C-reactive protein and serum amyloid A protein in neonatal infections

In this study, we examine C-reactive protein (CRP) and serum amyloid protein A (SAA). Although the former is the best known and most commonly used indicator of inflammation, certain considerations underline the inadequacy of CRP determination alone for the early diagnosis of infection. In fact symptoms often precede the CRP elevation. SAA protein comprises a family of polymorphic apolipoproteins produced mainly by the liver, and several studies have stressed its importance in the diagnosis and monitoring of various diseases. Pathological SAA values are often detected in association with normal CRP concentrations. SAA rises earlier and more sharply than CRP. Finally, contrary to CRP, SAA presents the same trend in viral as well as bacterial infections. Although the data available on SAA in neonates are currently very limited, it is possible to postulate a role of primary importance for SAA in the management of neonatal infections.     

Monitoring of endotoxin,interleukin-6 and C-reactive protein serum concentrations in neutropenic patients with fever

Abstract: Serum endotoxin, interleukin-6 (IL-6) and C-reactive protein (CRP) were serially determined in 26 patients with hematological malignancies and chemotherapy-induced neutropenia who developed fever. Endotoxin in serum was detected in 69% of the patients, with the highest values being recorded in patients with gram-negative (Gr^-) bacteremia. High levels of IL-6 were found after start of fever, and in 6/9 patients with Gr^- bacteremia levels exceeded 200 ng/l in samples drawn within the first 72 hours. However, only in 2/17 patients with gram-positive bacteremias and blood culture-negative fever episodes did IL-6 exceed this concentration (p<0.05). High CRP values (exceeding 100 mg/l) did not discriminate between Gr^- and non-Gr^- episodes (7/9 versus 10/17, respectively). In patients with fever at day 3–5 (n = 15), IL-6 values > 100 ng/l were associated with fever continuing for more than 7 days after start of the episode; contrarily, CRP values did not indicate the persistence of fever. Determination of IL-6 may be a better test than CRP in monitoring the acute response to infection in the neutropenic patient. A combination of high endotoxin and IL-6 values may indicate a Gr^- bacteremia. This could have therapeutic implications before results of blood cultures are obtained.     

冠心病血清超敏C-反应蛋白和血清淀粉样蛋白A，脂联素的关系

摘要：目的：探讨冠心病（CHD）患者血清超敏C-反应蛋白（hs-CRP）、血清淀粉样蛋白A（SAA）和血清脂联素（APN）的关系。方法：人选确诊冠心病的患者66例（CHD组）,正常者20例（正常对照组）。分别测定其血清hs—CRP、SAA、APN水平,并进行比较。结果：CHD组hs—CRP、SAA水平分别为（2．88±0．61）mg／L和（9．89±5．23）mg／L,明显高于正常对照组的（0．67±0．17）mg／L和（1．27±1．11）mg／L,P均〈0．01;CHD组APN水平为（3．38±0．26）μg／L,显著低于正常对照组的（3．91±0．34）／Lg／L,P〈0．05。hs—CRP水平与SAA水平呈正相关（r=0．835,P〈0．05）,与APN水平呈负相关（r=-0．285,P〈0．05）。结论：CHD患者血清hs—CRP、血清淀粉样蛋白A水平明显升高,血清脂联素水平明显降低,血清hs—CRP水平与淀粉样蛋白A水平呈正相关,与脂联素水平呈负相关,可作为临床诊断和预后判断的依据。     

测定脑卒中患者血清C反应蛋白及白细胞介素含量的临床意义

目的探讨脑卒中患者血清C反应蛋白(CRP)、白细胞介素-1β(IL-1β)和白细胞介素-6(IL-6)含量变化及临床意义。方法将96例脑卒中患者分为脑梗死组(56例),脑出血组(40例),同期选择健康体检者35例为对照组,分别检测其治疗前和治疗后5天的血清CRP、IL-1β和IL-6的浓度。根据神经功能损伤程度评分标准将患者又分为轻度损伤组(32例)、中度损伤组(48例)和重度损伤组(16例)。结果脑卒中患者治疗前血清CRPI、L-1β和IL-6明显高于对照组(P<0.01),且治疗后比治疗前明显下降(P<0.05),并随着脑神经功能损害的加重而升高(P<0.05)。结论CRPI、L-1β和IL-6在脑卒中的发病过程中起促进作用,与脑神经受损程度呈正相关。     

