Changes In Serum C-reactive Protein Levels Research Articles

Assessment of Changes in Serum C-Reactive Protein Levels in Patients after Ischemic Stroke Undergoing Rehabilitation-A Retrospective Observational Study.

Inflammation plays a key role in the pathogenesis and prognosis of ischemic stroke. C-reactive protein (CRP) is an inflammatory biomarker of inflammation and may reflect the progression of vascular disease. Using a biomarker such as CRP to predict recovery rather than mortality may present clinical value in providing rehabilitation. The primary aim of the study was to analyze changes in serum CRP levels in patients after ischemic stroke during the regenerative-compensatory period and to assess the usefulness of CRP as a potential biomarker during the rehabilitation period. The project was carried out as a retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data from post-stroke patients from the Department of Neurological Rehabilitation of the Regional Specialist Hospital in Wrocław. A group of 52 patients, after their first-ever ischemic stroke with subsequent hemiplegia, was finally qualified to participate in the study. Serum CRP levels were determined during blood laboratory tests. The Modified Rankin Scale (mRS) and Barthel Index (BI) were used to assess functional outcomes. Rehabilitation using neurophysiological methods was applied five days a week (each session lasted 60 min, and the entire period was 42 days). At the first test, serum CRP levels were found to be above 5 mg/L in 19 patients, the second test in 12 patients, the third test in five patients, and the fourth test in 9 patients. Only three patients had values higher than 5 mg/L in all consecutive assessments (p > 0.05). There was a statistically significant increase in BI scores after therapy (p < 0.001) as well as a decrease in the mRS score by 2.2 points (p < 0.001), in CRP values by 5.02 mg/L (p = 0.019), and in cortisol levels by 2.5 nmol/L (p = 0.002). Statistically significant relationships were observed between the CRP levels after rehabilitation and the corresponding mRS scores (rs = 0.29, p = 0.038). Furthermore, the effect of BMI on CRP levels was demonstrated (B = 0.20, p = 0.038). In conclusion, despite demonstrating a significant relationship between CRP levels and corresponding mRS scores, CRP levels alone may not serve as an independent predictor of long-term functional outcomes in ischemic stroke patients undergoing rehabilitation.

Systemic Inflammatory Response to Different Sclerosing Agents as a Predictor of Pleurodesis Outcome.

The objectives of this study were to evaluate systemic inflammation using different sclerosing agents and to estimate the prediction of systemic inflammation for the efficacy of pleurodesis. Ninety-six patients with recurrent and symptomatic malignant pleural effusion were enrolled in this retrospective study. We used serum C-reactive protein (CRP) levels, serum leukocyte counts and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratios (NLRs) as parameters of systemic inflammatory reactions. Evaluations of these parameters were performed before and 24 h after pleurodesis. Pleurodesis was successful in 81 (84.4%) patients. The non-graded talc induced the highest changes in serum CRP levels, total white blood cell and neutrophil counts compared to other agents, while mitoxantrone induced the lowest. Graded talc and bleomycin induced the same levels of changes in serum CRP levels and serum leukocyte counts. The change in serum NLR was the same for all agent groups. Logistic regression confirmed that a change in serum CRP levels [odds ratio (OR)=0.92, p=0.002] and previous chemotherapy (OR=3.31, p=0.012) were independent predictors of pleurodesis efficacy. Pleurodesis agents induced a systemic inflammatory response at different levels. The change in serum CRP levels could be useful for predicting the success of pleurodesis.

Clinical usefulness of serum procalcitonin to distinguish between viral pneumonia and Mycoplasma pneumonia in children: A multicenter, cross-sectional study

Purpose: The aim of this study was to compare the clinical usefulness of serum procalcitonin (PCT) levels in Mycoplasma pneu moniae pneumonia (M. pneumonia) and viral pneumonia in children. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the medical records of 348 patients admitted between June 2015 and December of 2015. There were 162 patients with M. pneumonia without virus coinfection (group 1) and 186 patients with viral pneumonia (group 2). All subjects had radiographic evidence of pneumonia with available specimens for both M. pneumonia and viral testing, and levels of serum PCT, white blood cell counts (WBC), neutrophil portion, and C-reactive protein (CRP). Fifty-eight children who performed follow-up sampling at the time of no fever for more than 48 hours were subdivided into group 3 (M. pneumonia with follow-up sampling, n=41) and group 4 (viral pneumonia with follow-up sampling, n=17). Results: No difference was noted in the levels of serum PCT (P=0.168), CRP (P=0.296), WBC (P=0.732), and neutrophil proportion (P=0.069) between groups 1 and 2, after adjusting for age. Serial changes in serum PCT levels between the first and second samples were significant in group 3 (P=0.046). Serial changes in serum CRP levels between the first and second samples were significant in group 4 (P=0.008). Conclusion: Serum PCT and CRP levels may change differently after infection according to the etiology of pneumonia. (Allergy Asthma Respir Dis 2019;7:22-27)

Effect of magnesium supplements on serum C-reactive protein: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

