CRP examination in a child
What is CRP and when is the test performed CRP in a child? How is the level determined CRP and what is it standardwhen it comes to the result in children? Which means high CRP at a toddler and what steps to take then? Read and find out what pediatric knowledge and experience suggest on this subject.
CRP that is C-reactive protein is a protein belonging to the acute phase proteins. This is a parameter that we control when looking for inflammation in a patient. Protein is it is produced in the liver when the inflammatory process begins - that is, an infection develops. CRP levels may rise just hours after the infection occurs. It will appear in both mild and severe infections.
When is CRP Tested in a Child?
A child's CRP screening is ba laboratory test that is made of blood. Its performance is ordered by a doctor in various situations:
- if he suspects an infection,
- wants to assess how severe the inflammation is,
- must decide what therapy to use for the sick child (e.g. whether it requires antibiotic treatment).
How is CRP Level Measured in a Child?
For CRP determination, a small amount of blood is needed, the child does not need to be fasting, so testing is possible at any time of the day - if necessary. Some doctor's offices have quick tests - the examination is then performed immediately during the visit to the doctor. A blood sample taken from the finger is enough to perform it. We get the result after a few minutes.
The normal level of CRP in a newborn is between 0 and 5 mg / l, and in a child that is 4 weeks old, standard ranges from 0 to 10 mg / l.
What does low CRP mean in a child?
A low CRP level in a child is good news for parents in their body because it is not inflamedo. There is no lower limit of the normal CRP value in a child - a result close to 0 is also normal.
Elevated CRP in a child: what does it mean?
High CRP, i.e. exceeding the norm, is always a signal that an infection is developing or has already developed in the child's body. Depending on the cause of the infection, i.e. its etiology - whether it is caused by a virus, bacteria, or other inflammatory factor - the amount of CRP in a child will vary. Typically, the CRP value is:
- within 20-40 mg / l with viral infections,
- within 40-200 mg / l with bacterial infections.
If the CRP value is within 200-300 mg / l - it is a severe infection of the body, an autoimmune disease, cancer or disorders of the vascular system.
How to interpret a child's CRP test result?
The CRP test result is important information for the doctor, but it is only auxiliary. It cannot be interpreted on its own. When deciding on further diagnosis and treatment of a child, we always take into account the child's general condition.
Expert advises
If a child has a fever, sometimes it is up to the parent to decide whether or not to have a CRP test - even before they see a doctor. When the value is incorrect, or elevated, consultation is certainly needed. The doctor will then assess the child's condition and decide on the further diagnostic and therapeutic procedures.
Should the CRP level be measured with every infection?
Certainly, there is no need to test CRP in our child so often. Considering the number of infections in a child who does not show immunodeficiency - that is, has the right to be sick 6-8 times a year, such a frequency of examinations would make him very stabbed and exposed to unnecessary stress. It's a good idea to talk to your doctor and listen to the advice he or she will give you after your baby is examined. Sometimes the CRP is used to monitor the course of the infection and the effectiveness of the treatment.
Can CRP be tested prophylactically, e.g. before a child is vaccinated?
Of course you can, but is it worth it? Again it is an additional stress for the child, and in such a situation we always go with the child to the doctor who qualifies the patient for vaccination. During the test, he assesses his development and conducts an examination, so if he notices signs of infection, he will not allow the child to be vaccinated.
High CRP requires further diagnosis
High CRP is always inflammation in the body - but in any case, further diagnosis is needed to determine its cause. A decrease or an increase in CRP is a signal whether the treatment is working. If so - CRP decreases, if CRP increases - it is necessary to verify the method of treatment or perform additional tests to make a correct diagnosis.
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