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.