Diagnostic Value Of C-reactive Protein Research Articles

Procalcitonin and C-reactive protein as early predictors in patients at high risk of colorectal anastomotic leakage.

To assess the diagnostic value of C-reactive protein (CRP) and procalcitonin (PCT) for anastomotic leakage (AL) following colorectal surgery. We retrospectively analyzed data for patients who underwent colorectal surgery at our hospital between November 2019 and December 2023. CRP and PCT were measured postoperatively to compare patients with/without AL, and changes were compared between low- and high-risk groups. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was used to assess the diagnostic accuracy of CRP and PCT to identify AL in high-risk patients. Mean CRP was 142.53 mg/L and 189.57 mg/L in the low- and high-risk groups, respectively, on postoperative day (POD)3. On POD2, mean PCT was 2.75 ng/mL and 8.16 ng/mL in low- and high-risk patients, respectively; values on POD3 were 3.53 ng/mL and 14.86 ng/mL, respectively. The areas under the curve (AUC) for CRP and PCT on POD3 were 0.71 and 0.78, respectively (CRP cut-off: 235.64 mg/L; sensitivity: 96%; specificity: 89.42% vs PCT cut-off: 3.94 ng/mL; sensitivity: 86%; specificity: 93.56%; AUC: 0.78). The AUC, sensitivity, and specificity for the combined diagnostic ability of CRP and PCT on POD3 were 0.92, 90%, and 100%, respectively (cut-off: 0.44). Combining PCT and CRP on POD3 enhances the diagnostic accuracy for AL.

Diagnostic performance of type I hypersensitivity-specific markers combined with CRP and IL-6 in complicated acute appendicitis in pediatric patients

ObjectiveIn this study, the diagnostic value of C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 (IL)-6, and specific markers for type I hypersensitivity were evaluated in pediatric patients with severe acute appendicitis. MethodsA total of 140 pediatric patients with “acute appendicitis” who underwent surgery at the Department of General Surgery of the Anhui Provincial Pediatric Patients' Hospital between December 2022 and April 2023 were studied retrospectively. The data collected included the gender, age, onset time, white blood cell count (WBC), CRP, procalcitonin (PCT), serum IgE, serum IL-4, serum IL-5, serum IL-6, serum IL-9, and serum IL-13 levels. The pediatric patients were divided into two groups based on the intraoperative situation and postoperative pathology: the non-complicated acute appendicitis group (NCAA) and the complicated acute appendicitis group (CAA). We analyzed the data from both groups using univariate and multivariate logistic regression models and constructed an ROC curve. ResultsThe CAA group outperformed the NCAA group in terms of onset time, WBC, CRP, PCT, IgE, IL-6, IL-9, and IL-13 levels (P < 0.05), but there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in terms of gender, IL-4, or IL-5 levels (P > 0.05). Then, significant independent variables were incorporated into multivariate logistic regression. According to the results, CRP, IgE, IL-6, and IL-13 are all independent risk factors for CAA. The OR and 95% CI for each factor are as follows: CRP (OR = 1.073, 95%CI: 1.010–1.140, P = 0.022), IgE (OR = 0.975, 95%CI: 0.952–0.999, P = 0.038), IL-6 (OR = 1.494, 95%CI: 1.052–2.121, P = 0.025), and IL-13 (OR = 1.310, 95%CI: 1.036–1.657, P = 0.024). The receiving operator characteristics analysis yielded area under the curve (AUC) values of 0.8187, 0.9083, 0.8947, and 0.8394, respectively, for CRP, IgE, IL-6, and IL-13, confirming their significance in the diagnosis of CAA (P < 0.05). ConclusionRisk factors for CAA include CRP, IgE, IL-6, and IL-13. The combination of these serological markers can be used to diagnose CAA.

