From the Guidelines
Elevated C-Reactive Protein (CRP) levels are a significant indicator of inflammation in the body, and levels above 10 mg/L may indicate acute infection or inflammation, while levels below 1 mg/L, 1-3 mg/L, and above 3 mg/L are associated with low, moderate, and high cardiovascular risk, respectively, as supported by the most recent study 1.
Significance of Elevated CRP
The significance of elevated CRP levels can be understood by considering the following points:
- CRP is a non-specific marker of inflammation, and elevated levels can indicate various conditions, including infection, inflammation, and cardiovascular disease, as noted in 1 and 1.
- The normal range for CRP is typically less than 10 mg/L, with levels above this indicating inflammation, as stated in 1.
- For cardiovascular risk assessment, a high-sensitivity CRP (hs-CRP) test is more appropriate, with levels below 1 mg/L indicating low risk, 1-3 mg/L moderate risk, and above 3 mg/L high risk, as recommended in 1.
Clinical Applications of CRP
The clinical applications of CRP include:
- Monitoring inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, as mentioned in 1 and 1.
- Tracking infection severity, as noted in 1 and 1.
- Assessing cardiovascular risk, as recommended in 1 and supported by 1.
Interpretation of CRP Results
When interpreting CRP results, it is essential to consider the following:
- CRP is a non-specific marker, and results should be interpreted alongside clinical findings and other tests, as noted in 1 and 1.
- Patients should fast for 12 hours before an hs-CRP test for cardiovascular risk assessment, though fasting isn't necessary for standard CRP testing, as stated in 1.
- CRP works by binding to phosphocholine on microbes and damaged cells, activating the complement system to enhance phagocytosis and clearance of pathogens and damaged tissues, as described in 1 and 1.
Recent Recommendations
Recent studies, such as 1 and 1, have highlighted the importance of considering demographic, behavioral, and technical factors when interpreting CRP values, and have recommended a more thoughtful approach to excluding participants with CRP values higher than 10 mg/L. Therefore, it is crucial to consider these factors and follow recent guidelines when interpreting CRP results, as supported by the most recent study 1.
From the FDA Drug Label
The FDA drug label does not answer the question.
From the Research
Significance of Elevated C-Reactive Protein (CRP)
Elevated C-Reactive Protein (CRP) levels have been implicated in various diseases and conditions, including:
- Cardiovascular disease: Elevated CRP levels have been associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and can be used to identify patients at risk 2, 3, 4, 5
- Cancer: CRP levels have been linked to certain types of cancer, and elevated levels may indicate a poor prognosis 2, 4
- Infections: CRP is a sensitive biomarker of inflammation and can be used to diagnose and monitor infections 3, 6
- Autoimmune diseases: Elevated CRP levels have been observed in patients with autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis 4, 6
- Neurodegenerative diseases: CRP has been implicated in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease 4
Clinical Implications
The clinical implications of elevated CRP levels include:
- Guiding therapy: CRP levels can be used to guide therapy and monitor disease progression 2, 3
- Identifying patients at risk: Elevated CRP levels can identify patients at risk for cardiovascular disease and other conditions 2, 3, 4, 5
- Monitoring disease severity: CRP levels can be used to monitor disease severity and predict outcomes 3, 6
Forms of CRP
CRP exists in conformationally distinct forms, including: