C-reactive protein is more sensitive than erythrocyte sedimentation rate for diagnosis of infective endocarditis.

• The objective of this study was to evaluate the sensitivity of C-reactive protein (CRP) elevation compared to erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), leucocyte count and thrombocyte count in the diagnosis of infective endocarditis (IE). It was designed as a prospective study of suspected episodes of IE in adults in tertiary care at a university-affiliated department of infectious diseases. In 89 episodes of IE, CRP was available from the start of treatment. Median age was 66 years, 45 were men and 44 women. Median CRP concentration was found to be 90 (range 0-357) mg/l with only 4% normal values. Episodes involving native valves had higher CRP than episodes occurring with prosthetic valves. Staphylococcal origin, short duration of symptoms, short duration of fever and highest recorded temperature all correlated to higher CRP levels. The CRP response was also prominent among patients > 70 years old. Among non-responders, a few cases with simultaneous cirrhosis were noted. ESR was less sensitive than CRP, with a normal level in 28% of the episodes. It was concluded that CRP determination is superior to erythrocyte sedimentation rate, leucocyte count and thrombocyte count in the diagnosis of infective endocarditis.

Subject headings

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Klinisk medicin -- Infektionsmedicin (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Clinical Medicine -- Infectious Medicine (hsv//eng)

Keyword

Adult

Age Factors

Aged

Blood Sedimentation

C-Reactive Protein

analysis

metabolism

Endocarditis

Bacterial

diagnosis

Female

Hospitals

University

Humans

Lymphocyte Count

Male

Middle Aged

Platelet Count

Prospective Studies

Sensitivity and Specificity

Staphylococcal Infections

diagnosis

metabolism

Staphylococcus aureus

Streptococcal Infections

diagnosis

metabolism

Publication and Content Type

ref (subject category)

art (subject category)