammation. The relationships uncovered here suggests that deployment associated distress is associated with an inflammatory marker that predicts later disease.