C-reactive protein is an indicator of laboratory research, through which it is possible to identify the development of an exacerbation of a disease in the human body. It is possible to identify the amount of this protein in the patient’s body using a special biochemical analysis, where the level of its increase manifests itself in the form of an increase in the number of globulins.
The role of the substance in the human body
Normally, c-reactive protein is contained in human blood in a negligible amount, but studies, mainly, do not determine such a low level of matter. Considering what is the main reason for the increase in this protein in the human body, inflammatory processes should be included here, with the onset of development of which after 6-12 hours a multiple increase in this indicator can be detected.
In addition to the fact that c-reactive protein is ultra-sensitive to existing changes in the human body that occur due to the development of the inflammatory process, it is also responsive to the organization of therapeutic treatment. Thanks to this, it is possible to introduce control of the effectiveness of the therapeutic process, which is aimed at eliminating one or another factor that served as the main reason for the increase in this indicator.
Determination of c-reactive protein
In medicine, they often use a reduction in this indicator - CRP. This name was given to c-reactive protein due to the fact that it has the ability to bind to polysaccharides, which are part of the streptococcal membrane. CRP, which are part of the plasma of human blood, is formed in the liver as a response to an acute inflammatory process in the body or to any infection that occurs in it. Due to this, c-reactive protein is used as a marker, with the help of which during the analysis the development of a disease at its initial stage is determined. This is very relevant in cases where the disease develops secretly, without manifesting certain symptoms and signs.
The analysis of c-reactive protein is currently a very affordable diagnostic method. In parallel with this, such a test is a conscientious way by which you can evaluate the effectiveness of treatment against the development of a disease:
- autoimmune;
- infectious;
- oncological.
As a rule, due to the development of a pathogenic process in the human body, an area of ​​inflamed tissue appears, which plays an important role in eliminating some painful changes. Such an area of ​​the inflammatory process is considered an obstacle to the future spread of various pathogenic microorganisms along with the bloodstream, thereby preventing general infection.
With an exacerbation of the inflammatory process, about 30 types of proteins are concentrated, among which there is a c-reactive protein in the blood. Its indicator reaches its maximum already on the third day, for example, with the development of a bacterial infection. As a rule, the c-reactive protein index in such cases increases by almost 10,000 times. When the inflammatory process is suppressed with a particular disease, the production of this protein begins to gradually end with the liver, and the level of this indicator also decreases. When the patient is completely cured of the disease, c-reactive protein returns to normal.
Normal rate
The norm of CRP in a healthy person, that is, who does not have any inflammatory diseases, is very small. In most cases, laboratory tests are not able to detect such a negligible amount of substance in the body. Speaking about how much c-reactive protein should be for women and men, the indicator will be the same regardless of gender. Also, the age of the patient does not play any role in the level of CRP.
The norm of the level of c-reactive protein in the biochemical analysis of blood in children and adults is 5 mg per liter.
The exception may be only newborn children, in whom the normal rate of this substance is about 15 mg per 1 liter. However, it is worth noting that if a child's c-reactive protein is reduced to 12 mg per liter, then it is necessary to carry out urgent treatment with antibiotics, since the child’s body may not respond to the presence of a bacterial infection inside by a sharp increase in the rate of this protein.
The production of CRP is considered a response of the human body to inflammatory processes in order to protect themselves. It should be noted that the amount of this substance is directly proportional to the amount of inflammation in the patient.
What is c-reactive protein talking about? If the human body is absolutely healthy, then this indicator is not determined, which is the absolute norm. But if there is any kind of inflammation in the body, then a certain dose of these proteins begins to enter the blood, and the more intense the nature of the disease, the more this substance will enter the blood.
Thus, if c-reactive protein is increased, the reason for this will be covered by the presence of an inflammatory process inside the human body.
Indications for analysis
The main function of CRP is that it stimulates the immune response system, which is aimed at combating the development of a pathological condition in the human body. Since this protein is considered a non-specific indicator of any inflammatory process and has an increased sensitivity to damage, an increase in its level is the first sign of an infection. Therefore, c-reactive protein may be elevated due to infectious diseases. A blood test is very important during a diagnostic examination, as well as in monitoring the results of a course of therapy.
Such an analysis, as a rule, is carried out when the following situations arise:
- for the diagnosis of an infectious process that occurs with an exacerbation;
- to identify a possible threat of the development of any cardiovascular changes in the body as a complication after diabetes mellitus, diseases of atherosclerosis, as well as in those people who are undergoing hemodialysis;
- in order to detect the development of metastases and tumors;
- to track the development of chronic pathologies and evaluate the effectiveness of the therapeutic course;
- to control the survival of transplanted organs, as well as to determine the possible rejection of their body;
- to evaluate the course of treatment with antibacterial agents;
- to detect the size of tissue necrosis, which is necessary after a heart attack;
- to diagnose the development of possible complications that arise in the postoperative period;
- to monitor the effectiveness of therapy in the case of diffuse connective tissue disease;
- for examinations that are organized after coronary bypass surgery;
- to detect the presence of autoimmune diseases.
