Evaluation of High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein in Acute Asthma

BACKGROUND: High sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) is an inflammatory marker known to be related to inflammation, infection, and cardiovascular diseases. The aim of this study was to evaluate hs-CRP level in serum of asthmatics and its relationship with pulmonary function tests, serum IgE levels, and peripheral blood white blood cell (WBC) counts. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The under study subjects were 108 patients with acute asthma and 93 healthy volunteers. The levels of hs-CRP of 108 patients with acute bronchial asthma and 93 non-asthmatic control subjects were measured. Spirometry, serum immunoglobulin-E (IgE) measurement, and WBC counts were done for patient and control groups. RESULTS: The mean serum hs-CRP levels were significantly higher in patients with acute asthma compared with controls (5.47±7.33 mg/l versus 1.46± 1.89 mg/l, p < 0.001). Among asthmatic patients, mean hs-CRP levels were not correlated with indices of pulmonary function tests (forced expiratory volume in one second, forced vital capacity and forced mid-expiratory flow), serum IgE level, eosinophil count or WBC count. CONCLUSION: Serum C-reactive protein levels measured by high-sensitivity assays increase in acute asthma and may be useful as a diagnostic tool for detecting and monitoring inflammation in these patients. In our study on patients with acute asthma, no significant correlation was revealed between hs-CRP and pulmonary function tests, total serum IgE, or peripheral blood white blood cell counts.