Mean C-reactive Protein Values Research Articles

Impact of SGLT-2 inhibitors on modifiable cardiovascular risk factors in Romanian patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Modifiable cardiovascular risk factors are high blood pressure, smoking, diabetes, sedentary lifestyle, obesity, and hypercholesterolemia. To investigate the impact of sodium-glucose 2 co-transporter inhibitors (SGLT-2i) on modifiable cardiovascular risk factors in Romanian patients diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). A retrospective study was conducted on 200 Romanian patients with T2DM who were being treated with SGLT-2i, either Dapagliflozin or Empagliflozin. Collected data included demographic characteristics, such as weight, body mass index (BMI), fasting blood glucose (FBG), creatinine, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), abdominal circumference (AC), urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR), systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), C-reactive protein (CRP) and N-terminal pro b-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP). The patients were observed for one year after being treated with SGLT-2i. The mean value of FBG decreased from 180.00mg% (IQR: 154.50-207.00) to 130.00mg% (IQR: 117.50-150.00) (p < 0.001), and the mean of HbA1c values decreased from 8.40% (IQR: 7.98-9.15%) to 7.30% (IQR: 6.90-7.95%) (p < 0.001). We also obtained significant positive effects on body weight, i.e., the weight decreased from 90.50kg (82.00-106.50) to 89.00kg (77.50-100.00) (p = 0.018), BMI from 32.87kg/m2 (29.24-36.45) to 31.00kg/m2 (27.74-34.71) (p < 0.001) and AC from 107.05 (± 16.39) to 102.50 (± 15.11) (p = 0.042). The UACR decreased from 23.98mg/g (19.76-36.85) to 19.39mg/g (1.30-24.29) (p < 0.001). Initially, the median value for SBP was 140.00mmgHg (130.00-160.00), and for DBP was 80.00 mmgHg (72.00-90.00), and one year after treatment, the medium value was 120.00 mmgHg (115.50-130.00) for SBP (p < 0.001), and 72.00 mmgHg (70.00-78.00) for DBP (p < 0.001) The mean CRP values decreased from 68.00mg/dL (56.25-80.25) to 34.00mg/dL (28.12-40.12) (p < 0.001), and the mean NT-proBNP decreased from 146.00pg/mL (122.50-170.50) to 136.00 pg/mL (112.50-160.50) (p = 0.005). Treatment with SGLT-2i in Romanian patients with T2DM has beneficial effects on modifiable cardiovascular risk factors.

Diagnostic Significance of Hematological Parameters and C- Reactive Protein in Dengue Viral Infection: A Retrospective Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Dengue fever continues to pose significant challenges in public health, particularly within developing countries where it remains endemic. The ability to distinguish dengue infection from other febrile illnesses and assess its severity is crucial. The analysis of hematological parameters and inflammatory biomarkers, particularly C-reactive protein (CRP), offers valuable insights into the disease's progression. Objective: This study aimed to delineate the severity of dengue fever through detailed evaluation of complete blood count (CBC) and CRP levels, and to establish a correlation between these markers and the clinical severity of the infection. Methods: In this retrospective cross-sectional study, 135 suspected dengue fever patients from the City University of Science and Information Technology Peshawar were screened using the immune-chromatographic technique (ICT). Among them, 50 individuals (37%) tested positive for dengue. Both CBC and CRP levels were measured, with data analyzed using the statistical package SPSS version 22.0. The study spanned demographic data collection, gender and age distribution assessment, and detailed analysis of hematological parameters alongside CRP to predict disease severity. Results: Among the confirmed cases, the gender ratio skewed towards males (60%) compared to females (40%), with the most affected age group being 15-25 years (34%). Leukopenia was identified in 58% of patients with a mean WBC count of 2.62 × 10^9/L, neutrophilia in 66% with a mean neutrophil percentage of 80.15%, and lymphopenia in 56% with a mean lymphocyte percentage of 10.28%. Thrombocytopenia was observed in 76% of the cases. Elevated CRP levels were found in 88% of patients, with a mean CRP value of 23.10, indicating a strong predictive correlation with disease severity (p-value= 0.001). Conclusion: The study reaffirms the role of CBC and CRP levels in the clinical assessment of dengue fever, with both markers being indicative of infection severity. These findings can aid in the early detection and management of dengue fever, potentially guiding decisions regarding the necessity of hospitalization.

