C-reactive Protein Monitoring Research Articles

Evaluation of major adverse events of clozapine based on accordance to an international titration guideline.

Clozapine is the only antipsychotic approved for treatment-resistant schizophrenia, but without appropriate monitoring, it can be associated with potentially fatal outcomes. An International Adult Clozapine Titration Guideline categorizes patients into normal or slow metabolizers. Categorization provides clozapine titration schedules and recommends regular c-reactive protein (CRP) and clozapine concentration monitoring to reduce the risk of adverse drug reactions (ADRs). The impact of the guideline on clozapine ADRs has not been evaluated. A retrospective chart review assessed clozapine titrations, laboratory monitoring, ADRs, and discontinuations for clozapine-naive adult inpatients at a single center from January 1, 2013, to June 1, 2022. Each patient's cumulative weekly clozapine dosage was compared with their guideline recommended dosage to create a percent accordance. Linear logistic regression evaluated the relationship between titration speed and the presence of an ADR, while descriptive statistics analyzed laboratory monitoring. Forty-three patients were included, with the majority being White males with schizophrenia. An inverse relationship existed between the last inpatient week clozapine dose percent accordance and the probability of an ADR. Nonobese patients were less likely than obese patients to experience an ADR (odds ratio = 0.17; 95% CI, 0.03-0.99). CRP and clozapine concentration monitoring was suboptimal. Based on our small retrospective review of primarily White males, more aggressive clozapine titrations did not increase ADRs. Future studies with more diverse samples are needed and should focus on specific ADRs, which may have increased occurrence with rapid titrations. Obese patients were at higher risk of ADRs, correlating with the guideline-recommended slower titrations for these patients.

C-reactive Protein Kinetics During In-Patient Treatment of COVID-19-Associated Rhino-Orbito-Cerebral Mucormycosis: A Retrospective Cohort Study in a Tertiary Hospital in Central India.

COVID-associated rhino-orbito-cerebral Mucormycosis (CA-ROCM), henceforth referred to as Covid-Associated Mucormycosis (CAM), is a serious and fatal condition unless treated promptly and completely. The main treatment of the CAM is complete surgical debridement and administration of systemic antifungals. The first line antifungal recommended for CAM is Amphotericin-B. Since Amphotericin-B has systemic side effects mainly on the renal system, a timely decision to start and end Amphotericin-B therapy is very essential. Besides the Computed Tomography (CT) scan, serum levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) levels are a good indicator of CAM-associated inflammation levels in the patient's body. By monitoring the CRP levels, we can titrate amphotericin treatment to cause minimal harm to the kidneys.Our study was done to analyze the kinetics of C-reactive protein in patients of CAM admitted in a tertiary-care hospital and compare it with the CRP levels in COVID-associated non-Mucormycosis Sinusitis patients. Aim and objective To study the kinetics of serum C-reactive protein (CRP) levels among patients undergoing in-patient care for COVID-associated rhino-orbito-cerebral mucormycosis and compare with serum CRPlevels in COVID-19 patients suffering from sinusitis without rhino-orbito-cerebral mucormycosis. Materials and methods This was a retrospective cohort study. The source of data was post-COVID sinusitis patients who were admitted during 2nd wave of COVID-19 in India in our hospital whose medical records were accessed by the Medical Records Department. The subjects were recruited into the two study groups namely the Mucormycosis group and the non-Mucormycosis group based on the histopathological report of the nasal biopsy specimen. The medical records of each member of the two groups were studied for the levels of serum C-reactive protein measured at the time of admission and every 5(+1) days thereafter till the time of discharge. The kinetics of serum C-reactive protein levels, which is a marker of inflammation is studied in each of the two groups and compared using statistical methods. Results There was a significant difference between Mucormycosis and Non-Mucormycosis groups in CRP-level kinetics. However, there was no significant trend of decrease or increase over time in Mucormycosis as well as non-Mucormycosis cases. Conclusion CRP is an important biomarker in assessing the septic response to COVID-associated rhino-orbito-cerebral mucormycosis. Detection of raised CRP levels helps in prompt early initiation of anti-fungal treatment. Also, monitoring the levels of serum CRP will guide in deciding the time to stop the antifungals at an appropriate time. CRP monitoring is commonly available and affordable. Hence, we recommend CRP monitoring of in-patients of CAM.

