CRP examination in a child
What is CRP and when is a CRP test performed in a child ? How is CRP level determined and what is the normal range for results in children ? What does a high CRP in a toddler mean and what steps should be taken? Read on and learn what pediatricians' knowledge and experience suggest on this topic.
CRP, or C-reactive protein , is an acute-phase protein. It's a parameter we monitor when looking for inflammation in a patient. This protein is produced in the liver when the inflammatory process begins—that is, when an infection develops. CRP levels can increase within a few hours of the onset of infection. It can appear in both mild infections and very severe, severe ones.
When is CRP Tested in a Child?
A CRP test for children is a laboratory test performed on blood . It 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 CRP level in a newborn is between 0 and 5 mg/l, while in a child over 4 weeks of age, the norm is between 0 and 10 mg/l.
What does low CRP mean in a child?
A low CRP level in a child is good news for parents, as there is no inflammation in the child's body . There is no lower limit of normal for CRP values in a child – a result close to 0 is also normal.
Elevated CRP in a child: what does it mean?
A high CRP level, meaning it exceeds the normal range, is always a sign that an infection is developing or has already developed in the child's body. Depending on the cause of the infection, or its etiology—whether it is caused by a virus, bacteria, or another inflammatory factor—a child's CRP level 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 serves only as a guide. It should not be interpreted independently. When deciding on further diagnostics and treatment for a child, we always consider 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, it's possible, but is it worth it? This again adds stress for the child, and yet we always take our child to a doctor in such a situation, who qualifies the patient for vaccination . During the examination, the doctor assesses the child's development and performs a physical examination, so if the doctor notices symptoms of infection, he or she will not allow the child to be vaccinated.
High CRP requires further diagnosis
High CRP always indicates inflammation in the body – however, in each case, further diagnostics are necessary to determine the cause. A decrease or increase in CRP signals whether the treatment is working. If so, the CRP decreases; if the CRP increases, it is necessary to verify the treatment method used or perform additional tests to make a correct diagnosis.
Author
