Home  About us  Contact
 

Serum C-reactive Protein (serum + c-reactive_protein)

Distribution by Scientific Domains
Medical Sciences85%
Life Sciences10%

Terms modified by Serum C-reactive Protein

  • serum c-reactive protein level
    		•

    Selected Abstracts

    Quality of life in chronic kidney disease: effects of treatment modality, depression, malnutrition and inflammation

    INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CLINICAL PRACTICE, Issue 4 2007
    B. Kalender
    Summary In the present study, our aim is to investigate the effects of the treatment modality, depression, malnutrition and inflammation on quality of life (QoL) in chronic kidney disease (CKD). Twenty-six patients with CKD on conservative management, 68 patients on haemodialysis (HD), 47 patients on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) and 66 healthy controls were enrolled in the study. QoL was measured by means of the Short Form-36 (SF-36) and subscale scores were calculated. All patients were evaluated for the presence of depression using the Structured Clinical Interview for Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition Axis I Disorders , Clinician Version. The severity of depression was evaluated by means of the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). Serum C-reactive protein (CRP), ferritin, albumin, haemoglobin and haematocrit (Hct) levels were measured. All the SF-36 subscale scores were lower in the patient groups compared with control group. The SF-36 scores were higher and BDI scores were lower in the CAPD group than CKD and HD groups. In patients with depression, all SF-36 subscale scores were lower than that of the patients without depression. There was a significant negative correlation between all the SF-36 subscale scores and the BDI scores. There was a significant positive correlation between the SF-36 physical and total summary scores and the Hct value and serum albumin levels, but an inverse correlation between the SF-36 physical, mental and total summary scores and the serum CRP level in the HD patients. The authors suggest that the treatment modality, depression, malnutrition and inflammation have an important role on QoL in CKD. [source]

    Efficacy of ciprofloxacin implants in treating experimental osteomyelitis

    JOURNAL OF BIOMEDICAL MATERIALS RESEARCH, Issue 1 2008
    H. Alvarez
    Abstract Ciprofloxacin (CFX) implants containing poly(D,L -lactide) and calcium phosphates (tricalcium phosphate and hydroxyapatite) was evaluated in 50 rabbits in an experimental osteomyelitis model. Their femoral cavity was inoculated with Staphylococcus aureus. After 2 weeks, the infected focus was cleaned out and the delivery system implanted. The infection and subsequent response to treatment were evaluated by microbiological analysis, biochemical and hematological markers, body weight, temperature, clinical signs, X-rays, and histology. Infected bone cultures, treated with CFX implants, showed reduced bacterial growth against controls. All CFX was released within 6 weeks. All animals recovered within 4 weeks. Even 12 weeks after implantation, no recurrence of infection was observed. Serum C-reactive protein, platelet, and leukocyte levels increased in all animals before treatment, and 4 weeks after it were maintained or rose in control animals, while decreased to normal levels in treated ones. Body weight was characterized by pretreatment losses, then gains during recuperation, or further loss in untreated animals; with no significant intraindividual differences in body temperature. Body weight, leucocytes, platelets, and C-reactive protein turned out to be highly useful markers for monitoring this kind of infection and its treatment. CFX implants demonstrated to be an effective therapy for S. aureus bone infection. Their efficacy was also reflected in decreasing severity of clinical signs, nonprogress of radiological signs indicative of infection, and good integration into bone structure. Histological examination revealed repair, with new bone formation extending into implants. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2008 [source]

    Ketamine attenuates post-operative cognitive dysfunction after cardiac surgery

    ACTA ANAESTHESIOLOGICA SCANDINAVICA, Issue 7 2009
    J. A. HUDETZ
    Background: Post-operative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) commonly occurs after cardiac surgery. Ketamine exerts neuroprotective effects after cerebral ischemia by anti-excitotoxic and anti-inflammatory mechanisms. We hypothesized that ketamine attenuates POCD in patients undergoing cardiac surgery concomitant with an anti-inflammatory effect. Methods: Patients randomly received placebo (0.9% saline; n=26) or an i.v. bolus of ketamine (0.5 mg/kg; n=26) during anesthetic induction. Anesthesia was maintained with isoflurane and fentanyl. A nonsurgical group (n=26) was also included as control. Recent verbal and nonverbal memory and executive functions were assessed before and 1 week after surgery or a 1-week waiting period for the nonsurgical controls. Serum C-reactive protein (CRP) concentrations were determined before surgery and on the first post-operative day. Results: Baseline neurocognitive and depression scores were similar in the placebo, ketamine, and nonsurgical control groups. Cognitive performance after surgery decreased by at least 2 SDs (z -score of 1.96) in 21 patients in the placebo group and only in seven patients in the ketamine group compared with the nonsurgical controls (P<0.001, Fisher's exact test). Cognitive performance was also significantly different between the placebo- and the ketamine-treated groups based on all z -scores (P<0.001, Mann,Whitney U -test). Pre-operative CRP concentrations were similar (P<0.33, Mann,Whitney U -test) in the placebo- and ketamine-treated groups. The post-operative CRP concentration was significantly (P<0.01, Mann,Whitney U -test) lower in the ketamine-treated than in the placebo-treated group. Conclusions: Ketamine attenuates POCD 1 week after cardiac surgery and this effect may be related to the anti-inflammatory action of the drug. [source]