Diagnostic accuracy of procalcitonin as a marker of neonatal sepsis

Background: Sepsis is defined as “life-threatening organ dysfunction, caused by a dysregulated host response to infection”. Neonatal sepsis is the most common cause of morbidity and mortality in the neonatal period. Early diagnosis of neonatal sepsis is difficult. Therefore, this study was conducted with the objective to assess the diagnostic accuracy of procalcitonin as marker of neonatal sepsis and its comparison with C-reactive protein. Methods: The present study was a hospital-based descriptive comparative study. A total of 59 neonates were enrolled. All suspected neonates for the sepsis admitted to NICU were enrolled in study on the basis of inclusion and exclusion criteria. A detailed clinical examination was done. Blood sample was collected for procalcitonin, C-reactive protein and blood culture. Statistical analysis was performed. Results: In our study diagnostic accuracy of procalcitonin in diagnosis of neonatal sepsis was sensitivity (88.46%), specificity (87.88%), positive predictive value (85.19%), negative predictive value (90.63%) and diagnostic accuracy (88.14%). Diagnostic value of C-reactive protein in diagnosis of neonatal sepsis was sensitivity (88.46%), specificity (69.70%), positive predictive value (69.70%), negative predictive value (88.46%) and diagnostic accuracy (77.97%). Diagnostic accuracy of procalcitonin is maximum followed by C-reactive protein. Conclusions: In our study all patient with gram negative organism were procalcitonin positive whereas 50% Staphylococcus aureus were procalcitonin positive and in candida positive cases out of 6 cases, 5 (83.3%) were procalcitonin positive.

C-reactive protein and procalcitonin during course of sepsis and septic shock

ObjectiveThe study investigates the diagnostic and prognostic value of C-reactive protein (CRP) and procalcitonin (PCT) in patients with sepsis and septic shock.BackgroundLimited data regarding the prognostic value of CRP and PCT during the course of sepsis or septic shock is available.MethodsConsecutive patients with sepsis and septic shock from 2019 to 2021 were included monocentrically. Blood samples were retrieved from the day of disease onset (day 1), day 2, 3, 5, 7, and 10. Firstly, the diagnostic value of CRP and PCT for the diagnosis of a septic shock, as well as for the discrimination of positive blood cultures, was tested. Secondly, the prognostic value of the CRP and PCT was tested for 30-day all-cause mortality. Statistical analyses included univariable t-tests, Spearman’s correlations, C-statistics, and Kaplan–Meier analyses.ResultsA total of 349 patients were included, of which 56% had a sepsis and 44% a septic shock on day 1. The overall rate of all-cause mortality at 30 days was 52%. With an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.861 on day 7 and 0.833 on day 10, the PCT revealed a superior AUC than the CRP (AUC 0.440–0.652) with regard to the discrimination between patients with sepsis and septic shock. In contrast, the prognostic AUCs for 30-day all-cause mortality were poor. Both higher CRP (HR = 0.999; 95% CI 0.998–1.001; p = 0.203) and PCT levels (HR = 0.998; 95% CI 0.993–1.003; p = 0.500) were not associated with the risk of 30-day all-cause mortality. During the first 10 days of ICU treatment, both CRP and PCT declined irrespective of clinical improvement or impairment.ConclusionPCT was a reliable diagnostic tool for the diagnosis of septic shock compared to CRP. Both CRP and PCT were shown to have poor predictive value with regard to 30-day all-cause mortality and were not associated with the risk of all-cause mortality in patients admitted with sepsis or septic shock.

Diagnostic Value of C-Reactive Protein and Serum White Blood Cell Count during Septic Two-Stage Revision of Total Knee Arthroplasties.

In septic two-stage revision arthroplasty, the timing of reimplantation is crucial for therapeutic success. Recent studies have shown that singular values of C-reactive protein (CRP) and white blood cell count (WBC count) display weak diagnostic value in indicating whether periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) is controlled or not during two-stage revision surgery of knee arthroplasty. Therefore, in addition to the values of CRP and WBC, the course of CRP and WBC counts were compared between groups with and without later reinfection in 95 patients with two-stage revision (TSR) of infected total knee arthroplasties (TKA). Of these patients, 16 had a reinfection (16.84%). CRP values decreased significantly after the first stage of TSR in both the reinfection and no-reinfection groups. WBC count values decreased significantly in the no-reinfection group. Decrease in WBC count was not significant in the reinfection group. No significant difference could be found in either the CRP values or the WBC counts at the first stage of TSR, the second stage of TSR, or their difference between stages when comparing groups with and without reinfection. Area under the curve (AUC) values ranging between 0.631 and 0.435 showed poor diagnostic value for the calculated parameters. The courses of CRP over 14 days after the first stage of both groups were similar with near identical AUC. CRP and WBC count as well as their course over 14 days postoperatively are not suitable for defining whether a PJI of the knee is under control or not.

