High CRP levels

[Mrtim]

Hi all, just a quick question, I was diagnosed with CLL last year and I'm on w&w, have enlarged lymph nodes all above the diaphragm area. I had a recent blood test done and it showed a very high crp level. Doctor was to phone me to explain it but still hasn't. Just wondering if anyone has had this . Normal range of crp is between 0.00-5.00 , mine was 47.

Any advice would be appreciated.

Many thanks

Tim

[Bubnojay]

CRP levels rise where there is inflammation, so can you think whether there you have had any infections? Have you been given any anti inflamatories or referred for further tests ?

However, in your place I would be getting back to your medical team for information and advice.

Wishing you soon get this sorted, best wishes

Bubnjay1

[Mrtim in reply to Bubnojay]

On no medication and haven't been ill. Recently had heart echo as standard check and all was good there,

[Bubnojay in reply to Mrtim]

Pleased to hear that, it will be interesting to see if any others in our community can throw some light on CRP and CLL.

Be good to hear how you get on.

Bubnjay1

[Newdawn Administrator]

Hi Tim,

C-reactive protein (CRP) is a substance produced by the liver that increases in the presence of inflammation in the body. I was discharged from hospital after a day of tests with a CRP of 100 and I went on to develop sepsis (with pneumonia). My CRP then went up to 140. At very high levels it's indicative of an inflammatory response and high CRP is found in virtually every inflammatory condition including CLL. A sudden rise in the CRP for instance can signal a flare up in an chronic condition like arthritis. It's also used as an indicator to detect cardiovascular problems. Glad to hear your heart echo was good.

Do you have any other conditions like arthritis, inflammatory bowel condition, diabetes etc?

It's known for instance that overweight people usually have higher CRP levels, as abdominal fat provides fertile ground for over-production of pro-inflammatory cytokines that cause CRP to increase. Obese individuals are therefore often in a chronic pro-inflammatory state that sharply increases their risk of all degenerative diseases. Hence the link with type 2 diabetes. I'm not suggesting this applies to you Tim, it's just a general piece of information I became aware of.

I'd be having a word with your GP and it could be that your CRP levels have risen in response to inflammatory issues in your abdomen. However that's just speculation on my part. Doctors use the CRP test to detect cancer so it's not entirely unusual therefore to speculate that elevated levels may be detected in us CLL'ers who may have inflammatory processes at work in our bodies as we constantly battle infections. How high is 'acceptable' even in CLL'ers, I'm not sure and needs medical clarification.

Hope you get get some clarification soon from your doctor. Best wishes,

Newdawn