Patterns of C-reactive protein trends during clozapine titration and the onset of clozapine-induced inflammation: a case series of weekly and daily C-reactive protein monitoring.

International guidelines for clozapine titration recommend measuring C-reactive protein (CRP) weekly for 4 weeks after clozapine initiation to prevent fatal inflammatory adverse events, including myocarditis. However, limited evidence exists regarding whether weekly CRP monitoring can prevent clozapine-induced inflammation. We examined the relationship between CRP trends and the development of clozapine-induced inflammation. We also explored the usefulness and limitations of CRP monitoring during clozapine titration. This study presents 17 and 4 cases of weekly and daily CRP monitoring during clozapine initiation, respectively. Among 17 patients with weekly CRP measurements, 7 had fever. Elevated CRP levels were detected before the onset of fever in two of the seven patients. Of the five remaining patients, the CRP levels on a previous test had been low; however, the fever developed suddenly. Of the 10 patients with no fever under weekly CRP monitoring, three had elevated CRP levels >3.0 mg/dL. Refraining from increasing the clozapine dose may have prevented fever in these patients. Among four patients with daily CRP measurements, two became febrile. In both cases, CRP levels increased almost simultaneously with the onset of fever. Weekly and daily CRP monitoring during clozapine titration is valuable for preventing clozapine-induced inflammation, assessing its severity, and guiding clozapine dose adjustments. Weekly CRP monitoring may not adequately predict clozapine-induced inflammation in some cases. Consequently, clinicians should be aware of the sudden onset of clozapine-induced inflammation, even if CRP levels are low. Daily CRP monitoring is better for detecting clozapine-induced inflammation.

Relationship between C-reactive protein and antipsychotics levels in schizophrenic patients infected with COVID-19

In the context of the COVID-19, inflammation emerges as a prominent characteristic. C-reactive protein (CRP) serves as a commonly employed marker for the evaluation of inflammation. This study aimed to examine the correlation between CRP levels and antipsychotic drug concentrations in patients diagnosed with SCZ during the COVID-19 pandemic. A total of 186 SCZ patients were included in this study, which utilized electronic medical records. The collected data encompassed SCZ diagnoses based on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition (DSM-IV) criteria, respiratory symptoms, and treatments. Laboratory assessments involved the measurement of CRP levels and monitoring of blood drug concentrations. The most prevalent symptoms observed in the patient cohort were fever (59.14%), cough (52.15%), fatigue (45.7%), sore throat (46.24%), runny nose (28.49%), and stuffy nose (25.27%). The levels of CRP during the infection period were significantly higher compared to both the prophase and anaphase of infection (all p < 0.001). The serum levels of clozapine, olanzapine, aripiprazole, quetiapine, and risperidone were elevated during the infection period (all p < 0.001). During the anaphase of infection, patients exhibited higher serum levels of clozapine, olanzapine, and risperidone (all p < 0.001) compared to the infection period, but there was no significant change in serum levels of aripiprazole and quetiapine. Multiple regression analysis revealed a statistically significant positive correlation (P < 0.0001) between CRP and clozapine concentration. In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is crucial to adjust the dosage based on drug serum concentration to prevent intoxication or adverse drug reactions.

CRP Monitoring in Early Hospitalization: Implications for Predicting Outcomes in Patients with COVID-19.

Elevated C-reactive protein (CRP) levels have been associated with poorer COVID-19 outcomes. While baseline CRP levels are higher in women, obese individuals, and older adults, the relationship between CRP, sex, body mass index (BMI), age, and COVID-19 outcomes remains unknown. To investigate, we performed a retrospective analysis on 824 adult patients with COVID-19 admitted during the first pandemic wave, of whom 183 (22.2%) died. The maximum CRP value over the first five hospitalization days better predicted hospitalization outcome than the CRP level at admission, as a maximum CRP > 10 mg/dL independently quadrupled the risk of death (p < 0.001). Males (p < 0.001) and patients with a higher BMI (p = 0.001) had higher maximum CRP values, yet CRP levels did not impact their hospitalization outcome. While CRP levels did not statistically mediate any relation between sex, age, or BMI with clinical outcomes, age impacted the association between BMI and the risk of death. For patients 60 or over, a BMI < 25 kg/m2 increased the risk of death (p = 0.017), whereas the reverse was true for patients <60 (p = 0.030). Further impact of age on the association between BMI, CRP, and the risk of death could not be assessed due to a lack of statistical power but should be further investigated.