To detect the c-reactive protein index, a blood test is prescribed for the presence of pathological disorders in the human body that have arisen due to tissue destruction or infection. This condition can trigger an exacerbation of certain chronic diseases, an allergic reaction of the body to any provoking factors, as well as an active stage of rheumatism.
If the disease has already acquired a chronic form, then the indicators of this protein should quickly return to normal, but in case of exacerbations, the level of CRP will immediately increase.
Analysis Preparation
To determine the level of c-reactive protein in the human body, a biochemical analysis is performed, during which specialists examine blood serum. For this, blood is taken from a vein. During such studies, it is necessary to observe a number of certain rules, which are as follows:
- before analysis, it is not recommended to eat fatty foods, and you should also refuse to accept any alcohol-containing drinks;
- exclude any stressful situations and physical activity;
- 12 hours before the analysis, you must stop taking absolutely any food;
- to quench your thirst, you can drink only ordinary water without gas;
- for half an hour before analysis will have to refrain from smoking.
Thanks to modern technologies and special kits for determining c-reactive protein, it is possible to accurately determine the presence of this substance in the blood, even if its indicator is minimal, that is, 0.5 mg per liter.
Reasons for an increase in CRP
Currently, there are three main groups of causes that can provoke an increase in this protein in the blood:
- inflammatory process;
- oncological diseases;
- changes relative to the condition of the arteries.
The reasons include a huge number of diseases that can be detected using modern diagnostic methods. The rate of c-reactive protein in the human body will depend on the degree of the disease. And its multiple increase can be observed with:
- infectious or parasitic lesions;
- the development of the inflammatory process;
- tissue necrosis;
- malignant neoplasms.
This protein level increases immediately after the tissues are damaged, and biochemical studies can distinguish bacterial infection from the viral infection process. As a rule, with viral pathologies, the c-reactive protein index is slightly increased, which cannot be said about bacterial damage - in this case, from the very first hours of the pathology, the level of these proteins increases rapidly.
Slight increase
As for a slight increase in the level of CRP, this may be due to:
- the onset of atherosclerosis, type 2 diabetes, hypertension;
- heart attack, the threat of stroke, obliterating atherosclerosis, which affects the peripheral vessels.
In addition, contraceptives, which are taken orally, are another reason for the increase in the norm of c-reactive protein in the blood. Excessive physical activity can also trigger a slight increase in this indicator.
If you eliminate the factors that led to such changes in the composition of the blood, then you need to identify key indicators of CRP, for which it is necessary to take a blood test again after 2 weeks.
Atherosclerosis
A thorough study of CRP, as well as patient monitoring, allows us to conclude that this protein plays a large role in the development of certain types of disorders that occur in the vascular system. First of all, an increase in this substance contributes to the development of a disease such as atherosclerosis.
A similar situation arises due to the transition of an increased concentration of c-reactive protein from the pentameric to monomeric form. This action is necessary in order to suppress the inflammatory process. An increase in the monomeric protein index causes neutrophils to settle on the vascular wall, because of which blood circulation is disturbed, and atherosclerosis in the vessels also develops.
Effect on analysis result
When analyzing c-reactive protein, various factors can influence the outcome. First of all, this should include the unfavorable processes occurring in the body, as well as external influences, the elimination of which can quickly bring normal CRP. In the role of the internal reasons for which this protein rises, various diseases act. In addition, changes may occur due to:
- smoking;
- physical and emotional stress;
- pregnancy.
It is also worth paying attention to the fact that the use of corticosteroids and non-steroidal drugs in the form of simple aspirin can provoke a decrease in the level of c-reactive protein in the blood.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is worth noting that a significant value of CRP is given in the diagnosis of inflammatory and necrotic processes, where the indicator of this protein allows you to identify the very beginning of any negative changes in the human body. It is also important that the determination of why the c-reactive protein rises in an absolutely healthy person makes him better examined to identify the cause of such changes.
Quite often, in this case, any serious diseases are found, some of which are even life-threatening. Thus, timely analysis of c-reactive protein can save people from serious consequences.
The capabilities and significance of CRP cannot be overestimated, since this indicator is simply indispensable in controlling the course of the disease. Thanks to this substance, it is also possible to evaluate the ongoing treatment. If the therapy is ineffective, then you can timely make her a quote.