Diagnostic Value of CRP and Serum WBC Count during Septic Two-Stage Revision of Total Hip Arthroplasties.

The diagnostic value of C-reactive protein (CRP) and the serum white blood cell (WBC) count is still barely defined for decision making during septic two-stage revision surgery of hip arthroplasty. We, therefore, compared these values between stages as well as between the groups without and with reinfection in 117 patients. A total of 106 patients were reinfection-free (91%). The median follow-up was 51 months. With a ΔCRP of −10 mg/L and a ΔWBC count of −1000/µL, a significant decrease between stages (p = 0.001) could be observed. When comparing the CRP and WBC count values between groups, however, no significant difference was found at stage one, stage two and even the difference between these two time points (reinfection-free ΔCRP of −11 mg/L and ΔWBC count of −1000/µL vs. reinfection ΔCRP of −5 mg/L (p = 0.131) and ΔWBC count of −1100/µL) (p = 0.424). The diagnostic value was poor for the calculated parameters (area under the curve (AUC) 0.5–0.6). The courses of the mean CRP values of both groups were similar. We conclude that the CRP and WBC count are not helpful to guide the decision making in individual cases.

C-Reactive Protein levels in Acute Stroke: Ischemic vs Hemorrhagic in a Tertiary Care Hospital

There is growing evidence of the prognostic importance of C-reactive protein (CRP) in ischemic stroke. However, the independent value of CRP in ischemic vs hemorrhagic stroke has not been established. Objective: To assess the diagnostic value of CRP as biomarker in ischemic stroke in comparison to hemorrhagic stroke Methods: This prospective study was conducted from March 2020 to March 2022 in the Department of Medicine, Ayub Medical College. Sample size of 71 was calculated including patients of both genders having age 22-105 years admitted with first-ever acute stroke within the first 24 hours of onset. Data was analyzed using SPSS latest version. Quantitative variables are shown as frequency and percentages. Paired T Test was applied to see the association of CRP levels with effect on CT- Scan of Brain. p value less than 0.05 was considered significant Results: 69% of the participants were women, far outnumbering the men. 45 patients found to have ischemic stroke (63.38%) whereas 26 (36.62%) reported having Hemorrhagic stroke. Paired t test applied to see the association of CRP Levels with CT Scan Brain was found significant having p value 0.002 Conclusions: CRP levels are important in the diagnosis of stroke based on data. CRP levels must be compared to those of other stroke biomarkers in order to make this determination. The serum CRP level within 24 hours can be used to predict severity in ischemic but not hemorrhagic stroke.

Added value of CRP to clinical features when assessing appendicitis in children

Background The diagnostic value of C-reactive protein (CRP) for appendicitis in children has not been evaluated in primary care. As biochemical responses and differential diagnoses vary with age, separate evaluation in children and adults is needed. Objectives To determine whether adding CRP to symptoms and signs improves the diagnosis of appendicitis in children with acute abdominal pain in primary care. Methods A retrospective cohort study in Dutch general practice. Data was collected from the Integrated Primary Care Information database between 2010 and 2016. We included children aged 4–18 years, with no history of appendicitis, presenting with acute abdominal pain, and having a CRP test. Initial CRP levels were related to the specialist’s diagnosis of appendicitis, and the test’s characteristics were calculated for multiple cut-offs. The value of adding CRP to signs and symptoms was analysed by logistic regression. Results We identified 1076 eligible children, among whom 203 were referred for specialist evaluation and 70 had appendicitis. The sensitivity and specificity of a CRP cut-off ≥10 mg/L were 0.87 (95%CI, 0.77–0.94) and 0.77 (95%CI, 0.74–0.79), respectively. When symptoms lasted > 48 h, this sensitivity increased to 1.00. Positive predictive values for CRP alone were low (0.18–0.38) for all cut-off values (6–100 mg/L). Adding CRP increased the area under the curve from 0.82 (95%CI, 0.78–0.87) to 0.88 (95%CI, 0.84–0.91), and decision curve analysis confirmed that its addition provided the highest net benefit. Conclusion CRP adds value to history and physical examination when diagnosing appendicitis in children presenting acute abdominal pain in primary care. Appendicitis is least likely if the CRP value is < 10 mg/L and symptoms have been present for > 48 h.