不同类型冠心病患者血清C-反应蛋白与白细胞介素-6比较

目的从临床角度结合冠状动脉造影结果分析不同类型冠心病(CHD)患者血清C-反应蛋白(CRP)和白细胞介素-6(IL-6)浓度差异,探讨炎症反应及冠状动脉狭窄程度在CHD发生发展中的作用以及两者的相互关系.方法检测13例急性心肌梗死(AMI)患者(AMI组)、40例不稳定型心绞痛患者(UAP组)、32例稳定型心绞痛患者(SAP组)以及62例正常者(对照组)血清CRP、IL-6浓度,并结合冠状动脉狭窄程度分析不同类型CHD患者血清CRP和IL-6浓度差异,对血清CRP、IL-6及冠状动脉病变积分进行相关分析.结果CHD组患者血清CRP、IL-6显著高于对照组[(5.08±2.44)∶(2.32±1.23) mg/L、(15.51±3.54)∶(11.56±3.28) ng/L],均P<0.01.AMI组与UAP组间血清CRP、IL-6比较差异均无显著性意义(P>0.05),但均显著高于SAP组(P<0.05),SAP组血清CRP、IL-6均显著高于对照组(P<0.05).血清CRP与IL-6显著性相关(r=0.55,P<0.01).血清CRP、IL-6分别与冠状动脉病变积分显著性相关,相关系数分别为0.57和0.43,均P<0.01.结论不同类型CHD患者炎症反应水平不同,冠状动脉病变越广泛,血清CRP、IL-6水平增高越多,血清CRP、IL-6增高可能是CHD的重要危险因素.     

淀粉酶联合CRP和SAA检测对急性胰腺炎诊断价值的评价

目的 探讨淀粉酶、C反应蛋白(C-reactive protein,CRP)及血清淀粉样物质A(serumamyloid A,SAA)的变化对AP诊断的临床意义.方法 测定MAP和SAP患者发病24 h内、48 h、72 h及第7天的血、尿淀粉酶和CRP、SAA水平.结果 发病24 h内SAP患者的血淀粉酶、尿淀粉酶、CRP和SAA水平分别为(904.5±402.2)U/L、(2280.3±1270.3)U/L、(155.6±36.2)mg/L和(521.9±109.4)mg/L,均明显高于MAP患者的(598.3±400.4)U/L、(1304.9±868.7)U/L、(51.9 4±38.0)mg/L和(158.6±187.6)mg/L(P＜0.05或P＜0.001);血淀粉酶高峰出现于发病后24 h内,而尿淀粉酶、CRP和SAA高峰出现在发病48 h,分别为(2173.5±1110.6)U/L、(185.3±41.4)mg/L和(717.5±144.2)mg/L.MAP和SAP患者血、尿淀粉酶水平在第7天均明显降低(P＜0.05),MAP患者CRP、SAA在第7天也明显降低(P＜0.05),但SAP患者CRP、SAA在第7大无明显降低(P＞0.05).CRP、SAA和病变发展相平行,CRP和SAA呈正相关(r=0.761,P＜0.05).结论 淀粉酶联合CRP、SAA水平的检测能够早期诊断AP,CRP和SAA可作为早期诊断SAP的参考指标.     

血清IL-6、CRP、PCT水平对新生儿败血症的诊断价值

目的 探讨IL-6、C反应蛋白(CRP)、降钙素原(PCT)诊断新生儿败血症的价值.方法 选择临床诊断为败血症的患儿67例(观察组),另选同期无感染症状的30例新生儿作为对照组.采用ELISA双抗夹心法测定两组IL-6水平,固相免疫层析法半定量测定PCT水平,定量免疫速率比浊法测定CRP水平;以临床常用标准作为阳性诊断阈值,观察各指标诊断新生儿败血症敏感性、特异性、阳性预测值、阴性预测值及约登指数.以灵敏度为纵坐标,1-特异度为横坐标,分析ROC曲线,从而确定检测的最佳阈值.结果 IL-6的敏感性、特异性、阳性预测值、阴性预测值和约登指数及ROC曲线下的面积值均优于CRP和PCT.而三个指标联合诊断的敏感性优于各指标独立诊断.结论 IL-6对新生儿败血症有很好的临床诊断价值;疑诊新生儿败血症者应考虑多个指标联合应用,以提高诊断准确率.     