    Less systemic cytokine response in patients following microendoscopic versus open lumbar discectomy

    JOURNAL OF ORTHOPAEDIC RESEARCH, Issue 2 2005
    Tsung-Jen Huang
    Abstract The magnitude of the tissue damage from surgery impacts the trauma response. This response is proportional to the severity of surgical stress. Systemic cytokines are recognized as markers of postoperative tissue trauma. Microendoscopic discectomy (MED) recently has become popular for treating lumbar disc herniations, and is associated with favorable clinical outcomes compared with open discectomy (OD). This study postulates that MED is a less traumatic procedure, and therefore has a lower surgical stress response compared to OD. In this study, a quantitative comparison of the overall effects of surgical trauma resulting from MED and OD was performed through analyzing patient systemic cytokines response. From April, 2002 to June, 2003, 22 consecutive patients who had symptomatic lumbar disc herniations were prospectively randomized to undergo either intracanalicular MED (N = 10) or OD (N = 12). In this study, the Vertebroscope System (Zeppelin, Pullach, Germany) was used to perform the endoscopic discectomy procedure in all MED patients. Serum levels of tumor necrosis factor-, (TNF-,), Interleukin-1, (IL-1,), Interleukin-6 (IL-6), and Interleukin-8 (IL-8) were measured before surgery and at 1, 2, 4, 8 and 24h after surgery using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Serum C-reactive protein (CRP) was measured at the same time interval. The results showed the MED patients had shorter postoperative hospital stay (mean, 3.57 ± 0.98 vs. 5.92 ± 2.39 days, p = 0.025) and less intraoperative blood loss (mean. 87.5 ± 69.4 vs. 190 ± 115 ml, p = 0.042). The operating length, including the set-up time, was longer in the MED group (mean, 109 ± 35.9 vs. 72.1 ± 17.8 min, p = 0.01). The mean size of skin incision made for the MED patients was 1.86 ± 0.13cm (range 1.7,2.0cm); and 6.3 ± 0.98 cm for the OD patients (range 5.5,8cm), p = 0.001. The patients' pain severity of the involved limbs on 10-point Visual Analog Scale before operation in MED group was 7.5 ± 0.3 (range 6,9) and 8 ± 0.2 (range 7,9) in OD group, p = 0.17; and after surgery, 1.5 ± 0.2 (range 1,2) in MED group and 1.4 ± 0.1 (range 1,3) in OD group, p = 0.91. CRP levels peaked at 24h in both groups, and OD patients displayed a significantly greater postoperative rise in serum CRP (mean, 27.78 ± 15.02 vs. 13.84 ± 6.25mg/l, p = 0.026). Concentrations of TNF-,, IL-1,, and IL-8 were detected only sporadically. Serum IL-6 increased less significantly following MED than after OD. In the MED group, IL-6 level peaked 8 h after surgery, with the response statistically less than in the open group (mean, 6.27 ± 5.96 vs. 17.18 ± 11.60pg/ml, p = 0.025). A statistically significant correlation was identified between IL-6 and CRP values (r = 0.79). Using the modified MacNab criteria, the clinical outcomes were 90% satisfactory (9/10) in MED patients and 91.6% satisfactory (11/12) in OD patients at a mean 18.9 months (range 10,25) follow-up. Based on the current data, surgical trauma, as reflected by systemic IL-6 and CRP response, was significantly less following MED than following OD. The difference in the systemic cytokine response may support that the MED procedure is less traumatic. Moreover, our MED patients had achieved satisfactory clinical outcomes as the OD patients at a mean 18.9 months follow-up after surgery. © 2004 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. [source]

    Association between early systemic inflammatory response, severity of multiorgan dysfunction and death in acute pancreatitis,

