High CRP (C-Reactive Protein)

C-Reactive Protein, according to the literature, is produced by the liver in response to inflammation in the body. However, CIDP is not one of the common triggers of inflammation. Some doctors might look at CRP following surgery to look for infections, or because it is an indicator of heart or blood vessel inflammation placing you at risk of heart disease or stroke.

hs-CRP level and heart disease risk:

Less than 1.0 mg/L Low risk; 1.0 to 3.0 mg/L Average risk; More than 3.0 mg/L High risk

A positive test means you have inflammation in the body. This may be due to a variety of conditions, including:

Cancer
Connective tissue disease
Heart attack
Infection
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
Lupus
Pneumococcal pneumonia
Rheumatoid arthritis
Rheumatic fever
Tuberculosis

This list is not all inclusive.

see: https://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003356.htm

http://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/c-reactive-protein-crp?page=3

http://www.drweil.com/drw/u/ART03424/Elevated-Creactive-Protein-CRP.html

The general advice given online is to improve lifestyle with a heart healthy, anti-inflammatory diet and exercise.

I am relatively new to this forum: A few months ago I posted asking whether a feeling of vibration throuhout the body was a symptom of an inflammatory neuropathy. This is in addition to balance problems, numb feet and ankles, leg pain, tingling, burning, etc. A member said that it was a symptom, so since that time I have been seen by a top rated neurologist who diagnoses CIDP, MS, ALS and other auto-immune and inflammatory neurological issues.

I saw her again on Friday and she is concerned about my case because of the sudden onset of symptoms. She suggested either a nerve biopsy or spinal tap to measure C reactive proteins in the fluid to detect inflammation. Do any forum members have experience with these methods for diagnosing CIDP or similar diseases? Are they definitive? And, should I do this now or wait a few months as my neurologist suggests?

Thank you for any help!

Do not wait! Prompt diagnosis and treatment are essential for limiting the nerve damage this disease can cause.

Please read the following publication for more information about diagnosis:
http://30g7el1b4b1n28kgpr414nuu.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/CIDP.pdf

I have had all the tests mentioned accept a nerve biopsy, which, in my opinion, can be saved for last if needed at all.

A Nerve Conduction Velocity Study (NCS or NVS) may be most beneficial in diagnosing CIDP/GBS.
Conduction/velocity studies are tests that measure how well individual nerves can send an electrical signal from the spinal cord to the muscles. Nerve conduction studies are often used to help diagnose nerve disorders, such as carpal tunnel syndrome or Guillain-Barré syndrome.

During a nerve conduction test, a health professional places a shock-emitting electrode directly over the nerve to be studied, and a recording electrode over the muscles supplied by that nerve. The shock-emitting electrode sends repeated, brief electrical pulses to the nerve, and the recording electrode records the time it takes for the muscle to contract in response to the electrical pulse.

Diagnostic uses for nerve conduction studies include:
• Detecting and evaluating damage to the peripheral nervous system, which includes all the nerves that lead away from the brain and spinal cord and the smaller nerves that branch out from those nerves.
• Identifying the cause of abnormal sensations, such as numbness, tingling, or pain.

The electrodes often penetrate the skin and can be briefly painful. Sometimes I had a little bleeding following being poked. If one is on blood thinners (Coumadin, etc) the technician needs to be made aware of it. Ask your doctor if you can take a pain reliever (Tylenol, etc) in advance of the study to minimize discomfort. Wear loose fitting clothing; you may be given a hospital gown to wear anyway. Since electrodes will be placed on your skin, make sure the surface is clean and free of lotions and oils that might interfere with results. Ice the area after the tests to help reduce any discomfort.

Thank you for the quick response and the link. Very helpful!!

Hii, Here is the some information about the crp levels below.

<span style=”font-family: Arial;”>0.3 mg/dL – 1.0 mg/dL is considered a minor elevation in CRP levels. It can be seen due to minor infections like the common cold or a chronic condition like diabetes. Older adults, pregnant people, especially those in the second trimester, people living a sedentary lifestyle or those who are obese may also have minor elevations.</span>

<span style=”font-family: Arial;”>1.0 mg/dL – 10 mg/dL is considered moderate elevation. This needs to be investigated because it signals a significant problem. It may be due to an acute infection, a chronic inflammatory issue, due to heart disease, etc. </span>

<span style=”font-family: Arial;”>Levels above 10 mg/dL are considered to be marked elevation. Other factors and symptoms should be taken into account, and an investigation should be done in this case because it suggests an inflammatory issue.</span>

<span style=”font-family: Arial;”>Above 50 mg/dL is considered a severe elevation or dangerous level of CRP, which is seen in acute bacterial infection. It requires immediate treatment. </span>

Please learn more about crp – https://o-lab.in/blog/How-Much-CRP-Level-Dangerous