CRP in a biochemical blood test. What is it, the norm, increased, decreased in women, men

A biochemical blood test is one of the simple, quick and affordable methods to identify the inflammatory process in the body. It helps to identify whether some blood components are normal or not, including CRP. This label designates a fast-phase reactive protein, which is produced by the liver and stimulates the body's immune response to developing inflammation.

The concentration of this protein increases rapidly if inflammation develops in the body, parasites or pathogens attack, trauma, tissue necrosis. Already 4 hours after the injury, protein synthesis in the liver increases significantly, and after 12 its concentration exceeds the norm by several times.

Characteristics and properties

Reactive protein was discovered in the early 30s of the last century, and scientists Tillett and Francis made such a discovery. This substance was identified only in those patients who suffered from acute inflammation. He acted as an element that reacts with pneumococcal polysaccharide.

In the human body, reactive protein belongs to a group of conservative proteins called pentaxins, which include 224 amino acid residues. They form a ring around the central pore. For decades, CRP has been known as a protein synthesized in the liver. But numerous studies have shown that its high concentration is observed in other tissues as well. Its transformation is also observed in blood vessels, and more often in smooth muscle cells.

Does CRP appear in a biochemical blood test? This means that an inflammatory process begins to develop in the body. It is this protein that stimulates the immune system and helps it neutralize toxic substances that harm cells.

This type of protein in the human body reacts very quickly to any pathological process, therefore it is called reactive or still an acute phase protein. Protein is universal, and it does not allow to tell the doctor exactly where the change occurs in the body.

Taking certain medications can also affect protein levels, so be sure to inform your doctor about taking medications before taking blood.

The table is ok

CRP in a biochemical blood test, unlike other indicators, is universal for all population groups, regardless of gender and age. Normally, this indicator varies up to 5 mg / l. Only in newborn babies, it can be from 15 mg / l.

Symptoms of the rise and fall

If the level of reactive protein in the body is higher than normal, then the following symptoms may indicate this:

• increased body temperature;
• chills;
• recurring cough;
• dyspnea;
• excessive sweating;
• in the general analysis of blood, you can see that the level of ESR is higher than normal and leukocytes.

Until a few years ago, a reactive protein test was prescribed to detect inflammation. And today with its help it is possible to determine how high the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases in people who are considered to be practically healthy. This is especially true for the elderly.

Reasons for promotion and demotion

CRP in a biochemical blood test can be increased due to such pathological processes in the body:

• myocardial infarction;
• infections;
• gynecological pathologies;
• sepsis;
• complications after surgery;
• acute or chronic inflammation in the internal organs;
• the period after the transferred surgical intervention;
• burns, injuries;
• cancer affecting the hematopoietic and lymphatic systems;
• malignant formations with metastasis;
• autoimmune diseases.

A high level of protein is observed in people with a history of the following pathologies:

• tuberculosis;
• lupus erythematosus;
• lymphogranulomatosis;
• leukemia;
• nephritis;
• rheumatism;
• Cushing's disease;
• leishmaniasis.

Indications for research

CRP in a biochemical blood test is recommended to be checked in such cases:

• during preventive examination of the elderly;
• for making an accurate diagnosis in case of suspected diabetes, atherosclerosis and other cardiac or vascular pathologies;
• when examining patients with hypertension, heart ischemia, in order to prevent the development of complications;
• to identify complications after bypass surgery;
• to assess the possible risk in case of repeated heart attack, angina pectoris;
• to control therapy for cardiovascular pathologies;
• with collagenosis, to determine how effective the treatment is;
• to monitor therapy for infection;
• to detect neoplasms;
• with suspicion of acute forms of infection.

A family doctor, cardiologist, oncologist can prescribe an analysis.

How is it determined

To obtain more accurate indicators and track the dynamics of treatment, it is better to donate blood for a biochemical blood test in one laboratory. The thing is that CRP can be checked in three ways, and each of them can give its own indicators.

Methodology	Peculiarities
ELISA	The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay includes two separate components at once, checks the body's response to the immune and enzymatic. With its help, it is possible to identify substances of a protein nature: viruses, fragments of bacteria and other components of biological fluids. Antigens are molecules that are foreign to the body and get inside along with the infection. When they enter the body, antibodies are produced inside, allowing you to quickly fight antigens. This technique helps to quickly find the desired substance, even if its concentration is minimal.
Radial immunodiffusion	This technique also helps to assess the diameter of the precipitation rings that arise when antigens and antibodies interact in the gel. The study involves the use of sera with antibodies to IgG, IgM, IgA, which are combined with molten agar. The resulting mixture is placed on special plates, and after solidification, special wells are made, into which standard sera with the concentration of immunoglobulins are added.
Nephelometry	In this assay, there is also a reaction between antigens and antibodies that occurs in liquid form. The immune complexes formed as a result of the reaction fall out in the form of a cloudy precipitate. To improve the effect and speed up the reaction, a colloid solution is additionally used, and its effect allows the reaction to take place in a matter of minutes.