    BRITISH JOURNAL OF SURGERY (NOW INCLUDES EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF SURGERY), Issue 6 2006
    R. Mofidi
    Background: Mortality in patients with acute pancreatitis is associated with the number of failing organs and the severity and reversibility of organ dysfunction. The aim of this study was to assess the significance of early systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) in the development of multiorgan dysfunction syndrome (MODS) and death from acute pancreatitis. Methods: Data for all patients with a diagnosis of acute pancreatitis between January 2000 and December 2004 were reviewed. Serum C-reactive protein (CRP), Acute Physiology And Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) II scores and presence of SIRS were recorded on admission and at 48 h. Marshall organ dysfunction scores were calculated during the first week of presentation. Presence of SIRS and raised serum CRP levels on admission and at 48 h were correlated with the cumulative organ dysfunction scores in the first week. Results: A total of 759 patients with acute pancreatitis were identified, of whom 45 (5·9 per cent) died during the index admission. SIRS was identified in 162 patients on admission and was persistent in 138 at 48 h. The median (range) cumulative Marshall score in patients with persistent SIRS was significantly higher than that in patients in whom SIRS resolved and in those with no SIRS (4 (0,12), 3 (0,7) and 0 (0,9) respectively; P < 0·001). Thirty-five patients (25·4 per cent) with persistent SIRS died from acute pancreatitis, compared with six patients (8 per cent) with transient SIRS and four (0·7 per cent) without SIRS (P < 0·001). No correlation was observed between CRP level on admission and Marshall score (P = 0·810); however, there was a close correlation between CRP level at 48 h and Marshall score (P < 0·001). Conclusion: Persistent SIRS is associated with MODS and death in patients with acute pancreatitis and is an early indicator of the likely severity of acute pancreatitis. Copyright © 2006 British Journal of Surgery Society Ltd. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]

    Effect of raisin consumption on oxidative stress and inflammation in obesity

    DIABETES OBESITY & METABOLISM, Issue 11 2008
    J. W. Rankin
    Aim:, Oxidative stress can initiate increased inflammation that elevates risk for cardiovascular disease. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of daily consumption of raisins on markers of oxidative stress, inflammation and endothelial activation in response to an acute high-fat meal in overweight individuals. Methods:, Seventeen overweight men and women consumed 90 g raisins or isocaloric placebo (264 kcal/day) for 14 days in a randomized, crossover design while following a low-flavonoid diet. The oxidative [urinary 8-iso-prostaglandin-F2, (8-epi PGF2,) and serum oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC)], inflammatory (serum C-reactive protein and interleukin-6), endothelial (serum soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 and soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1, sVCAM-1) and metabolic [free fatty acids (FFAs), triacylglycerol, glucose and insulin] response to four high-fat (53%) meals was tested pre- and postintervention. Results:, Urinary 8-epi PGF2, decreased (,22%) and fasting ORAC increased (+3%) after both interventions combined. Fasting protein-free ORAC was modestly (+3.5%) higher during the raisin than the placebo intervention. Neither the meals nor the raisins consistently induced fasted markers of inflammation or endothelial dysfunction. Gender influenced postprandial metabolic responses in that males responded with higher serum FFAs, sVCAM-1 and glucose compared with females. Conclusions:, Serum antioxidant capacity was modestly increased by daily raisin consumption, but this did not alter fasted or postprandial inflammatory response in these relatively healthy but overweight individuals. Providing all food in regular pattern reduced measures of oxidative stress. [source]

    Aortic Dissection and Third-Degree Atrioventricular Block in a Patient With a Hypertensive Crisis

    JOURNAL OF CLINICAL HYPERTENSION, Issue 1 2008
    Nikolaos Lionakis MD
    A 55-year-old man with a history of uncontrolled hypertension was admitted because of an episode of severely elevated blood pressure. An electrocardiogram revealed complete atrioventricular block while imaging showed a dissecting aneurysm of the descending thoracic and abdominal aorta, type B according to the Stanford classification. Laboratory tests revealed significant increases in serum C-reactive protein. Coronary arteriography was performed and was negative for coronary artery disease. A VDD pacemaker was placed, and a combination of 4 antihypertensive agents was used as treatment. Type B aortic dissection may present with a wide range of manifestations. The authors suggest that measurement of C-reactive protein may be used in hypertensive patients to help reflect vascular injury and its degree, progression, and prognosis. Disorders of intraventricular conductivity are rarely seen in both types of dissection of the aorta (type A, B). Atrioventricular conductivity disorders that result in complete atrioventricular block have been reported only in patients with type A dissection (before the bifurcation of the subclavian artery). In this particular case, however, the authors diagnosed an atrioventricular conductivity disorder causing atrioventricular block in a patient with type B dissection. Consequently, the authors speculate that myocardial fibrosis, as a result of long-standing hypertension, could be the main pathogenetic mechanism leading to the development of such phenomena, resulting from a potential expanding of the fibrotic process to the atrioventricular conduction system. [source]

