What does C-reactive protein mean in children? Is it normal for children to have high C-reactive protein?

When we go to the hospital to check for a cold or fever, the doctor will check the blood routine and C-reactive protein. Some doctors will also check for high-sensitivity C-reactive protein. In fact, the two reactive proteins are the same substance. So what does C-reactive protein mean? Is it good for children to have a high C-reactive protein after examination?

What is C-reactive protein in children?

C-reactive protein, which can be abbreviated as CRP (C-reactive protein), can be caused by a variety of diseases.

C-reactive protein is a protective protein in the human body. Its level will increase when the body is infected, has autoimmune diseases, or has malignant tumors and other diseases.

Generally speaking, it is more common for patients to have an infection that causes an increase in C-reactive protein. However, this cannot be generalized, because C-reactive protein can be increased not only by inflammation, but also by other diseases. If the C-reactive protein is increased due to other reasons (such as tissue damage or surgical trauma, tumors or radiation damage, etc.), if the primary disease is cured, the C-reactive protein will generally return to normal.

Is it normal for children to have high levels of protein?

A child's high C-reactive protein level indicates an infection. If the C-reactive protein increases rapidly in a short period of time, you should be alert to the possibility of sepsis, purulent meningitis, or kidney problems.

There are usually the following reasons

1. Acute inflammatory response: Infection, surgical stress, trauma, etc. can lead to an increase in serum inflammatory response. Almost any infection can lead to an increase in serum inflammatory response, whether it is a virus, bacteria, fungus, parasite, etc., and there can be varying degrees of increased reactivity.

2. Rheumatic autoimmune diseases: rheumatic fever, rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus

3. Tumors: leukemia, lymphoma, etc.

4. Obstruction: Children may also suffer from cerebral embolism and splenic embolism. Similar diseases can lead to elevated C-reactive protein.

For a particular person, the exact cause of the disease should be determined based on a comprehensive assessment of clinical manifestations and other auxiliary examinations.

It is not yet possible to judge whether the child's condition is serious. Fortunately, most children are caused by common infections, which are relatively simple to treat and rarely have sequelae. It is recommended to seek timely treatment and examination to find out what caused it and avoid serious illness.

What is the normal value of C-reactive protein?

C-reactive protein usually increases after bacterial infection but not during viral infection, so it is often used as the first choice indicator to distinguish between bacterial and viral infections. The normal value of C-reactive protein is 800-8000μg.

It is generally believed that C-reactive protein is one of the most important, rapid and sensitive markers of the human body's response to acute inflammation. For example, after the onset of various acute inflammations, the C-reactive protein value may rise rapidly within a few hours. Moreover, the increase in C-reactive protein is directly proportional to the severity of the infection.