PROCALCITONIN AS A NEW INFLAMMATORY MARKER IN ODONTOGENIC ABSCESSES OF HEAD AND NECK IN MALE POPULATION

Introduction: Procalcitonin (PCT) as a marker of inflammation has not been studied and analyzed in purulent inflammations of the head and neck of odontogenic origin, which is the aim of this original article. Materials and methods: This retrospective study includes 31 men with odontogenic abscesses of the head and neck with a mean age of 42 years. As a control group, 31 healthy men are used. In all of them, leukocytes (WBC), neutrophils (Neu), C-reactive protein (CRP), and procalcitonin (PCT) are tested. Results: The average values of the studied indicators in the patients are: CRP - 89.45±85.15 mg/l, WBC - 11.78±4.61x103/L, Neu - 8.79±4.58x103/L and PCT - 0.8±0.8 ng/ Jr. The average values of the same indicators in the control group are: CRP - 0.9±1.17 mg/l, WBC - 7.37±1.9x103/L, Neu - 4.13±1.43x103/L and PCT - 0.18±1.27 ng/ml. There is no positive correlation between PCT on the one hand and CRP, WBC and Neu on the other hand. Discussion: The mean values of CRP, WBC, Neu and PCT are higher in men with odontogenic abscesses compared to the healthy controls, and this is statistically significant. Although PCT does not correspond to WBC, Neu and CRP, it has a number of advantages over them - it increases its concentration only in infections of bacterial origin, it increases its levels earlier and reaches its highest concentration earlier, it has a longer half-life, and its level declines more rapidly after infections. Conclusions: All this suggests that PTC may soon become the most accurate marker in diagnosing, treating, and follow-up of patients with head and neck odontogenic abscesses.

Comparison of DASH diet score and total antioxidant capacity of diet on serum levels of TMPRSS-2, inflammatory biomarkers, and disease severity in COVID-19 patients: A case-control study.

There is evidence that healthy diets improve the immune system and lessen the severity of infectious diseases such as COVID-19. We have investigated whether the dietary total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and dietary approach to stop hypertension (DASH) score could be associated with the occurrence and clinical outcomes of COVID-19. This case-control study included 120 adults who were admitted to the hospital. Dietary TAC and DASH diet scores were determined by a 138-item semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). Inflammation-related markers including C-reactive protein (CRP) and transmembrane protease serine 2 (TMPRSS-2) differential were measured. Also, using chest radiology criteria, the severity of the disease was evaluated. The mean CRP values in the lowest and highest tertiles of either dietary TAC or DASH diet scores were 9.44 ± 11.26 and 3.52 ± 4.83 mg/dL (p = .003) or 9.04 ± 11.23 and 4.40 ± 6.23 mg/dL (p = .013), respectively. Individuals with higher dietary TAC were at a lower risk of COVID-19 (OR: 0.06, p < ·0001). Individuals with greater DASH diet scores were also at decreased odds of COVID-19 (OR: 0.12, p < ·0001). No significant associations were found between dietary TAC and DASH diet scores with severity of COVID-19 disease, CRP, or TMPRSS-2 (p > 0.05). The study found that adherence to a diet with higher dietary TAC and DASH diet scores may be protective against COVID-19 and improve outcomes of the disease. More research is needed to corroborate these findings.

Assessment of Globulin Levels and Albumin-to-globulin Ratio in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes and Retinopathy: A Retrospective Single-center Study