    Fecal lactoferrin, myeloperoxidase and serum C-reactive are effective biomarkers in the assessment of disease activity and severity in patients with idiopathic ulcerative colitis

    JOURNAL OF GASTROENTEROLOGY AND HEPATOLOGY, Issue 11 2009
    Ibrahim Masoodi
    Abstract Background and Aim:, Disease activity and severity of ulcerative colitis (UC) is assessed using colonoscopy, which is invasive, costly and has poor patient acceptability. The role of non-invasive biomarkers of intestinal inflammation in the evaluation of patients with UC is not known. The aim of the study was to examine the role of serum C-reactive protein (SCRP), fecal myeloperoxidase (FMPO) and fecal lactoferrin (FLF) in assessing disease severity, activity and response to therapy. Methods:, Consecutive patients with idiopathic UC (IUC) attending our hospital from July 2005 to September 2006 were studied. All underwent clinical, endoscopic and histological assessment for disease activity, extent, severity and estimation of SCRP, FMPO and FLF levels at baseline and follow up (FU). An equal number of healthy age-matched controls were studied for biomarker levels. Results:, A total of 37 patients (mean age 37 ± 12 years) were studied. All three biomarkers were elevated more often in the cases than in the controls (all P = 0.000). Cases with severe IUC had higher CRP, MPO and FLF titers than those without severe IUC. At FU, a significant fall in biomarker levels paralleled the reduction in Mayo's scores. All three biomarkers showed a high degree of correlation with each other. The areas under the curve for FLF, MPO and CRP were 1.00, 0.867 and 0.622, respectively. The sensitivity and specificity of markers were: FLF (94%, 100%), FMPO (89%, 51%) and SCRP (24%, 100%). Conclusion:, Biomarkers are useful in assessing disease activity, severity and response to therapy in patients with UC. They showed a high degree of correlation with each other. [source]

    Experimental periodontitis in mice selected for maximal or minimal inflammatory reactions: increased inflammatory immune responsiveness drives increased alveolar bone loss without enhancing the control of periodontal infection

    JOURNAL OF PERIODONTAL RESEARCH, Issue 4 2009
    A. P. F. Trombone
    Background and Objective:, Inflammatory immune reactions that occur in response to periodontopathogens are thought to protect the host against infection, but may trigger periodontal destruction. However, the molecular and genetic mechanisms underlying host susceptibility to periodontal infection and to periodontitis development have still not been established in detail. Material and Methods:, In this study, we examined the mechanisms that modulate the outcome of Aggregatibacter (Actinobacillus) actinomycetemcomitans -induced periodontal disease in mice mouse strains selected for maximal (AIRmax) or minimal (AIRmin) inflammatory reactions. Results:, Our results showed that AIRmax mice developed a more severe periodontitis than AIRmin mice in response to A. actinomycetemcomitans infection, and this periodontitis was characterized by increased alveolar bone loss and inflammatory cell migration to periodontal tissues. In addition, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays demonstrated that the levels of the cytokines interleukin-1,, tumor necrosis factor-, and interleukin-17 were higher in AIRmax mice, as were the levels of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2, MMP-13 and receptor activator of nuclear factor-,B ligand (RANKL) mRNA levels. However, the more intense inflammatory immune reaction raised by the AIRmax strain, in spite of the higher levels of antimicrobial mediators myeloperoxidase and inducible nitric oxide synthase, did not enhance the protective immunity to A. actinomycetemcomitans infection, because both AIRmax and AIRmin strains presented similar bacterial loads in periodontal tissues. In addition, the AIRmax strain presented a trend towards higher levels of serum C-reactive protein during the course of disease. Conclusion:, Our results demonstrate that the intensity of the inflammatory immune reaction is associated with the severity of experimental periodontitis, but not with the control of A. actinomycetemcomitans periodontal infection, suggesting that the occurrence of hyperinflammatory genotypes may not be an evolutionary advantage in the complex host,pathogen interaction observed in periodontal diseases. [source]

    Comparison of Oral Prednisone and Prednisone Combined with Metronidazole for Induction Therapy of Canine Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Randomized-Controlled Trial

