Correlation between hs-CRP and Asthma Control Indices

BACKGROUND Local and systemic inflammation occur at the same time in asthma and high sensitive CRP may play a role in the pathogenesis of this disease. Conventional approaches to monitor and control asthma involve no direct assessment of airway inflammation. There are some recent data postulating a discrepancy between the markers of airway and systemic inflammation and asthma control test (ACT) scores. In this study we evaluate the correlation between the serum levels of hs-CRP in patients with different levels of asthma control based on ACT scores and spirometric indices. MATERIALS AND METHODS The validated Persian version of ACT was administered to one-hundred asthmatic patients. Spirometry was performed and prebronchodilatory FEV1 was measured. Blood samples for CRP measurement were taken and hs-CRP levels were analyzed. Fifty age-matched healthy volunteers comprised the control group. RESULTS A total of 100 asthmatic patients (57 females and 43 males) and 50 controls were participated. hs-CRP in asthmatics was higher than in controls. No significant differences were found in hs-CRP levels in patients with different levels of asthma control based on ACT (≥20, 16-19, ≤15), GINA classification of asthma control (well controlled, partly controlled, uncontrolled) or FEV1. CONCLUSION We found no correlation between degree of systemic inflammation estimated by hs-CRP and other clinical indices of asthma control such as ACT scores, FEV1 and GINA classification of asthma control and even in patients with clinical and spirometric indices of controlled asthma, markers of systemic inflammation were still present.