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Review
. 2013:2013:124021.
doi: 10.1155/2013/124021. Epub 2013 Oct 28.

Interpretation of C-reactive protein concentrations in critically ill patients

Christophe Lelubre  1 , Sophie Anselin, Karim Zouaoui Boudjeltia, Patrick Biston, Michaël Piagnerelli
Affiliations
Review

Interpretation of C-reactive protein concentrations in critically ill patients

Christophe Lelubre et al. Biomed Res Int. 2013.

Abstract

Infection is often difficult to recognize in critically ill patients because of the marked coexisting inflammatory process. Lack of early recognition prevents timely resuscitation and effective antimicrobial therapy, resulting in increased morbidity and mortality. Measurement of a biomarker, such as C-reactive protein (CRP) concentration, in addition to history and physical signs, could facilitate diagnosis. Although frequently measured in clinical practice, few studies have reported on the pathophysiological role of this biomarker and its predictive value in critically ill patients. In this review, we discuss the pathophysiological role of CRP and its potential interpretation in the inflammatory processes observed in critically ill patients.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Summary of the principal physiological roles of C-reactive protein.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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