Higher rate of progression in HIV- than in HIV+ patients after rituximab for HHV8+ multicentric Castleman disease.

Rituximab has revolutionized the treatment of Kaposi sarcoma-associated herpesvirus/human herpesvirus 8-associated multicentric Castleman disease (HHV8+MCD), converting a rapidly fatal illness into a relapsing disease. HHV8+MCD mainly affects patients with HIV infection but can also be observed in patients without HIV infection. We retrospectively analyzed a cohort of 99 patients (73 who tested HIV+and 26 who tested HIV-), with HHV8+MCD treated with rituximab-based therapy. Baseline characteristics were similar in patients who had HIV-and HIV+results, although those who tested HIV-were older (65 vs 42 years) and presented less frequently with Kaposi sarcoma (15% vs 40%). Ninety-five patients (70 HIV+and 25 HIV-) achieved complete remission (CR) after rituximab-based therapy. After a median follow-up of 51 months, 36 patients (12 HIV-and 24 HIV+) experienced disease progression. The 5-year progression-free survival (PFS) was 54%. The 5-year PFS was lower in HIV-patients than in HIV+patients : 26% and 62%, respectively (P=.02). A multivariate prognostic factors analysis including time-dependent covariates revealed that HIV-status, reoccurrence of HHV8 DNA >3 log copies per mL, and serum C-reactive protein (CRP) >20 mg/mL were independently associated with an increased risk of progression after rituximab-induced CR (P= .001;P= .01; andP= .01, respectively). The lower rate of progression observed in the population with HIV+results despite a longer follow-up period might have resulted from the possible immune restoration upon antiretroviral therapy. HHV8 viral load and serum CRP monitoring after rituximab therapy provide information on the progression risk and may help in the decision to resume specific therapy.

Guía internacional para una dosificación más segura de la clozapina en adultos mediante el uso de 6 titulaciones personalizadas de dosis basados en la etnicidad, la proteína C reactiva y los niveles de clozapina

This is the Spanish translation of an international guideline which proposes improving clozapine package inserts worldwide by using ancestry-based: 1) dosing and 2) titration. Adverse drug reaction (ADR) databases suggest clozapine: 1) is the third most toxic drug in the United States (US), and 2) produces worldwide pneumonia mortality four times greater than that of agranulocytosis or myocarditis. For trough steady-state clozapine serum concentrations, the therapeutic reference range is narrow, from 350 to 600 ng/mL with the potential for toxicity and ADRs as concentrations increase. Clozapine is mainly metabolized by CYP1A2 (female non-smokers require the lowest dose and male smokers the highest dose). Poor metabolizer (PM) status through phenotypic conversion is associated with co-prescription of inhibitors (including oral contraceptives and valproate), obesity or inflammation with C-reactive protein (CRP) elevations. People with ancestry from Asia (Pakistan to Japan) or the Americas’ original inhabitants have lower CYP1A2 activity and require lower clozapine doses to reach concentrations of 350 ng/ml. Daily doses of 300-600 mg/day are recommended in the US. Slow personalized titration may prevent early ADRs (including syncope, myocarditis and pneumonia). The core of this guideline consists of six personalized titration schedules for inpatients: 1) Asian/Amerindian ancestry with lower metabolism (in cases of obesity or valproate) needing minimum therapeutic dosages of 75-150 mg/day, 2) Asian/Amerindian ancestry with average metabolism needing 175-300 mg/day, 3) European/Western Asian ancestry with lower metabolism (in cases of obesity or valproate) needing 100-200 mg/day, 4) European/Western Asian ancestry with average metabolism needing 250-400 mg/day, 5) in the US of non-Asian/Amerindian ancestry with lower clozapine metabolism (in cases of obesity or valproate) needing 150-300 mg/day, and 6) in the US of non-Asian/Amerindian ancestry with average clozapine metabolism needing 300-600 mg/day. Baseline and weekly CRP monitoring for at least 4 weeks is required to identify any inflammation, including inflammation secondary to clozapine rapid titration.

BiomArker-guided Duration of Antibiotic treatment in hospitalised Patients with suspecTed Sepsis (ADAPT-Sepsis): A protocol for a multicentre randomised controlled trial.