Role of CRP as a marker for discrimination of exudative and transudative pleural effusion.

Differentiation between exudative and transudative pleural effusion is sometime problematic. This study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic value of C-reactive protein (CRP) in differentiation of exudative and transudative pleural effusion. This is an analytical epidemiologic cross-sectional study that evaluates the role of CRP in differentiating transudative and exudative pleural effusion. Patients were divided into two groups of exudates and transudates, based on Light's criteria. The pleural effusion CRP levels were compared between the two groups. SPSS software version 16 was used for statistical analysis. The significance level was considered p<0.05. A total of 169 patients with pleural effusion enrolled in the study. Based on Light's criteria, 108 patients (63.9%) had exudative pleural effusion and 61 (36.1%) had transudative pleural effusion. The level of CRP in the pleural fluid of patients in the exudative and transudative groups was 13.3±37.1 and 3.5±4.3mg/dl, respectively (p=0.008). The 3.31 mg/dl cut-off point of CRP level of pleural effusion had the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) of 96.3%, 72.1%, 86% and 91.7% respectively. The results obtained in our study shows that the level of CRP in the effusion fluid can be helpful in differentiating exudative from transudative pleural effusions.

Pilot study of the diagnostic value of CRP:albumin ratio for osteomyelitis in patients with diabetic foot ulcers.

Osteomyelitis may complicate diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs). As a new inflammation-based prognostic factor, CRP:albumin ratio's significance is not known in osteomyelitis among patients with or without diabetes. Patients with type 2 diabetes and DFUs were divided into two groups: group 1 (n=47) comprised patients without osteomyelitis, and group 2 (n=50) comprised patients with osteomyelitis. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) (88.5±23.0 versus 42.0±22.2), white blood cell count (WBC) (14.7±6.9x103 versus 10.0±4.4x103), C-reactive protein (CRP) level (15.6±9.9 versus 2.4±3.3) and CRP:albumin ratio (6.6±4.9 versus 0.7±1.0) were significantly higher, and albumin level was significantly lower in group 2 compared to group 1 (p<0.001 for all). The presence of osteomyelitis was significantly and positively correlated with ESR (r=0.721; p<0.001), WBC (r=0.380; p<0.001), CRP (r=0.667; p<0.001) and CRP:albumin ratio (r=0.638; p<0.001), and negatively correlated with albumin (r=-0.590; p<0.001). A CRP:albumin ratio of 1.74 or above could predict osteomyelitis with 92.0% sensitivity, 80.9% specificity, and the best area under the curve (AUC) score (AUC=0.957; 95% CI: 0.924-0.991). ESR (odds ratio (OR): 1.071 (1.025-1.119); p=0.02) and CRP:albumin ratio (OR: 2.65 (1.437-4.885); p=0.002) were independent predictors in the final model for stepwise linear regression analyses for the estimation of osteomyelitis. CRP:albumin ratio is a cheap and repeatable inflammatory marker and can successfully detect osteomyelitis in patients with DFU.

Diagnostic performance of C-reactive protein and D-dimer test in acute varicothrombophlebitis