炎性因子对急性冠状动脉综合征的早期预测价值

目的:观察冠心病不同类型患者中血清炎性递质C反应蛋白(CRP)、淀粉样蛋白A(SAA)和白细胞介素-6(IL-6)水平的变化以及炎症递质之间的关系,探讨急性冠状动脉综合征(ACS)预测的炎症指标。方法:用酶联免疫吸附法检测了32例急性心肌梗死,30例不稳定型心绞痛,20例稳定型心绞痛和16例健康对照者血清CRP、SAA、IL-6水平,并比较上述指标与不同类型冠心病,ACS与非ACS之间的关系。结果:ACS患者血清CRP、SAA和IL-6均高于非ACS患者,分别为(6.94±4.56)∶(2.48±2.32)mg/L;(217.23±441.14)∶(18.18±28.05)mg/L;(4.37±6.35)∶(1.31±0.98)ng/L(均P<0·01)。CRP、SAA和IL-6三者之间呈显著正相关。以CRP、SAA和IL-6的x-±2s为截断值联合预测ACS的灵敏度为73.8%,特异度为91.7%,准确性为80.4%。结论:ACS患者血清SAA、CRP、IL-6水平升高,提示与ACS的发生有关,是动脉粥样硬化斑块不稳定的标志,可以作为ACS的早期辅助诊断指标。     

急性脑梗死患者颈动脉斑块与血清高敏感性C反应蛋白和IL-6的关系

目的探讨急性脑梗死患者颈动脉斑块与血清高敏感性C反应蛋白(hs-CRP)及白细胞介素6(IL-6)的关系。方法选择急性脑梗死患者180例,应用彩色多普勒超声检查颈动脉内膜-中膜厚度(IMT),并检测血清hs-CRP和IL-6水平。根据颈动脉超声检查结果分为斑块组78例(IMT≥1.2mm)与非斑块组(IMT<1.2mm)102例。结果斑块组患者的年龄[(62±9)岁]显著高于非斑块组[(51±10)岁,P<0.01)],伴有高血压(69%)及糖尿病(35%)的比例亦明显高于非斑块组(52%,18%,均P<0.05)。两组血脂水平比较差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。hs-CRP水平增高的比例,斑块组(67%)显著高于非斑块组(47%,P<0.05),hs-CRP水平斑块组[(27.8±6.4)mg/L]亦显著高于非斑块组[(20.7±5.8)mg/L,P<0.01],而不稳定性斑块组hs-CRP水平[(37.5±7.2)mg/L]显著高于稳定性斑块组[(24.9±6.3)mg/L,P<0.01]。IL-6水平斑块组[(0.22±0.06)μg/L显著高于非斑块组[(0.20±0.08)μg/L,P<0.05]。结论急性脑梗死患者血hs-CRP和IL-6水平增高与颈动脉粥样硬化斑块的存在及其性质显著相关。     

Interrelations between interleukin-6, interleukin-1 beta, plasma C-reactive protein values, and in vitro C-reactive protein generation in patients with inflammatory bowel disease.

Acute phase proteins are released from the liver in response to cytokines, and measurement of serum concentrations offers a valuable means of assessing inflammatory bowel disease. C-reactive protein (CRP) is a participating prominent component of the acute phase response in active Crohn's disease. This study aimed at determining the comparative role of the cytokines interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 beta) and interleukin-6 (IL-6), in driving CRP production in inflammatory bowel disease, and to test the hypothesis that there is a difference in the profile of cytokines generated in these two conditions. Serum CRP, the release of the cytokines IL-1 beta and IL-6 from monocytes, and the ability of monocyte conditioned medium to stimulate CRP synthesis by hepatocytes in an in vitro system was measured in patients with ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. Monocytes from patients with Crohn's disease produced more 1L beta-1 than monocytes from patients with ulcerative colitis or normal controls. There was no increased tendency for monocytes from Crohn's disease patients to produce more 1L-6, so the greater circulating values of IL-6 reported by a number of authors in Crohn's disease may reflect the participation of a larger number of cells of the monocyte-macrophage series, or production of IL-6 by other cell types. Correlation of cytokine production by monocytes with in vitro CRP release from cultured hepatocytes in response to monocyte conditioned medium showed that, in that system, IL-1 beta was the stronger stimulus to CRP production. Some of the differences in the inflammatory processes of ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease may reflect differences in the amount of IL-1beta and IL-6 generated from macrophages and monocytes.     