To describe the protocol for a multi-centre randomised controlled trial to determine whether treatment protocols monitoring daily CRP (C-reactive protein) or PCT (procalcitonin) safely allow a reduction in duration of antibiotic therapy in hospitalised adult patients with sepsis. Multicentre three-arm randomised controlled trial. UK NHS hospitals. Hospitalised critically ill adults who have been commenced on intravenous antibiotics for sepsis. Three protocols for guiding antibiotic discontinuation will be compared: (a) standard care; (b) standard care + daily CRP monitoring; (c) standard care + daily PCT monitoring. Standard care will be based on routine sepsis management and antibiotic stewardship. Measurement of outcomes and costs. Outcomes will be assessed to 28 days. The primary outcomes are total duration of antibiotics and safety outcome of all-cause mortality. Secondary outcomes include: escalation of care/re-admission; infection re-lapse/recurrence; antibiotic dose; length and level of critical care stay and length of hospital stay. Ninety-day all-cause mortality rates will also be collected. An assessment of cost effectiveness will be performed. In the setting of routine NHS care, if this trial finds that a treatment protocol based on monitoring CRP or PCT safely allows a reduction in duration of antibiotic therapy, and is cost effective, then this has the potential to change clinical practice for critically ill patients with sepsis. Moreover, if a biomarker-guided protocol is not found to be effective, then it will be important to avoid its use in sepsis and prevent ineffective technology becoming widely adopted in clinical practice.

Japanese patients need slower, personalized clozapine titrations: A comment on the case described by Kikuchi et al.

Japanese patients need slower, personalized clozapine titrations: A comment on the case described by Kikuchi et al.

Change over time and agreement between clinical markers of disease resolution in dogs with aspiration-induced lung injury.

There is a lack of consensus regarding which markers of disease resolution to prioritise when assessing treatment response in client-owned dogs with aspiration-induced lung injury. This study describes the change over time and the agreement between the clinical markers used to determine disease resolution. Physical examination (PE), owner-reported clinical signs (CS-O), thoracic radiographs (TXR) scores and C-reactive protein (CRP) concentrations were determined at enrolment, after 24, 48 and 72 hours, and after 7, 14 and 28 days. PE scores were significantly improved at 48 hours, while CRP initially increased (24 hours) and then decreased (48 hours). PE, CS-O and CRP significantly improved earlier (7 days) than TXR (14 days). The median number of days to marker normalisation was 7, 9 and 14 for PE, CRP and CS-O, respectively. Marker agreement was excellent/very good at enrolment and fair/poor during disease recovery. Analysis did not control for differences aetiology of aspiration or the lack of standardisation in treatment approach. PE was the earliest and most consistent marker indicating disease resolution. Serial CRP monitoring (72 hours) may provide an objective marker of early treatment response. Alongside PE normalisation, improvement in CS-O, CRP and TRX may assist in determining disease resolution and guide treatments, including limiting antibiotic exposure in dogs with aspiration-induced lung injury.

Serial CRP (C-reactive protein) Monitoring in COVID-19 Pneumonia for the Assessment of Severity, Ventilatory Support Requirement and Predicting Early Lung Fibrosis

Introduction: Robust data of CRP is available in bacterial infection, and now it can be utilized in Covid- 19 pneumonia pandemic initial assessment of severity and planning of treatment. Materials and Methods: Multicentric, prospective, observational and interventional study conducted during July 2020 to May 2021 included 1000 Covid-19 cases confirmed with RT PCR. All cases were assessed with lung involvement documented and categorized on HRCT thorax, oxygen saturation, inflammatory marker as CRP at entry point and follow up. Age, gender, Comorbidity and use BIPAP/NIV and outcome as with or without lung fibrosis as per CT severity were key observations. Statistical analysis is done by using Chi square test. Observations and analysis: Age (&lt;50 and &gt;50 years) and gender (male versus female) has significant association with CRP in predicting severity [p&lt;0.00001] &amp; [p&lt;0.010] respectively. CT severity score at entry point with CRP level has significant correlation [p&lt;0.00001] CRP level has significant association with duration of illness (Doi) [p&lt;0.00001] Comorbidities has significant association with CRP level. [p&lt;0.00001] CRP level has significant association with oxygen saturation [p&lt;0.00001] BIPAP/NIV requirement during hospitalization has significant association with CRP level. [p&lt;0.00001] Timing of BIPAP/NIV requirement has significant association with CRP level. [p&lt;0.00001] Follow-up CRP titer during hospitalization as compared to entry point normal and abnormal CRP has significant association in post-covid lung fibrosis [p&lt;0.00001] Conclusion: CRP is easily available and universally acceptable inflammatory marker in Covid-19 pandemic and ‘serial titer’ documented very crucial role in predicting severity of illness, need of ventilatory support and help in predicting post-covid lung fibrosis. J MEDICINE 2022; 23: 112-120

Systematic C-reactive protein monitoring reduces hospital stay after laparoscopic ileal pouch-anal anastomosis. A comparative study of 158 consecutive patients with ulcerative colitis.

