Tuesday May 12, 2009
Does C-reactive protein Helps in ARDS

Study by Bajwa helped to sort the issue out. They measured C- reactive protein levels in 177 patients within 48 hours of disease onset, and measured 60 day mortality, 28 day daily organ dysfunction, and number of ventilator free days.


Results:

• C- reactive protein was significantly lower in non-survivors (p=0.02).
• Mortality rate decreased with increase in C-reactive protein deciles (p=0.02)
• Increasing C-reactive protein was associated with increase in 60 days mortality.
• Patient with high C-reactive protein had significantly lower organ dysfunction score (p=0.001) and more ventilator free days (p=0.02).
  
  

Conclusion: Increased C-reactive protein is good.



Reference: Bajwa EK, Khan AK, Januzzi JL, Gong MN et al. Plasma C-reactive protein levels are associated with improved outcome in ARDS. Chest May 2009 published online before print