Question

what lab level elevates during acute inflammation?

Answer 1

The most commonly used lab tests for detecting acute inflammation are the CRP (C-reactive protein) and ESR(Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate).They show significant changes in the serum levels during sudden inflammation.

CRP

• It is a biomarker that is produced by the liver and is a direct measure of inflammation
• CRP is a positive acute phase reactant whose level increases during inflammation
• It is a very sensitive marker whose role is to activate phagocytosis and innate immune responses against the foreign pathogens.
• It has a half-life of about 24 hours and is not specific to any particular organ or tissue.
• Normal range:1-3 mg/L
• Elevated in:infections, inflammatory disorders,cancer,cardiovascular diseases etc

ESR

• It is the rate of settling of RBC's in a standardized tube over a period of one hour.
• ESR is an indirect measure of inflammation as its value correponds to plasma viscocity and the presence of acute phase inflammatory proteins like fibrinogen.
• The level of fibrinogen rises much later than CRP and hence CRP is a more reliable indicator for acute inflammation.
• Normal range:

1. Men: ≤15 mm/h
2. Women: ≤ 20 mm/h
3. Children: ≤10 mm/h
4. Newborn: 0-2 mm/hr

• Elevated in:systemic infections,inflammatory disorders like rhematoid arthritis, osteomyelitis etc.