    JOURNAL OF VETERINARY INTERNAL MEDICINE, Issue 2 2010
    A.E. Jergens
    Background: Although prednisone and metronidazole are commonly used to treat canine inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), no randomized-controlled trials have been performed. Hypothesis: Combination drug therapy with prednisone and metronidazole will be more effective than prednisone alone for treatment of canine IBD. Reduction in disease severity will be accompanied by decreased canine IBD activity index (CIBDAI) scores and serum C-reactive protein (CRP) concentrations. Animals: Fifty-four pet dogs diagnosed with IBD of varying severity. Methods: Dogs were randomized to receive oral prednisone (1 mg/kg; n = 25) or prednisone and metronidazole (10 mg/kg; n = 29) twice daily for 21 days. Clinical (CIBDAI) scores and serum CRP were determined at diagnosis and after 21 days of drug therapy. The primary efficacy measure was remission at 21 days, defined as a 75% or greater reduction in baseline CIBDAI score. Results: Differences between treatments in the rate of remission (both exceeding 80%) or the magnitude of its change over time were not observed. CRP concentrations in prednisone-treated dogs were increased because of many dogs having active disease. Both treatments reduced CRP in comparison with pretreatment concentrations. An interaction between CIBDAI and CRP was identified in 42 of 54 dogs (78%), whereas 8 of 54 dogs (15%) showed disagreement between these indices. Conclusions and Clinical Importance: Prednisone is as effective as combined treatment with prednisone and metronidazole for induction therapy of canine IBD. CRP may be normal or increased in dogs with IBD and may be useful in assessing the response of individual dogs to treatment along with changes in the CIBDAI. [source]

    Clinical trial: randomized study of clarithromycin versus placebo in active Crohn's disease

    ALIMENTARY PHARMACOLOGY & THERAPEUTICS, Issue 12 2008
    K. LEIPER
    Summary Background, Crohn's disease is characterized by defective innate immune responses to intestinal bacteria. Clarithromycin is a broad-spectrum antibiotic that has good penetration into macrophages. Aim, To assess the efficacy of clarithromycin in active Crohn's disease. Methods, Patients with Crohn's disease activity index > 200 and serum C-reactive protein , 10 mg/L were randomized to receive clarithromycin 1 g o.d. or placebo for 3 months. Patients taking more than 10 mg/day prednisolone or 3 mg/day budesonide were excluded. Primary outcome was remission (CDAI , 150) or response (fall in CDAI , 70 from pre-treatment level) at 3 months. Results, The trial was stopped after 41 patients had been recruited because of poor overall efficacy. There was no difference in combined remission or response rates at 3 months between clarithromycin: 26% (five of 19) and placebo: 27% (six of 22) (P = 1.00). The mean (s.d.) fall in Crohn's disease activity index was 35 (80) clarithromycin and ,2 (114) placebo (P = 0.24). However, post hoc analysis showed a significant difference in response/remission determined by Crohn's disease activity index after 1 month: 53% (10 of 19) clarithromycin vs. 14% (three of 22) placebo (P = 0.01). Conclusion, Clarithromycin 1 g for 3 months is ineffective in active Crohn's disease but possible benefit was observed at 1 month, suggesting that an initial effect may be attenuated by subsequent bacterial resistance. [source]

    Relationship of serum cholesterol levels to atopy in the US population

    ALLERGY, Issue 7 2010
    M. B. Fessler
    To cite this article: Fessler MB, Jaramillo R, Crockett PW, Zeldin DC. Relationship of serum cholesterol levels to atopy in the US population. Allergy 2010; 65: 859,864. Abstract Background:, Cholesterol promotes Th2 immunity and allergic inflammation in rodents; whether this occurs in humans is unclear. Reports of both direct and inverse associations between serum cholesterol and atopy in different populations suggest that race and/or other demographic variables may modify these relationships. Aims of the study:, To determine the relationships between levels of three serum cholesterol measures [total cholesterol (TC), high density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C), and non-HDL-C] and atopy in a sample representative of the US population. Methods:, Cross-sectional study of 6854 participants aged ,6 years from the 2005,2006 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Results:, In the overall population, adjusted odds ratios (AORs) per two-standard deviation increase in TC and non-HDL-C for biochemical atopy (defined as ,1 allergen-specific IgE to 19 allergens) were 1.17 [95% confidence interval (CI), 1.00,1.38] and 1.19 (95% CI, 1.03,1.39), respectively. Interactions by race were noted for the two relationships (interaction P = 0.004 and P = 0.009, respectively) with non-Hispanic Whites (NHWs) having direct relationships [TC: AOR 1.27 (95% CI, 1.03,1.57); non-HDL-C: AOR 1.27 (95% CI, 1.03,1.56)] and non-Hispanic Blacks (NHBs) inverse relationships [TC: AOR 0.77 (95% CI, 0.62,0.95); non-HDL-C: AOR 0.86 (95% CI, 0.69,1.08)]. The adjusted HDL-C,atopy relationship was nonsignificant for NHWs and inverse for NHBs [AOR 0.77 (95% CI, 0.61,0.96)]. Relationships were independent of body mass index and serum C-reactive protein and unmodified by corticosteroid or statin usage. Results were similar using current hay fever/allergy as the atopy outcome. Conclusions:, There are marked inter-racial differences in the relationship between serum cholesterol and atopy in the US population. [source]