IntroductionThe aim of the study was to undertake a systematic review and meta-analysis of prospective studies to determine the effect of magnesium (Mg) supplementation on C-reactive protein (CRP). Design: Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials (RCTs).Material and methodsData sources: PubMed-Medline, Web of Science, Cochrane Database, and Google Scholar databases were searched (up until December 2016). Eligibility criteria: Randomized controlled trials evaluating the impact of Mg supplementation on CRP. We used random effects models meta-analysis for quantitative data synthesis. For sensitivity analysis was used the leave-one-out method. Heterogeneity was quantitatively assessed using the I 2 index. Main outcome: Level of CRP after Mg supplementation.ResultsFrom a total of 96 entries identified via searches, eight studies were included in the final selection. The meta-analysis indicated a significant reduction in serum CRP concentrations following Mg supplementation (weighted mean difference (WMD) –1.33 mg/l; 95% CI: –2.63 to –0.02, heterogeneity p < 0.123; I 2 = 29.1%). The WMD for interleukin 6 was –0.16 pg/dl (95% CI: –3.52 to 3.26, heterogeneity p = 0.802; I 2 = 2.3%), and 0.61 mg/dl (95% CI: –2.72 to 1.48, p = 0.182, heterogeneity p = 0.742; I 2 = 6.1%) for fasting blood glucose. These findings were robust in sensitivity analyses. Random-effects meta-regression revealed that changes in serum CRP levels were independent of the dosage of Mg supplementation (slope: –0.004; 95% CI: –0.03, 0.02; p = 0.720) or duration of follow-up (slope: –0.06; 95% CI: –0.37, 0.24; p = 0.681).ConclusionsThis meta-analysis suggests that Mg supplementation significantly reduces serum CRP level. RCTs with a larger sample size and a longer follow-up period should be considered for future investigations to give an unequivocal answer.

Effects of conjugated linoleic acid supplementation on serum C-reactive protein: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

To undertake a systematic review and meta-analysis of prospective studies to determine the effect of conjugated linoleic acids (CLAs) supplementation on serum C-reactive protein (CRP). PubMed-Medline, Web of Science, Cochrane Database, and Google Scholar databases were searched (up until May 2016) to identify prospective studies evaluating the impact of CLAs supplementation on serum CRP. Random-effects models meta-analysis was used for quantitative data synthesis. Sensitivity analysis was conducted using the leave-one-out method. Heterogeneity was quantitatively assessed using the I2 index. Systematic review registration: CRD42016038945. From a total of 85 entries identified via searches, 14 studies were included in the final selection. The meta-analysis indicated a significant increase in serum CRP concentrations following supplementation with CLAs (weighted mean difference [WMD] 0.63mg/dL, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 0.13-1.13, N=21 arms, heterogeneity P=.026; I2 =52.3%). These findings were robust in sensitivity analyses. Random-effects meta-regression revealed that changes in serum CRP levels were independent of the dosage of CLAs supplementation (slope: -0.02; 95% CI: -0.10, 0.12; P=.889) or duration of follow-up (slope: 0.271; 95% CI: -0.05, 0.59; P=.098). This meta-analysis suggests that CLA supplementation is associated with an increase in plasma CRP concentrations and a reduction in serum adiponectin concentrations, which indicates that CLA supplements have a proinflammatory effect. Randomized control trials with larger sample size and a longer follow-up period may be required for future investigations to provide an unequivocal answer.

Variation of C-Reactive Protein and White Blood Cell Counts in Spinal Operation: Primary Fusion Surgery Versus Revision Fusion Surgery.

ObjectiveSerum C-reactive protein (CRP) concentrations and white blood cell (WBC) count are commonly used to identify postoperative wound infections. We investigated whether changes in serum CRP levels and WBC counts actually differed between patients undergoing revision spinal fusion surgery and those undergoing a primary fusion.MethodsPatients who underwent posterolateral fusion (PLF) surgery at Pusan National University Yangsan Hospital between October 2013 and April 2015 were considered for this study. Sixty-seven patients with primary lumbar PLF (pPLF) and 21 with revision PLF (rPLF) were enrolled. A retrospective assessment of preoperative and postoperative CRP levels and WBC count was undertaken. Also, we gathered peak CRP day, and CRP normalization days. Comorbidity data were also obtained to evaluate any effects on the course of CRP and WBC count postoperatively.ResultsCRP levels peaked at 3 days after surgery. The maximum CRP values recorded for each group: 4.17 (standard deviation [SD], 4.18) mg/dL and 4.88 (SD, 3.03) mg/dL for pPLF and rPLF. This difference was not statistically significant (p=0.24). A rapid fall in CRP within 5–9 days was observed for both groups.ConclusionOut of our expectation, changes in CRP levels after spinal fusion surgery follow the same course regardless of whether it is a revision operation or not. Because of this result, both the primary PLF surgery and revision PLF surgery should be monitored using CRP in the similar way and the antibiotic administration should be determined.

