Serum C Reactive Protein Levels

[Aliking4]

Hi everyone. I am being tested for APS by my GP. I've just been called by them to make an appointment re an abnormal Serum C Reactive Protein Level. My level is 24 and the range should be between 0 - 6. I've just been reading about it and it indicates inflammation in the body which could be for many reasons. Has anyone else with APS had high readings for this?

[MaryF Administrator]

Hello and welcome a CRP test or ESR, are use when inflammation and or infection is being looked for, so not unusual for those affected by autoimmune disease to have this, and the levels do go up and down, including during viruses and things also.

If you GP is testing, make sure all three tests are done for Hughes Syndrome/APS and while they are testing you, it would also be advisable to look at your levels of D, B12, Iron and also your Thyroid.

Mary F

[lupus-support1 Administrator]

C-Reactive Protein is usually with the ESR test, which indicates inflammation in the body. Usually, an abnormal CRP means an infection. In SLE, a normal CRP and a high ESR indicates inflammation ie a lupus flare.

In SLE and APS, there is a danger of thrombosis and cardio-vascular disease, so the doctors will be giving you many blood tests to ensure you will get the best possible treatment and most importantly, the correct diagnosis.

Please don't be too anxious - I know it's difficult having to wait - but I would advise you to speak to your doctor who can explain what is going on, rather than rely on people like me!

A C-reactive protein (CRP) test is a blood test that measures the amount of a protein called C-reactive protein in your blood. C-reactive protein measures general levels of inflammation in your body.

High levels of CRP are caused by infections and many long-term diseases. But a CRP test cannot show where the inflammation is located or what is causing it. Other tests are needed to find the cause and location of the inflammation.It is important to recognize that CRP, similar to other markers of inflammation, can be elevated because of any inflammatory process or infection and, thus, its interpretation needs careful assessment of the entire clinical picture by the ordering physician. Other inflammatory processes, such as active arthritis, trauma, or infections, can raise the c-reactive protein level independently.

These tests will be repeated again and again because blood tests change all the time!

With good wishes,

Ros

[Aliking4 in reply to lupus-support1]

Thank you Ros and Mary for the information. I guess it could mean any matter of things and further testing will hopefully help to find out. It does make me feel anxious, but I think it's the not knowing that bothers me. Thanks again to you both.