    Coagulation/fibrinolysis and inflammation markers are associated with disease activity in patients with chronic urticaria

    ALLERGY, Issue 5 2010
    S. Takahagi
    To cite this article: Takahagi S, Mihara S, Iwamoto K, Morioke S, Okabe T, Kameyoshi Y, Hide M. Coagulation/fibrinolysis and inflammation markers are associated with disease activity in patients with chronic urticaria. Allergy 2010; 65: 649,656. Abstract Background:, The evaluation of disease severity and activity of chronic urticaria (CU) is essential for the adequate treatment of patients. However, there is no reliable biomarker for such evaluations. Recently, markers of blood coagulation and fibrinolysis have been revealed to be elevated in severe cases of CU. In this article, we studied the coagulation/fibrinolysis and inflammation markers and their relationship to disease activity in patients with CU. Methods:, Plasma fibrin degradation products (FDP), d- dimer and serum C-reactive protein (CRP) were measured with the assessment of disease severity and skin reaction to autologous serum in 82 patients with CU and 37 patients with acute urticaria, idiopathic angioedema (AE) or inducible types of urticaria (IU). Results:, The levels of FDP in patients with CU were significantly higher than those in patients with IU, but no other differences in FDP, d- dimer and CRP were observed among patients with different types of urticaria. These markers of patients with CU were well correlated with each other and significantly associated with disease severity of CU, but not with skin reactions to autologous serum. In 37 patients with CU, levels of all these parameters reduced as their disease condition improved, while they increased when the disease became aggravated. Regarding FDP, this relationship was observed even if FDP concentrations were within normal range throughout the study. Conclusions:, The measurement of plasma FDP, d- dimer and serum CRP may be useful for the assessment of disease activity of CU. [source]

    Impact of vitamin D deficiency on the clinical presentation and prognosis of patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma,,

    AMERICAN JOURNAL OF HEMATOLOGY, Issue 7 2009
    Alvin C. Ng
    Vitamin D is a fundamental mediator of skeletal metabolism. It also has important nonskeletal actions. We hypothesized that vitamin D deficiency may play an important role in skeletal morbidity and clinical outcomes in MM. We studied 148 newly diagnosed MM patients from January 1, 2004 through December 31, 2008 who had a serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] obtained within 14 days of diagnosis. Subjects with vitamin D deficiency [25(OH)D level less than 50 nmol/L (20 ng/mL)] had higher mean values of serum C-reactive protein (CRP) (2.40 mg/L vs. 0.84 mg/L, P = 0.02) and creatinine (1.75 mg/dL vs. 1.24 mg/dL, P = 0.03) and lower serum albumin values (3.12 g/dL vs. 3.39 g/dL, P = 0.003) compared to subjects without vitamin D deficiency. The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency increased in parallel with International Staging System (ISS): 16% of subjects in Stage I, 20% in Stage II, and 37% in Stage III (P = 0.03) were vitamin D deficient. No differences were detected between the two groups in terms of skeletal morbidity. Association of vitamin D deficiency with higher serum CRP, serum creatinine and ISS stage at time of diagnosis suggests that vitamin D deficiency may portend poorer outcomes in subjects with MM. Am. J. Hematol. 2009. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]

    Adaptation of the Human Skin by Chronic Solar-simulating UV Irradiation Prevents Ultraviolet-B Irradiation-induced Rise in Serum C-Reactive Protein Levels,

    PHOTOCHEMISTRY & PHOTOBIOLOGY, Issue 3 2005
    Jarmo K. Laihia
    ABSTRACT Exposure of the skin to UV radiation induces local inflammation. We hypothesized that inflammation induced by erythemal UV-B irradiation could elevate levels of serum C-reactive protein (CRP) and that suberythemal repeating doses of solar-simulating UV radiation (SSR) would produce photoadaptation to such inflammation. Separation-free high-sensitivity assays of CRP show an increase by 42% (P= 0.046) in CRP concentrations in healthy human subjects 24 h after a 3 minimal erythemal dose (MED) dose of UV-B delivered onto a 100 cm2 skin area. Preceding daily suberythemal doses of whole-body SSR for 10 or 30 consecutive days completely prevented the CRP increase. UV-B-induced skin erythema was partially attenuated by 30 preceding days of SSR only (P= 0.00066). After 10 daily SSR doses, the mean baseline CRP concentrations (0.24 ± 0.21 mg/L) declined by 35% (P= 0.018). Using high-sensitivity analysis of serum CRP as the endpoint marker for cutaneous inflammation, we show that acute exposure of even a relatively small skin area to erythemal UV-B induces skin inflammation detectable also at the systemic level and that photoadaptation by preceding repeating suberythemal doses of SSR reduces signs of inflammation. Our data complement the view given by previous studies in that local photoadaptation also has systemic manifestations. [source]

