Inflammatory Markers Flashcards
CRP explanation
Non-specific marker.
- Substance produced by the liver and increases in the presence of inflammation.
- Acute marker.
When is CRP measured
Routinely measured in assessment of disease activity of autoimmune/inflammatory conditions –
- Rheumatology (RA, JIA, seronegative arthritis like ankylosing spondylitis, reactive arthritis and psoriatic arthritis).
- Crohn’s disease.
- Vasculitis, polyarteritis nodosa.
- Pancreatitis.
Assistance CRP provides in diagnosing these conditions
Infective endocarditis.
- Abscess post-op infection.
- Response to Abx.
Causes for increased CRP
Burns, trauma.
- Infections (pneumonia, TB).
- Chronic inflammatory diseases (SLE, vasculitis, RA).
- MI, IBD, cancers.
ESR explanation
Increased fibrinogen means RBCs stick together and so fall faster.
- Raised ESR = rate of fall quicker.
- ESR rises and falls slowly.
Causes for raised ESR
Malignancy;
o Malignant lymphoma.
o Carcinomas of colon/breast.
- Haematological;
o Multiple myeloma.
o Anaemia of acute/chronic disease combined with iron deficiency anaemia.
- Connective tissue disorders;
o SLE, RA.
o Polymyalgia rheumatica and temporal arteritis.
- Infections;
o TB, acute hepatitis, bacterial.
Intro to checkup
Check patients understanding of CRP/ESR and their condition –
o It’s a marker of inflammation which tells us that there could be a flare up in your condition or new infection detected.
PC checkup
How are they feeling?
- Any recent illnesses/infections?
DHx checkup
How well do you think your condition is being controlled?
- What medications do you take? How often?
- Any issues taking your mediation?
- Do you take any other medications?
SHx checkup
Recent travel anywhere?
- Smoking?
- Alcohol?
- Impact of condition on life.
Advice on ESR
Stop smoking.
- Advice on disease management if they’re non-compliant.
