CRP

I have just had this blood test done with some other test and the nurse told me its been taken cos I have thyroid meds?????????

I thought this test was to test my inflammation ? Is it me or what

[allanah]

Ye crp shows levels of inflammation so it is used to monitor RA inflammation levels. There is a lot of studies now that link high crp to higher risk of cardiac involvement. There is also a loop feedback mechanism if I remember rightly to thyroid levels as well. Like a lot of auto immune diseases they can all be interlinked eg diabetes etc.

However she may just have given you the wrong information so it might be a good idea just to check why they want your thyroid level or crp levels eg are they monitoring you for irregular pulse or cardiac risks. Or have u put on weight and they are establishing whether its the RA drugs or thyroid problems, or increased sweating and they are trying to establish a cause if not due to the RA??

Just some ideas....I would just ask them. Xxxxxxx

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Hiya Allanah

Ive PM you.

Thanks x

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CRP (C - Reactive Protein) is for the detection of a protein that is produced by the liver in response to inflammation - it can be raised in any sort of inflammatory conditions including having the flu, gastro or any of the auto-immune diseases that produce inflammed joints or organs. It can also be slightly raised in pregnancy and patients taking HRT or birth control pills. High levels are also encountered in infection and can be in the hundreds range.

The CRP that tests for cardiac function is slightly different in that its more sensitive and is called hs CRP (high sensitivity c reactive protein).

I am not sure why the nurse said that as its not common to order CRP for thyroid however she might be thinking the doc could be looking for inflammation if you have signs of Graves Disease (hyperthyroid with TSH receptor antibodies) or Hashimotos Disease (hypothyroid with TPO or Tg antibodies) where the antibodies attack the thyroid and produce inflammation.

Cheers

-gail

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How did your results go?