High C-reactive protein indicates the presence of some inflammatory or infectious process in the acute phase. Thus, the PCR test may present higher values in cases of bacterial infection, acute pancreatitis, appendicitis, burn, inflammatory bowel disease, systemic lupus erythematosus, lymphoma, myocardial infarction, cerebrovascular accident (CVA), pelvic inflammatory disease, arthritis rheumatoid, sepsis (generalized infection), postoperative and tuberculosis.
THE C-reactive protein (CRP) is produced by the liver and is naturally present in the blood of healthy people, but in small amounts. When acute inflammation or infection sets in, rates of c-reactive protein can rise dramatically.
However, not always when the c-reactive protein is high is it a sign of some disease or something more serious, since there are several conditions that can alter the result of the PCR test. Among them are the use of certain medications (anti-inflammatories, aspirin, corticosteroids, contraceptives, hormones), IUD use, intense physical activity, pregnancy, obesity, among others.
The analysis of CRP values is mainly used to evaluate the risk of cardiovascular diseases, such as heart attack and stroke ("leakage"). A high c-reactive protein ratio means more chances of developing these pathologies, while low and constant values indicate that the risk is lower.
The PCR test is also often used to determine if an infection is caused by viruses or bacteria. Normally, the c-reactive protein is bacterial infections than in the viral ones, which allows to identify the type of infection and to start the treatment with antibiotics immediately.
Finally, it is important to emphasize that the analysis of the rates of c-reactive protein should be made by the doctor who requested the test, who will interpret the result taking into account the patient's medical history and physical examination.
Learn more at:
C-reactive protein: What is the PCR test and what is it for?
What is C-reactive protein?
