C-reactive Protein Predicts ICU Infection

Daily monitoring of C-reactive protein (CRP) levels can help predict infections acquired in the intensive care unit (ICU), according to a new study published in the April 24 issue of Critical Care, a publication of BioMed Central.

Researchers analyzed the CRP levels of patients admitted to the ICU during 72 hours or more. Among the patients selected for the study, 35 acquired an infection during their stay in the ICU and 28 did not. Patient records of CRP levels were measured during the five days before diagnosis of infection or ICU discharge.

The researchers found that a daily variation of CRP levels greater than 4.1 mg/dl is a good marker for prediction of infection, with 92.1% sensitivity and 71.4% specificity. When combined with a CRP concentration greater than 8.7 mg/dl, the prediction power increased further: 88% of patients with CRP variations greater than 4.1 and a CRP concentration greater than 8.7 mg/dl developed an infection. The researchers concluded that monitoring CRP progression can aid clinical decision-making and the prescription of antibiotics in ICUs.

The study was conducted by Dr. Pedro Povoa, of the San Francisco Xavier Hospital in Lisbon (Portugal) and colleagues from the Garcia de Orta Hospital in Almada (also in Portugal).