Diagnostic value of C-reactive protein (CRP) and D-dimer test in acute varicothrombophlebitis (VTP) was studied in a cohort of 45 patients; female – 60%, median age – 59 (25-75% IQR 48-64) years. In patients with normal value of CRP the rate of VTP type II-III (Verrel-Steckmeier) was 4% vs 25% – in those with CRP ≥10 mg/L; while the thrombus growth rate was 2 times lower – 2.33 (25-75% IQR 0.74-8.18) cm3/day and 5.74 (25-75% IQR 1.82-15.02) cm3/day, respectively (P=0.07 in both cases). A larger area of skin hyperemia and soft tissue perivenous infiltrate were identified in patients with CRP ≥10 mg/L vs normal values of CRP: 153.2 (25-75% IQR 49.35-248.8) vs 48.4 (25-75% IQR 40.45-85.7) cm2 and 86.25 (25-75% IQR 26.08-131.3) vs 32.35 (25-75% IQR 17.95-52.33) cm2, P=0.05 and 0.06, respectively. The level of D-dimers in types II-III of VTP exceeded the respective index in cases of type I of VTP and isolated thrombosis of varicose tributaries: 876 (25-75% IQR 611-1637) ng/mL vs 395 (25-75% IQR 216-710) ng/mL (p&lt;0.05). Analysis of the ROC curve demonstrated an optimal cut-off value for the exclusion of types II-III of acute VTP equal to 611 ng/mL (sensitivity = 85.7%; specificity = 65.7%). Negative predictive value of the model – 95.8% (95% CI 73.6-98.1).

Early diagnostic value of C-reactive protein as an inflammatory marker for moderate-to-severe bronchopulmonary dysplasia in premature infants with birth weight less than 1500 g

BackgroundBronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is a serious respiratory complication in premature infants and moderate-to-severe BPD may affect the long-term quality of life and lack of specific treatment once it happened. Therefore, it is necessary to identify early diagnostic biomarkers for moderate-to-severe BPD. MethodsThis retrospective cohort study included all premature infants with birth weight <1500 g from March 1, 2015 to June 30, 2017. Patients were categorized into mild BPD, moderate-to-severe BPD and non BPD groups. Data collected included patient characteristics, C-reactive protein (CRP) tested at six time points, including 1d (2 h after birth and before the first feeding), 3d, 7d, 2w, 3w, and 4w after birth, and maternal factors. Ordinal regression analysis was used to identify independent predictors of moderate-to-severe BPD and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to evaluate the value of CRP as an early diagnostic marker for moderate-to-severe BPD. ResultsA total of 831 patients were recruited. BPD occurred in 156/831 premature infants with birth weight less than 1500 g. Lower birth weight (OR = 0.998, 95% CI 0.997–0.999, P = 0.004), higher CRP level 3 days after birth (OR = 1.287, 95% CI 1.195–1.384, P = 0.000), and hemodynamically significant patent ductus arteriosus (HsPDA) (OR = 12.256, 95% CI 3.766–39.845, P = 0.000) were independent risk factors for moderate-to-severe BPD. The area under curve of the CRP level 3 days after birth for diagnosing moderate-to-severe BPD was 0.867 (95% CI, 0.823–0.912, P = 0.000). The sensitivity was 83.0% and the specificity was 78.3% when the cut-off value was set at 4.105 mg/L. ConclusionThe CRP level 3 days after birth may be used as an early diagnostic marker for moderate-to-severe BPD in preterm infants who have the risk factors for BPD with birth weight less than 1500 g.

About c-reactive protein in patients with chronic gastritis

C-c-active protein (CRP) was discovered in 1930 by Tillett and Francis. The main research results highlighting the properties and clinical and diagnostic value of C-reactive protein are summarized in reviews by A.L. Yampolsky (1958), F.L.Bukh (1958), R.V. Petrov and E.N. Kabakov (1959) and others, in which the corresponding extensive bibliography is also given.

Combined serum and synovial C-reactive protein tests: a valuable adjunct to the diagnosis of chronic prosthetic joint infection

BackgroundDiagnosis of periprosthetic joint infection (PJI), especially chronic PJI, is very confusing and challenging. The value of C-reactive protein (CRP) in infectious diseases has been recognized, but the diagnostic value of CRP in chronic PJI is unknown. Our aim was to investigate the diagnostic value of synovial CRP in chronic PJI and to explore the role of combined serum and synovial CRP in distinguishing chronic PJI from aseptic failure after knee and hip arthroplasties.MethodsWe prospectively enrolled patients scheduled to have a revision surgery for chronic PJI or aseptic loosening from January 2019 to December 2020, in which synovial CRP was additionally measured along with routine preoperative diagnostic serum ((ESR, CRP) and synovial (PMN%) biomarkers. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and area under the curve (AUC) were analyzed for each biomarker to determine diagnostic efficacy.ResultsThere were no statistically significant differences between the infection (n = 39) and aseptic (n = 58) groups, including 61 hips and 36 knees. The synovial CRP levels were significantly higher in the infection group than in the aseptic group (median: 9.93 mg/l vs 3.58 mg/l; p < .001). The optimal cut-off value for detecting chronic PJI of Synovial fluid (SF) CRP was of 7.26 mg/l with a sensitivity of 84.62%, a specificity of 93.10%. The combined model I (Serum CRP > 10.2 mg/l OR SF CRP > 7.26 mg/l) had a negative predictive value (NPV) of 96.67%, and a sensitivity of 97.44%. The combined model II (Serum CRP > 10.2 mg/l AND Synovial CRP > 7.26 mg/l) led to a specificity of 1, and a positive predictive value (PPV) of 1.ConclusionsThe present study demonstrated that the combination of serum and synovial CRP can be used as an adjunct to the diagnosis of chronic PJI.