Background: Diabetes is a global health burden, with diabetic retinopathy (DR) repeatedly arising as an inflammatory complication. This study aims to evaluate routine blood measures as inflammatory markers in DR. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) attending an outpatient clinic at a tertiary care hospital. Data on glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), C-reactive protein (CRP), total protein, albumin, and globulin were retrospectively collected from medical records. Data analysis involved independent t-tests, Mann-Whitney, and Pearson's correlation. Results: Encrypted data were collected and analyzed for 139 diabetic patients (70 DR, 69 non-DR). The mean globulin levels were significantly higher in the DR group compared to the non-DR group (30.1g/L±5.04 and 18g/L±9.14, respectively, p&lt;0.001). Moreover, the DR group had a lower mean albumin-to-globulin ratio than the non-DR group (1.3±0.33 and 2.8±2.06, respectively, p&lt;0.001) and a higher mean HbA1c level (8±1.49 and 7.4±1.58, respectively, p=0.020). A weak negative correlation between globulin and albumin levels was detected, with a Pearson's correlation coefficient of -0.085 (p=0.482). Mean values of total protein, albumin, and CRP differed between groups but were not statistically significant (p=0.133, 0.763, 0.396 respectively). Conclusion: The study highlights the potential use of routine blood biomarkers as useful indicators for DR in T2D. The observed increase in serum globulin levels and the negative correlation with albumin provide important insights into the pathophysiology of DR. However, further research is necessary to elucidate the mechanisms behind these associations and evaluate the clinical usefulness of these biomarkers.

Short-Term Efficacy and Adverse Effects of Sulfasalazine in the Management of Axial Spondyloarthropathy.

Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is an inflammatory spondyloarthropathy that involves the sacroiliac joints and the axial skeleton. Sulfasalazine's efficacy in treating the axial symptoms of AS has been a subject of controversy. This prospective observational study recruited AS patients and categorized them into two groups: the first group had AS for less than or equal to four years and the second group had AS for more than four years. Erythrocytic sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels were recorded at baseline and at six-month follow-up. Disease severity was assessed using the ankylosing spondylitis disease activity score (ASDAS), Bath ankylosing spondylitis disease activity index (BASDAI) score, and Bath ankylosing spondylitis functional index (BASFI) score. A total of 33 patients diagnosed with AS were recruited in this study, mostly males (88%) and within 21-30 years of age. ESR and CRP values were measured at baseline and at six months post-treatment with sulfasalazine. Mean ESR and mean CRP values showed a statistically significant reduction of 43.5% (p=0.001) and 58.45% (p=0.0012) respectively, at the 6-month follow-up. Four patients (12.12%) reported gastrointestinal intolerance. The mean reduction in the ASDAS score was 24% (p=0.002), the BASDAI score was 40.08% (p=0.001), and the BASFI score was 39.54% (p=0.01). Additionally, the duration of symptoms did not appear to influence with efficacy of sulfasalazine. Sulfasalazine is a safe alternative therapy for patients with AS who cannot afford biologics, due to its reasonable short-term efficacy, good tolerability, cost-effective nature, and low incidence of adverse effects.

The relationship between prolactin level and inflammatory markers in women with polycystic ovary syndrome

Aims: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between prolactin (PRL) levels and inflammatory markers in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) compared to controls.. Methods: A total of 120 women, 60 with PCOS and 60 controls, were included in this study. The participants were divided into four groups based on their PRL levels: hyperprolactinemia PCOS, normal PRL PCOS, hyperprolactinemia controls, and normal PRL controls. The levels of various inflammatory markers, including C-reactive protein (CRP), Hb, red cell distribution width (RDW-SD), mean platelet volume (MPV), and platelet distribution width (PDW), were measured and compared between the groups. The correlation between PRL levels and inflammatory markers was also analyzed. Results: The results show that the mean value of CRP was higher in the PCOS group with hyperprolactinemia (2.15±1.61) compared to the PCOS group with normal PRL levels (1.68±1.19), but the difference was not statistically significant (p=0.432). The correlation results show that there was a statistically significant negative correlation between PRL levels and Hb (r=-0.313, p=0.015) and a positive correlation between PRL levels and RDW-SD (r=0.352, p=0.006) in PCOS patients. In PCOS patients, higher PRL levels were associated with increased RDW-SD, decreased Hb levels, decreased platelet count, and increased MPV and PDW. However, there was no significant correlation between PRL levels and inflammatory markers in the control group. Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that higher PRL levels may be associated with increased inflammation in PCOS patients. However, further research is needed to understand the underlying mechanisms and potential clinical implications of these associations.