C-reactive protein (CRP) is a common biomarker of inflammation which has largely been used to predict the risk of postoperative septic complications after colorectal surgery. However, no data exist concerning its potential benefit after ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA) for ulcerative colitis (UC). The aim of this study was to evaluate a CRP-driven monitoring discharge strategy after laparoscopic IPAA for UC. Since 2012, 158 patients undergoing a laparoscopic IPAA for UC have been included: 66 patients (CRP group) operated since 2016 had a CRP-driven monitoring discharge on postoperative day 5 (POD 5) and were discharged on POD 6 if CRP < 100 mg/L; these patients were matched (according to age, gender, body mass index, IPAA in two or three steps) to 92 patients operated between 2012 and 2016 without any CRP monitoring (control group). Median length of hospital stay was shorter in the CRP than the control group (7 vs. 9 days; P < 0.001) and discharge on POD 6 occurred more frequently in the CRP group (47% vs. 7%, P < 0.001). No difference was observed between the two groups concerning overall morbidity (P=0.980), surgical site infection (P=0.554), Clavien-Dindo ≥ IIIa morbidity (P=0.523), unplanned rehospitalization (P=0.734) and 30-day reoperation (P=0.240). CRP-driven monitoring discharge strategy after laparoscopic IPAA for UC is associated with a significant reduction in length of hospital stay, without increasing morbidity, reoperation or rehospitalization rates.

C-reactive protein monitoring after ileocecal resection and stoma closure reduces length of hospital stay: a prospective case-matched study in 410 patients with Crohn's disease.

The aim of this study was to evaluate a C-reactive protein (CRP)-driven monitoring discharge strategy for patients with Crohn's disease (CD) undergoing laparoscopic ileo-cecal resection (ICR) and if needed, temporary stoma closure (SC). Four hundred and ten patients who underwent laparoscopic ICR for CD: 153 patients (CRP group) between June 2016 and June 2020 at our department, had a CRP-driven monitoring discharge on postoperative day (POD) 3 and were discharged on POD 4 if CRP < 100mg/L. These patients were matched (according to age, sex, body mass index, type of CD (and stoma or not) to 257 patients who underwent laparoscopic ICR for CD between January 2009 and May 2016, without CRP monitoring (Control group). For SC, 79 patients with CRP monitoring were matched with 88 control patients. Primary outcome was overall length of hospital stay (LHS). Secondary outcomes were discharge on POD 4 for SC and POD 4 and POD 6 for ICR, 3-month postoperative overall morbidity and severe morbidity rates, surgical site infection, readmission rates, and CRP level in cases of morbidity at 3months. For ICR without stoma, mean LHS was significantly shorter in the CRP group than in the control group (6.9 ± 2days vs 8.3 ± 6days, p = 0.017). Discharge occurred on POD 6 (or before) in 73% of the patients (CRP group) vs 60% (Control group) (p = 0.027). For ICR with stoma, LHS was 8days for both groups (p = 0.612). For SC, LHS was significantly shorter in the CRP group than in the control group (5.5 ± 3days vs 7.1 ± 4days; p = 0.002). Discharge occurred on POD 4 in 62% (CRP group) vs 30% (Control) (p = 0.003). Postoperative 3-month overall and severe morbidity, and rehospitalization rates were similar between groups. CRP-driven monitoring discharge strategy after laparoscopic ICR for CD is associated with a significant reduction of LHS, without increasing morbidity, reoperation or rehospitalisation rates.

An observational study of salivary C-reactive protein as a potential novel non-invasive biomarker of neonatal sepsis

Objectives: Serial C-reactive protein (CRP) monitoring helps to rule out and prognosticate sepsis. Small blood volumes in neonates make it difficult for repeated blood draws for serial CRP monitoring. Hence, the need of the hour is a non-invasive method such as CRP estimation in saliva. This study aims to correlate salivary CRP with serum CRP levels and establish the potential clinical utility of salivary CRP in diagnosing neonatal sepsis. Materials and Methods: Twenty-three consecutive neonates diagnosed with clinically suspected sepsis and admitted to the NICU were the study subjects. Demographics such as gestational age and weight at birth, sex and detailed clinical features, and comorbidities were noted. Blood samples for CRP estimation and blood culture were collected as soon as clinical suspicion of sepsis arose. Saliva samples were collected for CRP estimation within 1 h of blood sample collection. The saliva was collected in a 2 mL syringe using low suction. Salivary and serum CRP were estimated by the particle enhanced immunoturbidimetric assay. Results: In our study, the CRP levels in saliva correlated moderately well with CRP levels in serum (Spearman correlation coefficient r = 0.582, P = 0.004). The sensitivity and specificity of salivary CRP to predict a serum level of ≥10 mg/L were observed to be 0.75 and 0.93, respectively. Conclusion: Our study shows the promise of salivary CRP as a potential clinically meaningful biomarker of neonatal sepsis and warrants the need for larger studies to validate the utility of salivary CRP to serially monitor neonatal sepsis.

An International Adult Guideline for Making Clozapine Titration Safer by Using Six Ancestry-Based Personalized Dosing Titrations, CRP, and Clozapine Levels.

This international guideline proposes improving clozapine package inserts worldwide by using ancestry-based dosing and titration. Adverse drug reaction (ADR) databases suggest that clozapine is the third most toxic drug in the United States (US), and it produces four times higher worldwide pneumonia mortality than that by agranulocytosis or myocarditis. For trough steady-state clozapine serum concentrations, the therapeutic reference range is narrow, from 350 to 600 ng/mL with the potential for toxicity and ADRs as concentrations increase. Clozapine is mainly metabolized by CYP1A2 (female non-smokers, the lowest dose; male smokers, the highest dose). Poor metabolizer status through phenotypic conversion is associated with co-prescription of inhibitors (including oral contraceptives and valproate), obesity, or inflammation with C-reactive protein (CRP) elevations. The Asian population (Pakistan to Japan) or the Americas' original inhabitants have lower CYP1A2 activity and require lower clozapine doses to reach concentrations of 350 ng/mL. In the US, daily doses of 300-600 mg/day are recommended. Slow personalized titration may prevent early ADRs (including syncope, myocarditis, and pneumonia). This guideline defines six personalized titration schedules for inpatients: 1) ancestry from Asia or the original people from the Americas with lower metabolism (obesity or valproate) needing minimum therapeutic dosages of 75-150 mg/day, 2) ancestry from Asia or the original people from the Americas with average metabolism needing 175-300 mg/day, 3) European/Western Asian ancestry with lower metabolism (obesity or valproate) needing 100-200 mg/day, 4) European/Western Asian ancestry with average metabolism needing 250-400 mg/day, 5) in the US with ancestries other than from Asia or the original people from the Americas with lower clozapine metabolism (obesity or valproate) needing 150-300 mg/day, and 6) in the US with ancestries other than from Asia or the original people from the Americas with average clozapine metabolism needing 300-600 mg/day. Baseline and weekly CRP monitoring for at least four weeks is required to identify any inflammation, including inflammation secondary to clozapine rapid titration.

Association between Insufficient Interleukin-6 (IL-6) Inhibition and Worsening Outcomes in COVID-19 and Idiopathic Multicentric Castleman Disease (iMCD), and a Mathematical Model to Predict Optimal Dosing to Completely Block IL-6 Activity

Association between Insufficient Interleukin-6 (IL-6) Inhibition and Worsening Outcomes in COVID-19 and Idiopathic Multicentric Castleman Disease (iMCD), and a Mathematical Model to Predict Optimal Dosing to Completely Block IL-6 Activity

Body mass index, serum rheumatoid factor and c-reactive protein among individuals with rheumatoid arthritis in Kano Metropolis