The diagnostic value of C-reactive protein for predicting pancreatic fistula following pancreatoduodenectomy

Introduction Pancreaticoduodenectomy is the preferred treatment of neoplasms in the pancreas and duodenum. Postoperative pancreatic fistula is a critical complication. A potential predictive marker is C-reactive protein. This retrospective study examined the predictive value of C-reactive protein as a marker for development of postoperative pancreatic fistulas. Methods All patients who had a pancreaticoduodenectomy from 1 January 2015 to 31 December 2019, were included. Levels of the biomarker and linear trajectory were determined for postoperative days one to four. Univariate analysis was used to identify predictive variables for a postoperative pancreatic fistula. Receiver operating characteristics curves, specificity, and sensitivity were calculated. Results Five hundred and fifty-two patients underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy. C-reactive protein level greater than 121.5mg/L on the third postoperative day and an increase in C-reactive protein level between the first and fourth postoperative days, greater than 21.7mg/L, seemed to be reliable predictors. For Grade C postoperative pancreatic fistulas, increases in C-reactive protein, greater than 40.6ml/L the first four postoperative days, had a sensitivity of 100%. White blood cell count did not have similar reliability in predicting postoperative pancreatic fistulas. Conclusion Our findings indicate that small rises in C-reactive protein during the first postoperative days after pancreaticoduodenectomy are associated with an increased risk of developing postoperative pancreatic fistula.

Diagnostic value of C-reactive protein, IgG, and IgA for detection of pulmonary tuberculosis: a case-control study from Eastern China

Diagnostic value of C-reactive protein, IgG, and IgA for detection of pulmonary tuberculosis: a case-control study from Eastern China

Diagnostic Accuracy of Immunologic Biomarkers for Accurate Diagnosis of Bloodstream Infection in Patients with Malignancy: Procalcitonin in Comparison with C-Reactive Protein.

Purpose To calculate the diagnostic value of C-reactive protein (CRP) and serum procalcitonin (PCT) levels for the pathologic presence of microbes in the bloodstream of patients with malignancy, in comparison with blood culture. Methodology. Blood culture (by reference method) and assay results of PCT and CRP of febrile patients, with clinical suspicion to blood infections, were collected. Statistical aspects of PCT and CRP tests were evaluated. Results Data from 255 cases were gathered. The area under the curve for differentiating bacteremia from nonbacteremia for PCT (0.741) was superior to that of CRP (0.612). Amongst the different cutoffs of PCT and CRP, the cutoff of ≥1.17 ng/ml and >47 mg/l had the sensitivity of 75 and 58.3%, the best NPV of 91.5% and 81.3%, and the best specificity of 79.9% and 72.8%, respectively. Discussion. Despite statistically nonsignificant results, PCT seems to be a superior indicator to CRP for rejecting the presence of microorganism in bloodstream. For PCT, the cutoff value of 1.17 ng/ml (bacteremia from nonbacteremia) had the highest NPV value of 91.5% in malignant patients, suspicion of sepsis.

Diagnostic Value of C-Reactive Protein in Discrimination between Uncomplicated and Complicated Parapneumonic Effusion.