The evaluation of the inflammatory parameters in the patients with controlled epilepsy versus the patients with resistant epilepsy

Objective: This study aims to evaluate the effects of C-reactive protein (CRP), albümin, mean platelet volume (MPV) values and neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-lymphocyte ratio (PLO), MPV/PLT ratio, CRP / Albumin ratios on seizure type and seizure control in epilepsy patients who are refractory or non-refractory to treatments. Methods: The study comprised 43 refractory epilepsy, 64 well-controlled epilepsy patients and control group including 68 healthy individuals. Mean platelet volume (MPV), platelet, CRP, and albumin values of the patients were studied. CRP / albumin ratio (CAR), neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet to lymphocyte ratio (PLO), and the MPV/ PLT ratio were determined. Results: The mean serum CRP and CAO were found to be significantly higher in refractory epilepsy patients compared to well-controlled epilepsy patients and healthy control groups, while MPV and albumin levels were found to be significantly lower. Conclusions: Serum CRP and CAO were found to be significantly higher in refractory epilepsy patients compared to well-controlled epilepsy patients and healthy control groups, while MPV and albumin levels were found to be significantly lower. In addition, this inflammatory activity increases as the frequency of seizures increases and the duration of the disease increases. These findings suggest that increased inflammatory response may affect the patient’s prognosis. In light of these findings, we think new treatment strategies that control the inflammatory response are necessary for patients with refractory epilepsy.

Predisposal factors leading to early re-amputation among diabetic patients who underwent minor amputation

Background/Aim: Prolonged wound complications and the possibility of reoperations are significant outcomes following minor amputations. As time progresses after the initial surgery, re-amputations become more prevalent. Contrary to prevailing beliefs, the incidence of early amputations remains consistent. Additionally, it is widely acknowledged that the first 6 months following the initial surgery pose the highest risk period for reoperation. This retrospective clinical study aims to investigate the risk factors contributing to ipsilateral re-amputation procedures within 6 months of the initial minor amputation. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted involving amputee patients from 2008 to 2020. Patients with traumatic events, musculoskeletal tumors, prior major amputations, and those who underwent soft tissue procedures such as debridement, incision, drainage, or secondary closure were excluded. Patients who had undergone preoperative lower limb arterial Doppler ultrasound and whose initial preoperative laboratory records were accessible were included. The total cohort comprised 168 patients, comprising 57 women and 109 men. The mean follow-up duration was 1.5 years (range: 1.1–3.2 years). Patients who underwent ipsilateral re-amputation were categorized into two groups based on the timing of the subsequent surgery. The first group comprised 110 (65.5%) patients who underwent ipsilateral re-amputation 6 months after the initial amputation, while the second group encompassed 58 (34.5%) patients who underwent ipsilateral re-amputation within 6 months of the initial amputation. Results: Among the 168 patients, 58 (34.5%) experienced ipsilateral re-amputation within 6 months of their initial minor amputations, while 64.5% underwent re-amputation surgery after the initial 6 months. The absence of peripheral arterial disease was not linked to early re-amputations (P=0.001). Although the mean C-reactive protein values (80.30 mg/dL and 84.26 mg/dL for groups 1 and 2, respectively) did not display significance between the groups (P=0.40), the group undergoing amputation within 6 months demonstrated significance with elevated serum white blood cell mean levels (10.44 mcL and 11.96 mcL for groups 1 and 2, respectively; [P=0.004]). Moreover, lower hemoglobin levels (11.41 g/dL and 10.77 g/dL for groups 1 and 2, respectively) were associated with re-amputation within the initial 6 months following the initial surgery (P=0.024). Conclusion: The study underscores that the incidence of re-amputation after minor amputations in diabetic patients is comparably high, as has been reported in recent literature. While the selection of the initial amputation level remains pivotal, and not all patient-specific factors were examined in this study, the research brings attention to specific laboratory values and the vascular status of the diabetic limb as crucial considerations for surgeons prior to the initial surgery.

Prognostic Potential of Thrombocyte Indices, Acute Phase Proteins, Electrolytes and Acid-Base Markers in Canine Parvovirus Infected Dogs With Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome

Dogs with canine parvovirus enteritis (CPVE) that develop systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) frequently have a poor prognosis. The aim of the study was to assess the prognostic potential of thrombocyte indices, acute phase proteins, electrolytes, and acid-base markers in CPVE puppies with SIRS (CPVE-SIRS+) at admission. A case-controlled, prospective, and observational study was performed on 36 CPVE puppies. Mean concentrations of C-reactive protein (CRP), albumin, thrombocyte count, mean platelet volume (MPV), platelet distribution width (PDW), sodium (Na+), potassium (K+), chloride (Cl−) and ionized calcium (iCa) were measured and strong ion difference 3 (SID3), ATOT-albumin and ATOT-total protein were determined in CPVE-SIRS+ survivors and nonsurvivors. A prognostic cut-off value for predicting the disease outcome was determined by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. The mean values of MPV, PDW and CRP were significantly higher and the mean values of albumin, Cl− and ATOT-albumin were significantly lower in CPVE-SIRS+ nonsurvivor than CPVE-SIRS+ survivor puppies on the day of admission, but the thrombocyte count, Na+, K+, iCa, SID3 and ATOT- total protein values did not differ significantly. The positive predictive values (PPVs) for survival using cut-off value of MPV (≤15.08 fL), PDW (≤14.85%), CRP (≤180.7 mg/L), albumin (≥1.795 g/dL), Cl− (≥96.00 mmol/L), and ATOT-albumin (≥7.539) were determined as 100%, 100%, 100%, 80%, 100%, and 80%, respectively with better area under ROC curve and sensitivity. Based on sensitivity, specificity, and PPVs from ROC analysis, it is concluded that the determination of Cl− concentration and MPV at admission followed by CRP will serve as the most appropriate biomarkers in predicting the disease outcome of CPVE puppies that develop SIRS.

Assessment of C-reactive protein levels as an indicator for lung infiltrates in patients with COVID-19 pneumonia.

Lung infiltrates are frequently observed in patients with COVID-19 infection and require specialized management. Identifying reliable laboratory parameters to reduce the need for chest CT scans in non-desaturation patients is of great interest. This study aimed to investigate the potential of C-reactive protein (CRP) as an indicator to identify the presence of lung infiltrates in early COVID-19 infection. The study was conducted at Al-Azhar University hospitals from May 2021 to March 2022 and included 210 patients with COVID-19 infection confirmed by positive PCR, all of whom were previously healthy, non-smokers, and non-hypoxemic. CRP levels were assessed and correlated with lung infiltrates observed in CT chest examinations. The mean value of CRP was 40.3±14.3 mg/L in males and 36.6±15.2 mg/L among females. One hundred sixty-two patients had pneumonic infiltrates, while 48 had no infiltrates. The mean value of CRP was 45.02±10.2 mg/L in patients with radiological infiltrates and 18.8±7.8 mg/L in patients without radiological infiltrates. Based on our findings, a CRP value greater than 29.8 mg/L was suggested as a cut-off value to indicate the presence of lung infiltrates. CRP is a simple laboratory marker that, at certain limits, may point to the presence of pneumonic infiltrates in early non-hypoxemic patients with COVID-19 infection.

Efficacy of nonsurgical periodontal therapy affecting salivary biomarkers in non-diabetic and type 2 diabetic periodontitis patients. An observational study.

To assess the effects of non-surgical periodontal therapy on salivary biomarkers in non-diabetic and type 2 diabetic periodontitis patients and to investigate if saliva may be used to monitor glucose levels in type 2 diabetes. 250 participants with chronic generalized periodontitis aged 35-70 years were divided into two groups: test group with type 2 diabetes (125 subjects with 64 males & 61 females) and control group with non-diabetic (125 subjects with 83 males & 42 females). Participants received non-surgical periodontal treatment. Pre-NSPT and 6-week post-NSPT saliva glucose, amylase, total protein, and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels were measured. Intergroup correlations were assessed using Karl Pearson's correlation coefficient and paired t-test. Non-surgical periodontal therapy significantly decreased CRP (p<0.05) in diabetics and non-diabetics. CRP mean values changes from baseline 1.79 to post op 1.5 and baseline 1.5 to post-op 1.24 in males and females of test group, respectively. In control group males and females, mean values change from baseline 1.48 to post-op 1.42 and 1.499 to 1.40. Other parameters Glucose, amylase & total protein showed improvement in the level, but statistically non-significant (p>0.05). Salivary glucose levels corresponded favorably with HbA1C levels. In individuals with type 2 diabetes and non-diabetic generalized chronic periodontitis, non-surgical periodontal therapy may play a role in lowering the level of significant salivary biomarkers. Saliva can be utilized as a non-invasive approach for monitoring glucose levels in people with type 2 diabetes and chronic periodontitis.

