CRP Rise

[juli-pa]

Stopped pred in July this year & been fine since. Had bloods November & was told although bloods look good my ANCA has gone up. To be on safe side I am now being given rutuximab as maintenance once a year. Have had a lingering cold for a few weeks now & not felt my greatest had bloods before my infusion which have showed my CRP has increased from 2 to 16. Would this be the cold that has caused this to rise or should I be concerned. tia

[Bluey-1]

Check the cold is not Covid. There’s a lot of it about.

[juli-pa in reply to Bluey-1]

Thank you. I have done 2 Covid tests which both showed negative.

[Bluey-1 in reply to juli-pa]

My understanding is that inflammatory markers can rise if you have a cold. When I had a TIA last summer mine rose a bit. I continued on the same pred dose, bloods tested a month later and CRP/ESR reduced.

[juli-pa in reply to Bluey-1]

Yea this is what I am thinking. I had bloods in November & marker was 2 again in December &16. I was just worried in case I was flaring but all other bloods looked ok. Have next bloods in March I should think if my consultant was worried he would contact me as I am no longer on pred. Maybe I am just over thinking things. Just a constant worry.

[Bluey-1 in reply to juli-pa]

I know, I’m the same. I do get blood bags from my rheumatologist so can get them done as I taper. I’ve had other bloods done via the surgery for other issues. I sometimes ask if they can add CRP/ESR to the FBC. I like to monitor it for myself for peace of mind.

[Bluey-1 in reply to juli-pa]

If you’re concerned why not contact your rheumie via email of through the medical secretary? Just raise your concern.

[Sandalsforever in reply to juli-pa]

Hubby had 3 at home covid tests all showed negative- had that and a flu test at doctors office, was positive. The at home tests are not accurate anymore. Even though it really doesn’t matter since you need to stay at home and rest.

[piglette]

A lot of things will cause your inflammatory markers to rise including a cold.

[juli-pa in reply to piglette]

Yes this is what I am thinking & hoping don’t really want to go back into pred again. Thanks for your answer.

[piglette in reply to juli-pa]

The real test is have you got PMR symptoms?

[gooseflight]

If you had bloods in November and then Rituximab it may be too early for the RTX to have had an effect. It's a slow burner and usually takes a month or so.

[juli-pa in reply to gooseflight]

Thank you, yes I had routine 3 monthly bloods in November which my CRP was 1. Four weeks later bloods taken before rutiximab CRP was 16 I hadn’t felt well for a couple weeks & have had a lingering cold which is what I thought may have added to the high result rather than a flare. Still have the cold but feel ok in myself just a little congested. I think maybe I am just panicking.

[gooseflight in reply to juli-pa]

That is a quick rise. Let the RTX do it’s thing. You’ll have bloods again in Feb, which is not so far away. Although your CRP is elevated it’s not alarming. And if you feel OK in yourself that’s good.