Background: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is becoming a global health menace associated with joints swelling, pain, stiffness, and progressive loss of function of extremities etc. This study aimed at evaluating the Body Mass Index (BMI), Serum Rheumatoid Factor (RF) and C-Reactive Protein (CRP) among RA Patients in Kano Metropolis. Methods: A total of 111 participants comprising 74 Rheumatoid Arthritis patients and 37 apparently healthy controls were recruited for this study. Exactly 29 were males while 44 were females aged between 25 to 75 years. Using standard techniques, BMI was calculated using the weight and height taken from the participants. Blood samples were collected for serum RF and CRP and were analysed using Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay technique. Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 21 was used for the analysis of data. Results: Our findings reveal that, females recorded higher percentage frequency of 45 (60.8%) while males recorded a lower percentage frequency of 29(39.2%) of RA patients with the ratio of 1.55:1, the higher percentage frequencies of 35(47.3%) was observed in overweight BMI patients of between 25- 29.9 kg m-2. The mean serum value of RF was significantly (p = 0.00) higher in case group (4.4 ±1.5 ng/ml) compared with the control group (2.0 ±1.5 ng/ml) and also the mean serum value of CRP was significantly (p = 0.00) higher in case group (13.0 ±5.0 mg/L) compared with the control group (5.5±5.0 mg/L). A significant positive correlation was established between serum RF and CRP (r = 0.48, p=0.00). Conclusion: Our findings show increased RF and CRP in RA case group. Quantitative evaluation of immunological parameter such as RF, CRP and BMI monitoring may aid in proper management of RA patients.

Washed microbiota transplantation for the treatment of recurrent fungal infection in a patient with ulcerative colitis.

Washed microbiota transplantation for the treatment of recurrent fungal infection in a patient with ulcerative colitis.

Monitoring of C-reactive protein decreases length of stay after laparoscopic total mesorectal excision for cancer: a prospective case-matched study in 236 patients.

The aim of this study was to evaluate a discharge strategy driven by monitoring of C-reactive protein (CRP) in a homogeneous group of patients undergoing laparoscopic total mesorectal excision with sphincter-saving surgery for rectal cancer (TME). One hundred and thirteen patients who underwent a TME had CRP monitoring on postoperative day (POD) 5. Patients were discharged on POD 6 if the CRP level was ≤100mg/L. Patients were matched (according to age, gender, body mass index, neoadjuvant pelvic irradiation and type of anastomosis) to 123 control patients who underwent the same operation with the same postoperative care but without CRP monitoring. Postoperative 3-month overall [CRP group 62/113 (55%) vs controls 73/123 (59%); p=0.487] and severe (i.e. Clavien-Dindo grade 3 and above) [CRP group 17/113 (15%) vs controls 19/123 (15%); p=0.931] morbidity rates were similar between groups. Mean length of hospital stay (LHS) was significantly shorter in the CRP group (CRP group 9.7±14days vs controls 11.6±7days; p<0.001). Discharge occurred on POD 6 in 55/113 (49%) patients from the CRP group vs 7/123 (6%) from the control group (p<0.001). The rehospitalization rate [CRP group 19/113 (17%) vs controls 13/123 (11%); p=0.177] was similar between groups. The CRP level on POD 5 had a diagnostic property to assess an anastomotic leakage with an area under the curve of 0.81. In patients who underwent TME, a discharge strategy based on CRP monitoring significantly decreased LHS without increasing morbidity, mortality or rehospitalization rates.

Serial C-reactive Protein Monitoring in Prosthetic Joint Infection: A Powerful Predictor or Potentially Pointless?

BackgroundSerum C-reactive protein (CRP) is an important test in the initial diagnosis of prosthetic joint infection (PJI). There is no widely accepted algorithm for the resolution of PJI. Surgeons have traditionally used CRP to determine if the infection has resolved. However, this practice is not currently supported by significant data. MethodsA retrospective analysis of our departmental arthroplasty database was conducted to determine mean values of CRP pre and postoperatively for PJI treated with the debridement, antibiotics and implant retention (DAIR) procedure, single-stage revision and two-stage revision. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were calculated to determine the sensitivity and specificity of CRP testing in diagnosing persistent infection.ResultsOf the 121 patients who had undergone treatment (75 hip replacements and 48 knee replacements), there were 26 cases of persistent infection. There was no statistical significance in the mean CRP values between successful and unsuccessful treatment groups. The areas under ROCs (AUCs) for CRP values predicting outcomes ranged from 0.46 to 0.73.ConclusionOur study does not support the use of serial CRP monitoring as an indicator of the successful eradication of PJI.