Relationship of Inflammatory Parameters and Nutritional Status in Cancer Patients.

Chronic inflammation and cytokine storm can cause uncontrolled events in cancer. Pro-inflammatory molecules released by malignant cells send signals to the brain, liver, and neuroendocrine cells, interfering with appetite and promoting anorexia. Malnutrition in cancer patients is associated with increased treatment toxicity, reduced physical efficiency, and decreased survival. Therefore, early recognition of malnutrition could improve quality of life, treatment compliance, and survival. The aim of the study was to explore the relationship between inflammatory parameters with disease stage and nutritional status in patients with solid cancers. We screened 77 consecutive patients from 3 clinical Institutions in Sicily, Italy, with solid tumors who were either in follow-up after curative treatment or being treated for metastatic disease using the Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA) questionnaire. Inflammatory parameters, including interleukin 6 (IL6), C-reactive protein (CRP), β2-microglobulin, ferritin, and transferrin were evaluated. A statistically significant difference was found in mean values of IL6, CRP, β2-microglobulin, ferritin, and transferrin between patients without evidence of disease and metastatic patients. Among the metastatic group, there was a significant difference in mean values of these inflammatory parameters between patients with malnutrition and those with normal nutritional status. The difference in average IL6, CRP, β2-microglobulin, and ferritin between patients at risk of malnutrition and those with normal nutritional status was also significant. However, the difference between patients at risk of malnutrition and those with malnutrition was not significant. IL6, CRP, transferrin, ferritin, and β2-microglobulin are functional inflammatory parameters that indicate risk of malnutrition and support the MNA screening test to identify patients with solid tumors who require nutritional support.

Laboratory derangements and clinical picture of Covid-19 in pediatric age group: A retrospective study

Abstract Aim: To assess the clinical presentation and laboratory derangements of pediatric covid-19 patients admitted to the tertiary care hospital. Methodology: The present retrospective study was started after the approval of the Institutional Ethics Committee. Clinical (Sp02, final diagnosis and outcome) and biochemical parameters (Complete Blood Count, Liver Function Test, Renal Function Test, Lactate De-Hydrogenase, D-dimer, C-Reactive Protein, and Serum ferritin) of pediatric covid-19 patients were collected from Central Laboratory and Medical Record Department of our institution. Patient names were anonymized and data were analyzed. The results are expressed in percentages. Results: A total of 16 pediatric covid-19 patient details were identified and collected who were admitted during our study period. Out of 16 patients, 09 (56.2%) were female and the remaining 07 (43.7%) were male. Out of 16, 05 patients had mild covid, 07 were moderate and the remaining 04 suffered from severe covid-19 infection. The mean values of oxygen saturation, LDH, D-dimer, CRP, and Ferritin were 88%, 249.4U/L, 1140.9 ng/ml, 16.17 mg/dl, and 61.7 µg/L respectively. Mean values of 17.9 mg/dl and 0.4 mg/dl were recorded for blood urea and S.creatinine. Regarding liver function tests, mean values of 1.7mg/dl, 0.2mg/dl, 1.5mg/dl, 82.4 U/L, 55 U/L, 135.6 U/L respectively noted for total bilirubin, direct, indirect, SGOT, SGPT and ALP. Regarding patient outcomes, all the patients were covered and discharged from the hospital. Conclusion: The present study has found an increase in laboratory mean values of liver function tests but the mean values of C-Reactive protein, LDH, and d-dimer which are the acute inflammatory markers are highly disrupted compared to normal ranges.

Role of Inflammatory Markers as Prognostic Indicators in Treatment of Mucormycosis

