Basic Information
Kinetic profiles of Serum CRP and PCT: biomarkers of bacterial infection
C-reactive protein (CRP) is a biomarker commonly used to assess inflammation in clinical medicine while high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (HsCRP) is used to evaluate cardiac risk. CRP in Inflammation:The CRP test is valuable in assessing the presence and severity of inflammation in various medical conditions, such as infections, autoimmune disorders, and chronic inflammatory diseases like rheumatoid arthritis. Elevated CRP levels in the blood indicate acute or chronic inflammation. Physicians use CRP as a general marker to monitor the response to treatment, guide therapeutic decisions, and diagnose inflammatory conditions. HsCRP in Cardiac Risk: High-sensitivity CRP (HsCRP) is a more sensitive version of the CRP test, capable of detecting lower levels of CRP in the blood. Elevated HsCRP levels are associated with increased risk of heart disease and stroke. It can help identify individuals at higher risk for atherosclerosis and coronary artery disease. This information can be crucial for risk stratification and determining the need for preventive measures like lifestyle changes or medication. In summary, both tests provide essential clinical information that guides treatment decisions and preventive strategies. Monitoring CRP and HsCRP levels can contribute to improved patient outcomes by identifying and addressing inflammation and heart disease risk early.
Importance: CRP for severity of inflammation | HsCRP is useful for cardiac risk assessment.
Procalcitonin (PCT) is an early & specific test that becomes positive within 3-6 hours of infection & results of which are available in less than an hour. It is a useful test in differentiating between bacterial from viral infections and is of great help in starting & monitoring antibiotic therapy. Its level rises with increasing severity of the infection & returns to normal very early as the infection resolves. Due to better specificity, PCT has an advantage over established common markers for inflammation, i.e. CRP, ESR & TLC. Importance: A specific marker for bacterial infection and sepsis.
Quantitative determination of D-Dimer is performed to rule out deep vein thrombosis (DVT), Pulmonary embolism disease, & evaluation of acute MI, unstable angina & disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). Elevated D-dimer levels are also observed in conditions where activation of coagulation & fibrinolysis occurs (surgery, trauma, infection, inflammation, pregnancy & cancer). Elevated Plasma D Dimer level is also observed in nearly 40% of pregnant women with preeclampsia. Importance: A specific marker for DVT, Pulmonary embolism disease & evaluation of acute MI.