Elevated serum high-sensitivity C-reactive protein levels in fibromyalgia syndrome patients correlate with body mass index, interleukin-6, interleukin-8, erythrocyte sedimentation rate

The levels of several inflammatory cytokines are abnormal in many patients with the fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) and may play a role in its pathogenesis. The inflammatory marker C-reactive protein (CRP) is associated with the disease activity in patients with inflammatory rheumatic diseases, but its role in FMS is unknown. We undertook this study to determine whether high-sensitivity CRP (hsCRP) is elevated in FMS and whether its levels relate to key biologic or clinical measures. One hundred and five patients with FMS (1990 ACR criteria) and 61 healthy normal controls (HNC) at a ratio of 2:1 were recruited. The serum concentrations of hsCRP, interleukin-8 (IL-8), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) were assessed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. The hsCRP levels were marginally higher in FMS than in HNC (p = 0.06) and its abnormality rate (>1.5 SD above the HNC mean) was significantly higher in FMS (25 %) compared with HNC (6.8 %) (p = 0.03). Serum IL-8 levels, IL-6 levels, and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) in FMS did not differ from those in HNC. Body mass index (BMI), ESR, IL-8, and IL-6 levels correlated with hsCRP levels in FMS. No associations were found between hsCRP and age, gender, ethnicity, or other clinical measures. Serum CRP levels were higher in FMS and significantly correlated with BMI, ESR, IL-8, and IL-6 levels, suggesting that inflammation may contribute to the symptoms in some FMS patients, particularly those who are obese. Weight loss and therapies directed against inflammation may be useful in the management of FMS patients with elevated hsCRP.     

The effect of diet enriched with alpha-linolenic acid on soluble cellular adhesion molecules in dyslipidaemic patients

BACKGROUND: Leukocyte adhesion and transendothelial migration, the critical pathogenic components in the development of atherosclerotic lesions, are largely mediated by cellular adhesion molecules (CAMs). We examined whether dietary supplementation with alpha-linolenic acid (ALA, 18:3n-3) affects the levels of soluble forms of CAMs in dyslipidaemic patients. METHODS: We recruited 90 male dyslipidaemic patients (mean age=51+/-8 years) following a typical Greek diet. They were randomly assigned either to 15 ml of linseed oil (rich in ALA) per day (n=60) or to 15 ml of safflower oil (rich in linoleic acid [LA, 18:2n-6]) per day (n=30). The ratio of n-6:n-3 in linseed oil supplemented group was 1.3:1 and in safflower oil supplemented group 13.2:1. Dietary intervention lasted for 12 weeks. Blood lipids, soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1), soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (sVCAM-1) and soluble E-selectin (sE-selectin) were measured. RESULTS: Dietary supplementation with ALA significantly decreased sVCAM-1 levels (median decrease 18.7% [577.5 ng/ml versus 487 ng/ml, P=0.0001]). In the LA supplemented group, sVCAM-1 was also significantly decreased but to a lesser extent (median decrease 10.6% [550.5 ng/ml versus 496 ng/ml, P=0.0001]). After controlling for smoking habits, no significant difference was observed in the reduction of sVCAM-1 levels between the two treatment arms (P=0.205). The decrease of sVCAM-1 was independent of lipid changes in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: Dietary supplementation with ALA for 12 weeks significantly decreases sVCAM-1 levels in dyslipidaemic patients. This effect presents a potential mechanism for the beneficial effect of plant n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in the prevention of coronary artery disease. In addition, dietary supplementation with LA significantly decreases sVCAM-1 levels, an effect which requires further investigation.     