Introduction: Mucormycosis is opportunistic fungal infection characterized by extensive inflammation, necrosis and infarction of the involved tissues. It is associated with rise in levels of inflammatory markers [Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) , C-reactive protein (CRP)]. This study was done to know the role of ESR, CRP as prognostic indicators in the treatment of covid-19 associated mucormycosis (CAM).&#x0D; Materials and Methods: : A retrospective descriptive study was conducted between May 2021 and December 2021 at a tertiary centre. 315 patients with post-covid ROCM (Rhino-orbito-cerebral mucormycosis) were included in study. ESR and CRP were sent for all patients at the time of admission. Postoperatively the same were repeated on post-op (POD) day 7, day 14, and day 30 during follow-up.&#x0D; Results: 243 (77.14%) patients were male and 72 (22.86%) were female. 6 patients with stage IV ROCM had recurrence of the disease in the postoperative period. Mean ESR values in these patients at the time of admission, POD-7, 14, 30 were 98.17, 68.17, 44.00, 80.33 respectively. Mean CRP values in these patients at the time of admission, POD-7, 14, 30 were 58.50, 48.17, 26.33,37.83 respectively.&#x0D; Conclusion: Serial measurements of inflammatory markers (ESR, CRP) levels helps in the diagnosis and prognostication of ROCM along with clinical evaluation and imaging.

Investigation of the monocyte/high-density lipoprotein ratio as a prognostic criterion in burn patients.

In this study, it was aimed to investigate the monocyte/high-density lipoprotein ratio as a prognostic criterion in adult burn patients. A descriptive and cross-sectional method was adopted in this study. The sample included 177 patients with burn injuries. This study was conducted in a research and training hospital in Turkey. Data were collected by the researchers in the burn unit. Descriptive methods, Kruskal-Wallis, Mann-Whitney U, ROC curve, and correlation analyses were used for the statistical analyses of the data. While 66.1% of the patients were second-degree burn patients, 96.6% of all patients recovered and were discharged from the hospital, and the rest died. In this study, the monocyte/high-density lipoprotein ratios of the patients decreased as their clinical condition worsened. The mean C-reactive protein value of the patients was 8.52 ± 5.02 on the 7th day. A statistically significant correlation was found between an increase in monocyte counts and a decrease in high-density lipoprotein concentrations at the 24th hour, 3rd day and 7th day after the burn (p < 0.01). The monocyte/high-density lipoprotein ratio can be considered a biomarker in the identification and follow-up of sepsis and morbidity durations in burn patients. A low monocyte/high-density lipoprotein ratio in burn patients can provide an insight into the severity of sepsis.

Evaluation of CRP as a marker for bacterial infection and malaria in febrile children at the Douala Gyneco-Obstetric and Pediatric Hospital.

C reactive protein (CRP), a marker for the presence of inflammation, has been extensively studied for distinguishing bacterial from non-bacterial infection in febrile patients, but its role in excluding malaria in the febrile child has not been thoroughly evaluated. This was a cross-sectional study at the Douala Gyneco-Obstetric and Pediatric Hospital which included all patients between the ages of one month and 16 years presenting with fever. Consenting patients received complete clinical examinations, then venous blood samples were collected and tested for CRP values, bacterial infection and malaria. Samples of 220 children were analyzed. 142/220 had viral infections, 50/220 had malaria and 49/220 had bacterial infections. 7/220 had both malaria and bacterial infection. There was no significant difference between mean CRP values in malaria and bacterial infection (p = 1), but CRP means were significantly higher in malaria/bacterial infection than in viral infection (p<0.0001). Area Under the Receiver Operating Characteristics Curve (AUROC) values were 0.94 for malaria and 0.86 for bacterial infection, with a calculated cut-off of 23.6mg/L for malaria and 36.2mg/L for bacterial infection. At these cut-offs, CRP had a Positive Predictive Value (PPV) of 68.75% and 85.00% for malaria and bacterial infection respectively, with a Negative Predictive Value (NPV) of 94.74% and 89.05% respectively. CRP can effectively exclude malaria and bacterial infection in febrile children in low-resource settings without the need for additional tests.