Objectives: The role of serum C-reactive protein (CRPs) and pleural fluid CRP (CRPpf) in discriminating uncomplicated parapneumonic effusion (UCPPE) from complicated parapneumonic effusion (CPPE) is yet to be validated since most of the previous studies were on small cohorts and with variable results. The role of CRPs and CRPpf gradient (CRPg) and of their ratio (CRPr) in this discrimination has not been previously reported. The study aims to assess the diagnostic efficacy of CRPs, CRPpf, CRPr, and CRPg in discriminating UCPPE from CPPE in a relatively large cohort. Methods: The study population included 146 patients with PPE, 86 with UCPPE and 60 with CPPE. Levels of CRPs and CRPpf were measured, and the CRPg and CRPr were calculated. The values are presented as mean ± SD. Results: Mean levels of CRPs, CRPpf, CRPg, and CRPr of the UCPPE group were 145.3 ± 67.6 mg/L, 58.5 ± 38.5 mg/L, 86.8 ± 37.3 mg/L, and 0.39 ± 0.11, respectively, and for the CPPE group were 302.2 ± 75.6 mg/L, 112 ± 65 mg/L, 188.3 ± 62.3 mg/L, and 0.36 ± 0.19, respectively. Levels of CRPs, CRPpf, and CRPg were significantly higher in the CPPE than in the UCPPE group (p < 0.0001). No significant difference was found between the two groups for levels of CRPr (p = 0.26). The best cut-off value calculated by the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis for discriminating UCPPE from CPPE was for CRPs, 211.5 mg/L with area under the curve (AUC) = 94% and p < 0.0001, for CRPpf, 90.5 mg/L with AUC = 76.3% and p < 0.0001, and for CRPg, 142 mg/L with AUC = 91% and p < 0.0001. Conclusions: CRPs, CRPpf, and CRPg are strong markers for discrimination between UCPPE and CPPE, while CRPr has no role in this discrimination.

The diagnostic value of serum C-reactive protein, procalcitonin, interleukin-6 and lactate dehydrogenase in patients with severe acute pancreatitis

ObjectiveAcute pancreatitis (AP) is an inflammatory disease with rapid progression. In severe cases, it can cause systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS), multiple organ failure (POF) and even death. The study aimed to investigate the diagnostic value of C-reactive protein (CRP), procalcitonin (PCT), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) in patients with severe AP. MethodsAP patients (n = 153) divided into mild AP patients (n = 81) and severe AP patients (n = 72) were selected from June 2014 to June 2016. The demographic information (age, sex) and the hematological parameters (WBC, PLT, CRP, PCT, IL-6, LDH and so on) were analyzed. ResultsSignificant differences were found out of CRP, PCT, IL-6 and LDH values between AP patients and controls (P < 0.05), even those results had significant difference between MAP group and SAP group (P < 0.05). In SAP group, the cut-off values of CRP, PCT, IL-6 and LDH were 16.62, 2.29, 16.66, 273.04; sensitivity 55.6%, 77.8%, 80.2%, 82.7%; specificity 73%, 94%, 85%, 96% and AUC 0.637, 0.929, 0.886, 0.919, respectively. The AUC of combined detection of CRP, PCT, IL-6 and LDH was 0.989 (95%CI). ConclusionThe combined detection of CRP, PCT, IL-6 and LDH has a high diagnostic value for judging the severity of AP.

Special diagnostic value of C-reactive protein in systemic autoimmune rheumatic diseases complicated with infections

高C反应蛋白（CRP）水平对多种自身免疫性风湿病病情活动的参考价值已广泛认可，但CRP升高对判定部分系统性自身免疫性风湿病（SARDs）如系统性红斑狼疮、干燥综合征、皮肌炎等合并感染的参考意义还远未受到重视。由于糖皮质激素和免疫抑制剂的长期使用，感染成为SARDs的首位死亡原因。临床常用的感染指标降钙素原在系统性红斑狼疮等疾病活动时亦会增高，因而对病情活动抑或感染的判断存有争议。CRP在SARDs疾病活动或复发时多处于无应答或低应答状态，而红细胞沉降率（ESR）较少受到影响。借助这种分离现象对长期不明原因的发热或有SARDs的提示作用，对确诊的SARDs的发热原因有鉴别诊断作用，连续动态监测CRP水平对治疗高CRP相关性自身免疫性风湿病是否继发感染的参考价值更大。.