Correlation between apoptotic endothelial microparticles and serum interleukin-6 and C-reactive protein in healthy men

Inflammation has been associated with increased cardiovascular risk, and endothelial cell (EC) apoptosis has been implicated in atherogenesis. The correlation between circulating concentrations of interleukin-6 (IL-6), C-reactive protein (CRP), and endothelial microparticles (EMPs) expressing an apoptotic (EMP31) or activation (EMP62E) phenotype in 20 middle-aged healthy men was investigated. IL-6 was significantly correlated with EMP31 (r = 0.6, p = 0.004), which persisted after adjusting for body mass index and CRP. CRP was significantly correlated with body mass index (r = 0.49, p = 0.02) but not with EMP31 or EMP62E. EC apoptosis is associated with IL-6 levels in men and might be partially responsible for the increased cardiovascular risk associated with subclinical inflammation.     

Plasma levels of soluble thrombomodulin, C-reactive protein, and serum amyloid A protein in the atherosclerotic coronary circulation

Plasma levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) and serum amyloid A protein (SAA), inflammatory markers, and soluble thrombomodulin (s-TM), a marker of endothelial damage. are thought to be related to coronary artery disease. However, the relationship between these inflammatory markers and endothelial injury in atherosclerotic coronary arteries is still unclear. Fifty-five patients who underwent coronary angiography were classified into 3 groups according to the severity of left coronary arterial atherosclerosis evaluated by the Gensini score (GS; normal: score = 0, n = 15; mild: 0 < score < 15, n = 29; severe: score > or = 15, n = 11). Blood samples were obtained from the aortic root (Ao) and coronary sinus (CS) and plasma CRP and SAA levels were measured by latex turbidimetric immunoassays, and s-TM levels were determined by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The difference between marker concentrations in the Ao and CS of the coronary circulation was expressed as the coronary sino-arterial (CS-Ao) difference. The CS-Ao differences of s-TM and SAA were significantly higher in patients with severe atherosclerosis than in normal patients (P < 0.01), and showed weak but significant positive correlations with the GS (r = 0.34, P < 0.01 and r = 0.33, P < 0.05, respectively). The CS-Ao differences in CRP did not differ among the three groups, and did not correlate with the GS. The results of our study reveal a possible relationship between endothelial cell injury and inflammation in atherosclerotic coronary arteries.     

Serum lipase, C-reactive protein, and interleukin-6 levels in ERCP-induced pancreatitis

BACKGROUND: C-reactive protein (CRP) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) are elevated in acute pancreatitis. Limited studies have evaluated their role in ERCP-induced pancreatitis. The aim of this study was to assess the role of serum lipase, CRP, and IL-6 in ERCP-induced pancreatitis. METHODS: Eighty-five patients (62 women, 23 men; mean age 43 years; range 16-85 years) who underwent ERCP were entered in a prospective trial. ERCP-induced pancreatitis was classified as mild, moderate, or severe. Serum levels of lipase, CRP, and IL-6 were measured before ERCP and at 12 to 24 hours and 36 to 48 hours after ERCP. RESULTS: Mild, moderate, and severe pancreatitis occurred, respectively, in 9, 7, and 4 patients after ERCP. There were significant differences in levels of CRP and IL-6 but not lipase for patients with mild versus moderate and moderate versus severe pancreatitis. The mean CRP levels (mg/dL) at 12 to 24 hours were 0.98 +/- 0.24 in mild pancreatitis, 3.89 +/- 0.32 in moderate pancreatitis, and 12.0 +/- 1.60 in severe pancreatitis. The levels, respectively, at 36 to 48 hours were 1.60 +/- 0.31, 7.60 +/- 0.74, and 25.0 +/- 2.9. The mean IL-6 levels (pg/mL) at 12 to 24 hours were 16.6 +/- 2.06 in mild pancreatitis, 73.0 +/- 15.60 in moderate pancreatitis, and 235.5 +/- 26.31 in severe pancreatitis. The levels at 36 to 48 hours were, respectively, 18.92 +/- 3.28, 100.17 +/- 11.56, and 438.2 +/- 71.50. CONCLUSIONS: Serum CRP and IL-6 levels may be useful early markers for predicting the severity of ERCP-induced pancreatitis.     