CRP in a biochemical blood test is higher than 5 mg / l, then this requires an urgent diagnosis and selection of adequate therapy.

If the level is significantly increased, then this may indicate such pathologies:

• chronic sluggish viral infections - level up to 30 mg / l;
• heart attack, fungal and bactericidal infections, surgery trauma - within 40-110 mg / l;
• sepsis in infants - 12 mg / l;
• burns, severe injuries, advanced infections - up to 300 mg / l;
• oncology - the level depends on the stage of development of the disease.

To test for protein levels, a sample is taken from a vein in your arm. It is best to take the test in the morning - before 11 and always on an empty stomach. The doctor may recommend that you stop drinking and eating altogether 11 hours before blood sampling. If the patient is taking medications, then the doctor should be warned about taking them, otherwise you can get distorted data.

How to bounce back

An elevated protein in the blood is not an accurate confirmation of the presence of a specific disease. This is only an indicator indicating the possible development of a particular ailment. An accurate diagnosis can be made if you undergo an additional series of studies.

Experts note that if the therapy is correctly selected, then the level of reactive protein quickly normalizes and returns to normal within a day.

In order for any treatment to bring the maximum effect, it is important to revise the diet and add only products from the healthy diet menu to it. Do not forget about moderate physical activity. If possible, try to give up bad habits. These simple rules will help you recover faster and stay healthy.

Cancer education

Reactive protein rises as soon as a tumor begins to develop in the body. To correct the diagnosis, other studies may additionally be prescribed: analysis for tumor markers, ultrasound, computed tomography.

If the tumor is malignant and metastases have already appeared, then the protein level varies in the range of 10-30 mg / l. with the help of biochemistry and reactive protein levels, it is easy to control how quickly the tumor grows. It is with the help of the data of that analysis that the specialist can give a prognosis to the patient for his future life.

If the protein level is higher than normal, then this is typical for cancer:

• prostate;
• endometrium;
• female reproductive system;
• stomach;
• lungs.

After passing a comprehensive examination and making an accurate diagnosis, treatment is selected. It primarily includes chemotherapy, surgery.

Treating inflammation

A high level of reactive protein primarily indicates the development of an inflammatory process. It is important to find out exactly in which organ the inflammation is observed. To do this, they may additionally prescribe a comprehensive examination, which will include ultrasound, CT, general blood and urine analysis.

When the diagnosis is made accurately, treatment is selected to eliminate the cause of the inflammation. For example, if it's all about infection, then you can't do without taking antibiotics. If the cause is a virus, then you will need to include the intake of antiviral drugs.

CRP and pregnancy

For a woman carrying a fetus in her womb, a high level of protein is not dangerous if all other tests are normal. If other tests are bad, then you definitely need to find the reason - find out exactly where the inflammation is located and remove it before it brings complications. Protein can rise to 115 mg / l with toxicosis.

If the indicator rises to 8 mg / l between 5 and 19 weeks, then this may be a serious risk of spontaneous abortion. Reactive protein in pregnant women is constantly checked, since the pathologies of the expectant mother can cause irreparable harm and affect the further development of the baby.

Anti-inflammatory diet

Experts recommend people who are at risk (diabetics, in the period after undergoing surgery interventions, pregnant women, cancer patients, heart problems) adhere to a diet that will help protect the body from inflammation. The world famous Mediterranean diet, which involves taking a large number of fresh vegetables and fruits, fresh herbs, fish, legumes, nuts, products from whole grains.

It is imperative that the diet should include foods with a high content of antioxidants - vitamins C, A and E, which will additionally provide support for the immune system.

Physical exercise

Sport at any age is not only necessary, but also very useful. Physical activity can effectively manage inflammation, prophylaxis and therapy for reducing reactive protein. Often, its increase provokes obesity and high blood pressure, and thanks to sports, you can get rid of extra pounds, normalize the readings on the tonometer.

Experts recommend that adults devote about 2.5 hours a week to moderate physical activity. Sometimes it is enough just morning exercises or jogging at an easy pace in the fresh air. By spending a minimum of time in sports, you can protect yourself from the development of serious pathologies and keep the reactive protein always normal.

A biochemical blood test is an informative study that allows you to assess the general state of health, to find out if there are pathological changes. So, for example, a high CRP level may indicate actively developing inflammation or oncology, and in pregnant women it may be a signal for complications that require an urgent response. If you periodically take a blood test for biochemistry, you can detect serious ailments in the early stages and cure them without complications.

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