Serial estimation of C-reactive protein following cardiac surgery

Abstract

Serial estimation of C-reactive protein (CRP), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and total leucocyte count (TLC) was done in seventy eight consecutive patients undergoing cardiac surgery between 1st June and 18th July 1985 at our institution. In non-infected patients the CRP level reached a peak on 3rd day and declined to near pre operative level towards the end of 2nd week. But CRP level in infected patients continued to remain elevated till infection abated. There was statistically significant difference in CRP value between infected and non-infected patients (p<0.01, t test) from the sixth post operative day onwards. The rise in concentration of CRP from earlier value or sustained high concentration or a spike suggests infection. CRP was more reliable than ESR and TLC.