Comparison of interleukin-6 and C-reactive protein serum concentrations assessment in diagnosis of infective endocarditis

Serum interleukin-6 (IL-6) level might be used to aid in diagnosis of infective endocarditis (IE), especially when blood cultures are negative. One of typical acute phase proteins is C-reactive protein (CRP), often served as an additional inflammation maker. The aim of the study was to compare serum IL-6 and CRP concentrations assessment in diagnosis and monitoring of IE. The study group consisted of 40 patients with ongoing IE and valvular heart diseases. Two control groups consisted of patients with valvular heart diseases: 15 without infection and another 15 with urinary tract infection. The diagnosis of IE was established according to the Duke University criteria; in 34 patients positive blood cultures were found. Serum IL-6 and CRP were measured on three occasions after diagnosis of IE was established and during antimicrobial treatment (mean period 14 +/- 7 days) by ELISA. Usefulness of both parameters for IE diagnosis were described. Reference values were defined as 0-12.5 pg/ml for IL-6, and 0-10 mg/l for CRP. Mean concentrations of IL-6 and CRP in patients with IE (37 +/- 44.3 pg/ml and 27.1 +/- 23.9 mg/l) were significantly higher than in controls: with urinary tract infection (9.1 +/- 4.42 pg/ml and 6.95 +/- 4.39 mg/l) and without infection (3.95 +/- 1.4 pg/ml and 2.21 +/- 0.96 mg/l). CRP concentration was not significantly correlated with IL-6 (r = 0.51, p = 0.07). The significant tendency of consecutive IL-6 concentrations to decrease (from 37 +/- 44.3 to 8.7 +/- 5.7 pg/ml), without decrease of CRP (from 27.1 +/- 23.9 mg/l to 22 +/- 18.3 mg/l) was found. CONCLUSIONS: 1. Elevated serum IL-6 and CRP levels may suggest ongoing IE. 2. Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive value are nonsignificantly higher for IL-6 than CRP. 3. Combined assessment of serum IL-6 and CRP concentration has no higher value in diagnosis of IE. 4, IL-6 level decrease is faster than CRP during antimicrobial treatment, and it helps better and faster monitoring of treatment.     

Response of C-reactive protein and serum amyloid A to influenza A infection in older adults

Influenza epidemics are associated with significant morbidity and mortality in the elderly, with a substantial proportion of deaths due to cardiovascular events. Elevations of acute-phase proteins have been associated with an increased risk of atherosclerotic events. Therefore, serum amyloid A (SAA) and C-reactive protein (CRP) were measured during influenza illness and 4 weeks later in 7 young persons, 15 elderly outpatients, and 36 hospitalized adults. Striking elevations were seen in mean acute SAA and CRP levels in all groups, but hospitalized patients had the highest levels (SAA, 503 vs. 310 microg/mL [P=.006]; CRP, 120 vs. 34 microg/mL [P<.001]). The presence of dyspnea, wheezing, and fever was also associated with high CRP levels. Influenza infection is associated with significant elevations of SAA and CRP levels in elderly patients, especially those who require hospitalization. It is possible that direct effects of CRP may exacerbate preexisting atherosclerotic lesions and may help explain cardiovascular events associated with acute influenza.     

Serum amyloid A protein and C-reactive protein in systemic amyloidosis

In 106 patients with systemic amyloidosis (56 primary, 27 secondary, and 23 familial), serum amyloid A protein (SAA) was measured by solid-phase radioimmunoassay and C-reactive protein (CRP) was measured by rate nephelometry. SAA and CRP concentrations were highly correlated (r = 0.75, P less than 0.001) throughout the normal and abnormal concentration ranges. In systemic amyloidosis, SAA was more sensitive than CRP as an indicator of the acute-phase response, particularly in secondary amyloidosis. Acute-phase proteins are only occasionally increased during the course of familial amyloidosis. The overlap of acute-phase protein levels does not permit reliable separation of primary amyloidosis from secondary amyloidosis solely on the basis of such studies despite the significantly higher SAA and CRP levels in the latter.