    Antibody responses to Porphyromonas gingivalis outer membrane protein in the first trimester

    AUSTRALIAN AND NEW ZEALAND JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNAECOLOGY, Issue 2 2009
    Jun SASAHARA
    Background:,Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg) is one of the most harmful periodontal pathogens and it has been reported that Pg is associated with preterm birth (PTB), intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR) and pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH), discovered by animal experiments and clinical research. The relationship between adverse pregnancy outcomes and maternal antibody response to Pg is controversial. On the other hand, the serum C-reactive protein (CRP) has been recognised as a reliable serum marker of periodontal disease. Aims:, To determine the significance of antibody responses to Pg affecting pregnancy outcomes in the first trimester. Methods:, A case,control study was carried out on women with PTB (n = 58), IUGR (n = 91), PIH (n = 32) and without any complications (control, n = 98). The serum level of the CRP and IgG1 against 40-kDa outer membrane protein of Pg (anti-40-kDa OMP Pg -IgG1) in the first trimester was measured. Results:, The IUGR group, and PTB patients whose placentas were diagnosed as chorioamnionitis or whose vaginal flora included Lactobacilli, showed a lower level of anti-40-kDa OMP Pg -IgG1 than the control group. There was no difference in the serum CRP level between each case group and control group. Conclusions:, These results suggest that a lack of humoral immunity against Pg in early pregnancy is associated with IUGR and some PTB. [source]

    Reduced Blood Platelet Sensitivity to Aspirin in Coronary Artery Disease: Are Dyslipidaemia and Inflammatory States Possible Factors Predisposing to Sub-optimal Platelet Response to Aspirin?

    BASIC AND CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY & TOXICOLOGY, Issue 5 2006
    Leszek Markuszewski
    Platelet non-responsiveness to aspirin is associated with an increased risk of serious cardiovascular events. Several environmental and hereditary factors are reportedly involved in sub-optimal acetylsalicylic acid response. Forty-five coronary artery disease patients and 45 non-coronary artery disease controls received acetylsalicylic acid at a daily dose of 75,150 mg. Controls were examined twice: on the day of entering the study and 10 days later. Urinary 11-dehydrothromboxane B2 was assessed as the marker of platelet thromboxane generation. Aggregation was studied in platelet-rich plasma using turbidimetric aggregometry with collagen and arachidonic acid. Fifty to seventy percent of coronary artery disease patients showed an extent of collagen-induced aggregation above the upper quartile of the reference range compared with 8,15% in controls (P<0.003). For arachidonic acid-activated aggregation these proportions were 45,50% in coronary artery disease versus 7% in controls (P<0.007). In coronary artery disease patients, the acetylsalicylic acid-mediated platelet inhibition positively correlated with increased triglycerides (in arachidonic acid-stimulated platelets, r=0.30, P=0.0018), total cholesterol (r=0.33, P<0.0001 in coll and arachidonic acid-activated platelets) and elevated serum C-reactive protein (CRP) (r=0.27, P=0.0024). In coronary artery disease patients urine 11-dehydrothromboxane B2 concentrations were significantly increased compared to controls after 10 day acetylsalicylic acid intake (563; 313,728 pg/mg creatinine versus 321; 246,488 pg/mg creatinine, P=0.04). The incidence of suboptimal acetylsalicylic acid response incidence was more common in patients with coronary artery disease. Acetylsalicylic acid inhibition of blood platelet reactivity and thromboxane generation was less effective in these patients. Dyslipidaemia and chronic inflammatory states may promote suboptimal acetylsalicylic acid response in coronary artery disease patients. [source]

    Clinical prognostic scoring system to aid decision-making in gastro-oesophageal cancer

