What the CRP analysis shows in coronavirus

2024 Author: James Gerald | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 14:00

DRR is a term that has recently been actively used. Until a few decades ago, almost no one heard about this protein, but now doctors increasingly recommend checking the level of C-reactive protein during a blood test. How important is CRP in coronavirus? What does his result indicate?

What is CRP

CRP is a C-reactive protein that appears in the blood as a result of inflammation. It is produced by cytokines in the liver, fat cells, and arterial walls. Protein is a marker of inflammation, including asymptomatic inflammation.

Indications for examination

CRP is investigated when there is an increased risk of bacterial infection. A CRP test is often prescribed for patients with signs of sepsis such as fever, chills, rapid breathing, and increased heart rate. A CRP test is also recommended when a health assessment is needed, such as for arthritis or lupus.

This study can be repeated to test the effectiveness of treatment for inflammation, which should be manifested by a decrease in CRP levels.

Protein plays a key role in predicting the course of COVID-19

A rapid increase in the level of the protein CRP, which is a marker of inflammation, during the first 48-72 hours of hospitalization due to COVID-19 is a predictor of serious illness. In such patients, breathing disorders and the need for intubation are subsequently detected.

In turn, normal or low CRP levels are observed in patients whose condition remains stable.

The authors of the discovery are scientists from Harvard Medical School in Boston (USA). They explain that the ability to predict the course of COVID-19 in an individual patient immediately after admission to the hospital is key to the effectiveness of treatment. Therefore, it is important to identify the markers that make this possible. C-reactive protein (CRP) is such a marker.

The researchers analyzed protein levels in 100 patients admitted to a university hospital with COVID-19. It turned out that patients with a rapid increase in CRP levels during the first 2-3 days of hospitalization had a much worse prognosis. For example, they were more likely to have respiratory problems and required intubation. People with more stable CRP levels remained in good health throughout their hospital stay.

The scientists realized that tracking the rate of change in CRP levels between 1-2 or 3 days of hospitalization was a very effective and clinically useful indicator of Covid-19. Although all patients on admission had clinically similar symptoms, after 24 hours, significant differences in the amount of CRP protein could be seen between those who later received intensive therapy and those who did not require such advanced medical procedures.

With the current rise in infections, it is important that all countries realize the ability to refer patients for CRP testing as soon as possible.

The results of these studies have also provided insight into the mechanisms underlying COVID-19. They found that an increase in the level of a cytokine called IL-6 in the first 24-48 hours had a direct relationship with CRP levels and disease progression.

Protein levels

CRP levels rise when the body is exposed to infection or inflammation. C-reactive protein provides an immune response by inactivating the inflammatory factor and stimulating the function of immune cells.

The amount of protein circulating in the blood depends on many factors. Gender, weight, age, smoking and medications are important. It is also affected by infections and diet - low carbohydrates and vegetable oils lower CRP.

How to understand what the result of the analysis means, and what indicators are considered normal? In a healthy person, the concentration of CRP is low and does not exceed 5 mg / l. If it exceeds 10 mg / l, it is considered that inflammation has begun in the body.

If CRP results deviate from the norm, you should consult with your doctor.

Interpretation of results

With regard to the interpretation of the results, in the case of a healthy person, the CRP value should be in the range of 5-10 mg / L. But, if a damaging factor appears, for example, a pathogenic microorganism, this value will begin to increase in about 6-8 hours.

The concentration of CRP reaches its maximum value in the range from 24 to 48 hours, and then can increase even 100-1000 times. After that, the reading returns to normal levels within a dozen hours or so.

Protein takes a value from 5 to 10 mg / l for 7-10 days after stopping treatment. But its value can be influenced by many factors. As a result, the test results can be skewed. For this reason, when decoding the analysis, only results above 10 mg / l are considered clinically significant.

C-reactive protein levels are measured in milligrams per liter of blood (mg L). Interestingly, a low value is better than a high value because it indicates less inflammation in the body. Some scientists say that a reading below 1 mg / L indicates a low risk of cardiovascular disease.

On the other hand, a value between 1 and 2.9 mg / L means that the person is at moderate risk. If, if a coronavirus is suspected, the reading is higher than 10 mg / l, such a decoding may be an indication for further research and search for sources of inflammation. Further chest imaging with CT and PCR tests are used to confirm coronavirus infection.

I am healthy, but CRP is elevated - what does it mean?

If you do not have symptoms of coronavirus, but the protein is elevated, this may indicate the following diseases:

• osteomyelitis or bone infection;
• tuberculosis;
• lupus;
• connective tissue pathology or some kind of autoimmune disease;
• exacerbation of autoimmune arthritis.

We must not forget about the possibility of increasing the level of CRP in women due to taking the contraceptive pill. Elevated protein levels can also be seen in pregnant women, which indicates complications, although additional tests should be done to be sure.

Before getting tested for CRP for coronavirus, it is recommended that you first consult with your doctor and discuss any medical conditions that may affect your test results. It is important to note that the test does not provide a complete picture of the covid risk. It is important that risk factors related to lifestyle, other pathologies and family history are taken into account at the doctor's consultation.

Outcomes

1. For adults, the CRP level is considered elevated above 5 mg / L, with the exception of smokers, obese people or hypertensive patients, for whom the norm is less than 10 mg / L.
2. CRP increases when the subject has an infection of greater or lesser severity. In particular, it can grow when a person is infected with the coronavirus.
3. Protein levels can change significantly within 1 to 2 days. Therefore, you should carefully monitor its performance.
4. C-reactive protein is seen as an important indicator of severe coronavirus and poor prognosis, especially in elderly patients.