C-REACTIVE PROTEIN - THE MOST USEFUL REACTANT OF ACUTE PHASE IN RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS

The aim of the study was to determine the most useful biochemical marker of the acute phasereactants for the evaluation of disease activity in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Sixty patients with RA were included, 27 of whom were treated with non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and methotrexate (MTH).The control group consisted of 33 patients treated only with NSAIDs due to irregular control. Inthe first group, disease activity was evaluated at four-week intervals and in the control group at three-week intervals, following the scores of the articular indices, complete blood count (CBC), elevatedsedimentation rate (ESR), and C-reactive protein (CRP) in every patient. In the first group of patients, decreased activity of RA was found in every subsequent control, with a consecutive decrease in the mean values of the scores of the articular indices and statistically significant differences in the four-time intervals.Considering laboratory parameters, there were statistically significant differences in the meanvalues of haemoglobin (Hb), erythrocytes (Er), platelets (Plt), and ESR (p=0.0462, p=0.0076, p= 0.0058,p= 0.0003). The mean values of CRP did not show statistically significant differences, but the number ofpatients who were CRP negative increased (the standard deviation also increased). In the group of patientstreated only with NSAIDs, there were statistically significant differences in the mean values of the scoresof the articular indices, with increases in every subsequent control (in favor ofdisease progression).There were no statistically significant differences considering CBC, ESR, and CRP (in favor of apermanently active disease). CRP is the most useful marker in the prospective evaluation of patients with rheumatoid arthritis.Keywords: rheumatoid arthritis, articular indices, reactants of the acute phase

Systemic inflammatory markers for distinguishing uncomplicated and complicated acute appendicitis in adult patients.

This study aimed to investigate the predictive power of serum systemic inflammatory markers including neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), monocyte-eosinophil ratio (MER), and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels for distinguishing uncomplicated and complicated acute appendicitis in adult patients admitted to the emergency department (ED). This retrospective, cross-sectional, observational, and single-center study enrolled 212 consecutive adult patients with acute appendicitis who were admitted to the ED of our tertiary care university hospital between January 1, 2019 and December 31 2021. Patients were divided into two groups (Group I, uncomplicated acute appendicitis; Group II, complicated appendicitis) according to their surgical findings and histopathological examination. Systemic inflammatory markers measured on admission were compared among patients to identify factors associated with complicated acute appendicitis. A total of 132 patients, 83 male (62.9%) and 49 female (37.1%), were included in the study. The mean age was 34.7±13.40 years. Based on the histopathological examination, the number of patients in Group I was 103 (78.03%) and 29 (21.96%) in Group II. Laboratory findings on admission revealed no significant differences between Groups I and II patients in terms of mean serum NLR, MER, and CRP values (p=0.096, p=0.248, and p=0.297, respectively). However, the mean serum PLR in Group II patients was statistically significantly higher than those in Group I (p=0.032). The mean serum monocyte and monocyte fraction (%) values were significantly lower, and the mean serum neutrophil fraction (%) value was higher in Group II patients compared to those with Group I. Receiving operator characteristic (ROC) analysis identified a serum PLR cutoff value of ≥133.73 for distinguishing uncomplicated and complicated acute appendicitis in adult patients, with 60% sensitivity and 58.4% specificity. In addition, ROC analysis revealed a cutoff monocyte fraction (%) level of ≤6, with 72% sensitivity and 64% specificity, for distinguishing uncomplicated and complicated acute appendicitis in adult patients. Our findings indicate that the mean serum NLR, MER, and CRP values measured on admission to ED in adult patients with acute appendicitis could not predict complicated acute appendicitis. However, mean serum PLR and neutrophil and monocyte counts can be useful in distinguishing complicated cases.

High levels of fecal calprotectin and C-reactive protein in patients with colitis.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) with a poor prognosis may be due to persistent colitis. According to the latest guidelines, monitoring has become a part of the treatment process for colitis. Adequate monitoring of the patient's condition is necessary to determine the course of the disease to prevent the worsening of the condition and suppress the subclinical inflammatory process. This analytical study with a cross-sectional design was conducted to evaluate the activity of colitis using the results of C-reactive protein (CRP) and fecal calprotectin (FC) assays. FC levels were analyzed by ELISA, while CRP levels were analyzed using Siemens Flex particle-enhanced turbidimetric immunoassay. In 30 subjects with endoscopy and biopsy of colitis, 16 men and 14 women had a median age of 52.5 (18-70) years. The median FC value increased by 67 (7.3-722 g/g) and was positive (≥50 g/g) in 20 subjects (66.7%), and the mean CRP value was 13.64 mg/L, positive (10-15 mg/L) in 13 subjects (43.33%), and negative (<10 mg/L) in 17 subjects (56.67%). This study demonstrated that FC had a significant relationship with CRP (r=0.57; p<0.001) in patients with colitis. Assessing the levels of FC and CRP among patients with colitis can be useful to assess the worsening of symptoms early and reduce mortality and morbidity.