    BRITISH JOURNAL OF SURGERY (NOW INCLUDES EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF SURGERY), Issue 12 2007
    D. A. C. Deans
    Background: Accurate prediction of prognosis in gastro-oesophageal cancer remains challenging. The aim of this study was to develop a robust model for outcome prediction. Methods: The study included 220 patients with gastric or oesophageal cancer newly diagnosed over a 2-year period. Patients were staged and underwent treatment following discussion at a multidisciplinary team (MDT) meeting. Clinical and investigative variables were collected, including performance and nutritional status, and serum C-reactive protein (CRP) level. Primary endpoints were death within 12 and 24 months. Results: Overall median survival was 13 months. Advanced clinical stage (P < 0·001), reduced performance score (P < 0·001), weight loss exceeding 2·75 per cent per month (P = 0·026) and serum CRP concentration above 5 mg/l (P = 0·031) were identified as independent prognostic indicators in multivariable analysis. A prognostic score was constructed using these four variables to estimate a probability of death. Applying the model gave an area under the receiver,operator characteristic curve of 0·84 and 0·85 for prediction of death at 12 and 24 months respectively (both P < 0·001). Conclusion: This model accurately estimated the probability of death within 12 and 24 months. This may aid the MDT decision-making process. Copyright © 2007 British Journal of Surgery Society Ltd. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]

    Serum amyloid A is a better early predictor of severity than C-reactive protein in acute pancreatitis,

    BRITISH JOURNAL OF SURGERY (NOW INCLUDES EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF SURGERY), Issue 2 2002
    J. M. Mayer
    Background: Serum amyloid A (SAA) is an early and sensitive marker of the extent of tissue trauma and inflammation. The aim of this study was to compare the early prognostic accuracy of SAA with that of serum C-reactive protein (CRP) in acute pancreatitis. Methods: In a prospective multicentre trial, plasma SAA and CRP levels were measured in patients with severe and mild acute pancreatitis, and in a control group with acute abdominal pain. Plasma samples were collected on admission and at 6-h intervals for 48 h, every 12 h between 48 and 72 h, then daily for 5 days. Plasma SAA was measured by a new enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and CRP was measured by immunoturbidometry. Results: There were 137 patients with mild and 35 with severe acute pancreatitis, and 74 control patients. SAA levels were significantly higher in patients with severe acute pancreatitis than in those with mild acute pancreatitis, on admission, at 24 h or less after symptom onset, and subsequently. Whereas plasma CRP concentration was also significantly higher in patients with severe acute pancreatitis on admission, it failed to distinguish mild from severe acute pancreatitis until 30,36 h after symptom onset. SAA levels predicted severity (sensitivity 67 per cent, specificity 70 per cent, negative predictive value 89 per cent, mean(s.d.) area under curve 0·7(0·05)) significantly better than CRP (57 per cent, 60 per cent, 84 per cent, 0·59(0·06) respectively) on admission (P = 0·02) and at 24 h following symptom onset (area under curve 0·65(0·09) versus 0·58(0·09) respectively; P , 0·02). Conclusion: Plasma SAA concentration is an early marker of severity in acute pancreatitis and is superior to CRP estimation on hospital admission and at 24 h or less after symptom onset. This study suggests that plasma SAA concentration is clinically useful, with the potential to replace CRP in the management of acute pancreatitis. © 2002 British Journal of Surgery Society Ltd [source]

    Neutrophil regeneration precedes healing of tissue destruction, as indicated by serum C-reactive protein, in children with cancer recovering from neutropenic fever

    ACTA PAEDIATRICA, Issue 8 2002
    K Vettenranta
    Aim: To evaluate the relationship between absolute neutrophil count and C-reactive protein (CRP) in the recovery phase of neutropenic fever among paediatric patients with cancer. Methods: A total of 102 paediatric oncology patients with 177 episodes of fever and neutropenia was studied prospectively in a two-centre setting. Antimicrobial therapy was discontinued 9 d (mean) post-initiation with a mean absolute neutrophil count of 1.8 ± 109l -1 and CRP of 32 mg l -1. Results: The mean level of CRP below 20 mg l -1 was reached on day 12. The level of CRP peaked on the day following the commencement of antimicrobial therapy. Throughout the episodes of fever and neutropenia higher levels of CRP were associated with a lower absolute neutrophil count. Following defervescence the pace of marrow recovery as evidenced by an increasing absolute neutrophil count to < 0.2 and < 0.5 ± 109l -1 was more rapid than the normalization of serum CRP. There was a 2,3 d lag period between absolute neutrophil count exceeding the level of 200 ± 106l -1 and the return of CRP to a baseline level. All episodes were treated successfully and there were no fatalities. Conclusion: Among patients recovering from neutropenia and fever the signs of marrow recovery remain the key criterion in evaluating the safety of discontinuing antimicrobial therapy, with serum CRP remaining more of an indicator of ongoing tissue repair. [source]