C-Reactive Protein Level as an Inflammatory Marker in Patients with Preeclampsia

Objective: The objective of this study was to compare plasma concentrations of C-reactive protein between pregnant patients with preeclampsia and subjects with uncomplicated pregnancy. Subjects and Methods: We conducted a case-control study of 60 nulliparous women without preexisting medical complications. In this study, 30 patients with preeclampsia and 30 women with uncomplicated pregnancy were enrolled. Maternal venous plasma samples were collected before delivery for estimation of C-reactive protein levels. Results: The mean concentration of C-reactive protein was significantly higher in preeclamptic patients than in the control group. There was a significant positive correlation between C-reactive protein levels and both systolic and diastolic blood pressures. The receiver operator characteristics curve showed that the best cutoff value for C-reactive protein concentration for diagnosis of preeclampsia was 6mg/L. Conclusion: C-reactive protein is significantly elevated during preeclampsia and is positively correlated with the severity of hypertension.