High Sensitivity C Reactive Protein: An Adjunct Diagnosis in Ruling Out Pediatric Tuberculosis

This study aims to determine the levels of high sensitivity CRP (hs CRP) among the pediatric tuberculosis cases. A case control study was conducted on 60 clinically diagnosed (clinical findings and radiography and/or contact history and/or Mantoux test) or microbiologically confirmed (smear and/or culture and/or Cartridge based Nucleic Acid Amplification test positive) pediatric tuberculosis cases  ≤ 12 years. hs CRP levels were estimated in the cases and healthy controls using ELISA. Median levels of serum hs CRP were significantly higher in pediatric tuberculosis cases (25 mg/l) as compared to controls (0.530 mg/l). No significant correlation was found with age, gender, site of tub erculosis or presence of dissemination. Lower levels were found with palpable lymphadenopathy. Levels were not significantly different between microbiologically confirmed cases and those who were negative by one or more of the microbiological tests of staining, culture and cartridge based nucleic ac id amplification test. hs CRP can be used in diagnostic algorithms of pediatric tuberculosis to rule out tuberculosis. Further studies could help in determining the prognostic and therapeutic response of hs CRP among children leading to better management.
Source: Indian Journal of Clinical Biochemistry - Category: Biochemistry Source Type: research