What is a normal CRP level?

[humlies]

After a recent flare of PMR I have been put on 5mg pred. My blood tests last week showed CRP levels of 4, so to refresh my memory I looked up "normal" levels of CRP. One website showed 4 as being normal, another one said that 4 indicated a "moderate" danger of heart disease So here I am back on this wonderful forum to discover whether or not a CRP level of 4 is anything to worry about! Thank you all so much.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

from NHS-

CRP Reference range 

Adult: less than 8 mg/L

Up to 1 month: less than 6 mg/L

Most patients (90%) without organic disease have CRP levels less than 3mg/L and 99% have levels less than 10mg/L.

Slightly higher CRP levels may be found in pregnancy, but any increase is usually within the reference range quoted.

[humlies in reply to DorsetLady]

Thank you!. So presumably a level of 4 is OK - though as PMR says it depends on what units they use?

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to humlies]

If it says 4mg/L then I guess so, do you know exactly what it says?

[humlies in reply to DorsetLady]

I don't know , but think I will contact the rheumatology nurse to find out. They are remarkably helpful (Torbay hospital), Thank you!

[PMRpro Ambassador]

It also depends on the units used in your local lab which can mean a 10-fold difference in the normal range depending on whether they quote per 100ml/DL or per litre. The results should have the local normal range quoted on the report, usually in brackets after the result.

The heart disease bit refers to something called hs-CRP which is measured separately and is only valid in someone with a normal level of CRP - so not guaranteed in anyone with PMR/GCA.

[humlies in reply to PMRpro]

Thank you - I have not seen the lab. report itself, which went to the hospital dept.So much to learn - I have never heard of hs-CRP. I will bear that in mind.

[Biba5]

i am in NZ so things may be different, but my bloods early April were CRP 218. Normal range here is between 10-20. Been on 60mg prednisone day. Tapering down at 10mg per day per week.

[pata63 in reply to Biba5]

I am also in NZ and Labtests reports the reference range as 0 - 5 mg per L for the normal healthy population. Above 10 and they certainly think something is going on.

My normal level for CRP is < 2. When I was diagnosed with PMR it was 23. It went back to 1 a few weeks after starting prednisone at 20mg/day. It stayed at 1, with a couple of exceptions when I had acute bacterial prostatitis plus sepsis which put me in hospital, and during one flare. Then it "soared" to 4 or 5. That's why it is worth knowing your own personal expected range rather than the general population.

[Biba5 in reply to pata63]

I was in hospital at the time after a lobectomy. Was then diagnosed with MCA which , after two negative biopsies and ultrasounds, has been changed to ? Had head scan with contrast this week. Am hoping for diagnosis and treatment plan soon

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to pata63]

That's why it is worth knowing your own personal expected range rather than the general population.

Yes it may be, but most people (until they have health issues) don’t.. in the UK it’s certainly not tested on a regular basis. It may be in NZ -and if so, you’re lucky.

[pata63 in reply to DorsetLady]

I don't know how generally it is tested in patients. I happened to have my CRP tested once 10 years before any autoimmune issues arose, and a retest done a some months before any hint of PMR. Just lucky I guess. 😉

[humlies in reply to pata63]

Thank you - important to know one's own "normal" measurement.