Omega 3 fatty acids as a host modulator in chronic periodontitis patients: a randomised, double-blind, palcebo-controlled, clinical trial

Periodontitis is an infectious disease caused predominantly by gram-negative anerobes. The host inflammatory response to these bacteria causes alveolar bone loss that is characterized as periodontitis. Omega-3 fatty acids (ω-3 FAs) have anti-inflammatory properties, thus have been used to treat some chronic inflammatory diseases such as cardiovascular disease and rheumatoid arthritis. We aimed to evaluate the effect of dietary supplementation with ω-3 FAs as a host modulating agent in patients with chronic periodontitis. Sixty otherwise healthy subjects with moderate and severe chronic periodontitis were enrolled in our randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. The control group (CG, n=30) was treated with scaling and root planing (SRP) and given a placebo; the treatment group (TG, n=30) was treated with SRP and dietary supplementation of ω-3 FAs (one 300 mg tablet daily for 12 weeks). Periodontal clinical parameters and serum C-reactive protein (CRP) levels were evaluated in all patients at baseline, a 6-week and 12-week period after treatment. A significant reduction in the gingival index, sulcus bleeding index, pocket depth, and clinical attachment level was found in the TG compared to the CG at a 12-week period. However, no statistically significant changes in serum CRP levels were found. Our findings suggest that ω-3 FAs can successfully reduce gingival inflammation, pocket depth, and attachment level gain. Dietary supplementation with ω-3 FAs may have potential benefits as a host modulatory agent in the prevention and/or adjunctive management of chronic periodontitis.

C-Reactive Protein and Metabolic Syndrome in Elderly Women

Aging is associated with increased inflammatory activity (1,2). Serum C-reactive protein (CRP) is a sensitive marker of systemic low-grade inflammation and is an important predictor of type 2 diabetes (3,4) and cardiovascular disease (CVD) (5). Cross-sectional studies have found associations of CRP with metabolic syndrome (6–9) and its components, including obesity (10), insulin resistance (6,7,10), dyslipidemia (10), elevated blood pressure (11), and endothelial dysfunction (10). Prospective studies (3,4) in middle-aged individuals have observed that increased serum CRP levels predict the development of metabolic syndrome. No such data are available in the elderly. We tested the hypothesis that changes in serum CRP levels predict the development of metabolic syndrome in a population-based sample of elderly women followed-up for 12 years. The subjects were examined as a part of the large population-based risk factor survey in 1982 (12). The women, aged 60–70 years, were invited for the baseline examinations of the present study in 1991–1992. None of them had diabetes. In 2003, all eligible women were invited for the 12-year follow-up study, and 113 of them participated. After excluding …

Short-term effects of hormone therapy on serum C-reactive protein levels in postmenopausal women

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of tibolone and conjugated equine estrogens (CEEs) plus medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) (CEE + MPA) on levels of serum C-reactive protein (CRP), an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disorders, in postmenopausal women. In this prospective randomized study, we randomly assigned 58 healthy postmenopausal women to CEE (0.625 mg/day) plus MPA (2.5 mg/day) (CEE + MPA) or tibolone (2.5 mg/day). The serum levels of CRP at 3 months after starting treatment were compared with baseline values for both therapies. After 3 months of treatment the median CRP levels increased by 29% in the CEE + MPA group and by 5% in the tibolone group. But, these changes did not have statistical significance (P=0.15, P=0.06, respectively). Our findings show that neither tibolone nor CEE + MPA caused significant changes in serum CRP levels in postmenopausal women. The potential impact of hormone therapy on serum CRP levels should be investigated in ongoing clinical trials.

Effects of low-dose aspirin on serum C-reactive protein and thromboxane B2concentrations: a placebo-controlled study using a highly sensitive C-reactive protein assay

OBJECTIVESWe performed a placebo-controlled study to evaluate the effect of low-dose aspirin on serum C-reactive protein (CRP) levels.BACKGROUNDElevated circulating concentrations of CRP, an inflammatory marker, increase the risk of thrombotic cardiovascular diseases such as myocardial infarction (MI). Moreover, low-dose aspirin therapy has been reported to be more effective in preventing MI in men with higher CRP levels than it is in those with lower levels, raising the possibility that aspirin prevents thrombosis by reducing vascular inflammation. The effect of low-dose aspirin therapy on serum CRP levels in men has been addressed recently, but the results of the two studies conflict.METHODSEffects of aspirin (81 mg every day or 325, 81 or 40 mg every-third-day given for 31 days) on serum CRP, using a highly-sensitive assay, and on serum platelet-cyclo-oxygenase (COX)-1-derived thromboxane (Tx) B2concentrations were studied simultaneously in 57 healthy volunteers (30 men and 27 women).RESULTSTrough platelet COX-1-derived serum Tx B2concentrations decreased by 100% with daily aspirin and by 90%, 84% and 78% with 325, 81 and 40 mg aspirin every-third-day (p < 0.001). However, there were no significant changes in serum CRP levels from baseline with daily low-dose aspirin therapy, with any of the every-third-day aspirin regimens or with placebo treatment.CONCLUSIONSLow doses of aspirin that markedly inhibit platelet COX-1 activity, as manifested by a profound decline in platelet-derived serum Tx B2concentrations, have no detectable effect on serum CRP levels in healthy men and women.