Serial estimation of serum CRP levels in patients of COPD with acute exacerbation

Objectives By representing the C-reactive protein (CRP) levels with the dates of determining CRP, the status of disease can be known. The serial levels of CRP in patients of COPD were assessed to evaluate them as a determinant of the status of disease. Methods A total of 100 known patients of COPD were evaluated at the time of admission, discharge from the ward, follow-up at six weeks. Serum CRP was measured by quantitative turbidimetric test and was correlated with Forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1), arterial oxygen tension and total leukocyte count. Results The mean value of the CRP at acute exacerbation was 50.712± 22.642 mg/l, 10.435± 9.325 mg/l at discharge and 8.318± 9.099mg/l at follow-up (p< 0.05).CRP showed statistically significant negative correlation with FEV1, FEV1% predicted and Sp O2 at acute exacerbations. Significant negative correlation was found between CRP and FEV1, FEV1% predicted at discharge. CRP showed statistically significant negative correlation with FEV1 and Sp O2 at follow-up.