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What Causes Constistent Symptoms With Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Question: I have been having symptoms consistant with RA. My bloodwork was goid except fro the highly sensitive CRP which was 5.69. What could cause this?
Brief Answer:
CRP -measures general levels of inflammation
Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thanks for posting your query
The C-reactive protein (CRP) test is a blood test that measures the amount of protein called C-reactive protein in your blood. It measures general levels of inflammation in your body.
The CRP level is raised in infections and many long-term diseases. But a CRP test cannot show where the inflammation is located or what is causing it. Other tests are needed to find the cause and location of the inflammation.
It is usually done to -
1. To assess infection after surgery and to monitor response to antibiotic treatment.
2. To monitor drugs response in diseases that cause inflammation like-
A. Painful swelling of the tissues that line the joints like in Rheumatoid arthritis.
B.Diseases of the immune system like in lupus.
And in so many other condition.
Hope this information suffices.
Take care and I shall be glad to answer any further query.
Regards
Dr. Chugh (http://bit.ly/drmchugh)
Orthopaedic surgeon
CRP -measures general levels of inflammation
Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thanks for posting your query
The C-reactive protein (CRP) test is a blood test that measures the amount of protein called C-reactive protein in your blood. It measures general levels of inflammation in your body.
The CRP level is raised in infections and many long-term diseases. But a CRP test cannot show where the inflammation is located or what is causing it. Other tests are needed to find the cause and location of the inflammation.
It is usually done to -
1. To assess infection after surgery and to monitor response to antibiotic treatment.
2. To monitor drugs response in diseases that cause inflammation like-
A. Painful swelling of the tissues that line the joints like in Rheumatoid arthritis.
B.Diseases of the immune system like in lupus.
And in so many other condition.
Hope this information suffices.
Take care and I shall be glad to answer any further query.
Regards
Dr. Chugh (http://bit.ly/drmchugh)
Orthopaedic surgeon
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Is it possible for a CRP of 5.69 to be indicative of RA? From what I had gathered, it would be over 10 with a true inflamatory disease. I am concerned about what could be causing this. I see the rheum in 2 weeks but want to know ehat to expect. I dont like medical surprises. I also have a conpression deformation in c6. Is this seen in RA? Is it similar to a fracture? If not ehat could cause that? I am only 38. Thanks for your help.
Brief Answer:
Raised CRP is non specific marker of disease
Detailed Answer:
Hi
It’s good to see you.
Rheumatoid arthritis is basically a clinical diagnosis based on sign and symptoms. since, the raised level of CRP is a non specific marker of disease that is it does not pinpoint to any disease. When checking CRP for arthritis, a level of 10 mg/L or lower is considered "normal”. It may be influenced by genetics, a sedentary lifestyle, too much stress, and exposure to environmental toxins such as second hand tobacco smoke. Diet has a huge impact, particularly one that contains a lot of refined, processed and manufactured foods.
To lower levels of CRP we usually recommend the same lifestyle changes shown to reduce heart disease - diet, exercise, not smoking, drinking less alcohol, following a heart-healthy diet, anti-inflammatory diet that includes two to three servings of fish such as salmon or sardines per week. If you don't eat fish, my suggestion would be take fish oil supplements along with anti-inflammatory herbs including ginger and turmeric.
As far as compression deformation of C6 vertebrae is concern it may be because of weak bone (osteoporosis) and is uncommon with rheumatoid arthritis. Compression deformation is similar to fracture.
Take care and I shall be glad to answer any further query.
Regards
Dr.chugh ,Orthopaedic surgeon
Raised CRP is non specific marker of disease
Detailed Answer:
Hi
It’s good to see you.
Rheumatoid arthritis is basically a clinical diagnosis based on sign and symptoms. since, the raised level of CRP is a non specific marker of disease that is it does not pinpoint to any disease. When checking CRP for arthritis, a level of 10 mg/L or lower is considered "normal”. It may be influenced by genetics, a sedentary lifestyle, too much stress, and exposure to environmental toxins such as second hand tobacco smoke. Diet has a huge impact, particularly one that contains a lot of refined, processed and manufactured foods.
To lower levels of CRP we usually recommend the same lifestyle changes shown to reduce heart disease - diet, exercise, not smoking, drinking less alcohol, following a heart-healthy diet, anti-inflammatory diet that includes two to three servings of fish such as salmon or sardines per week. If you don't eat fish, my suggestion would be take fish oil supplements along with anti-inflammatory herbs including ginger and turmeric.
As far as compression deformation of C6 vertebrae is concern it may be because of weak bone (osteoporosis) and is uncommon with rheumatoid arthritis. Compression deformation is similar to fracture.
Take care and I shall be glad to answer any further query.
Regards
Dr.chugh ,Orthopaedic surgeon
Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Dr. Mukesh Chugh
Orthopaedic Surgeon, Joint Replacement
Practicing since :1997
Answered : 1619 Questions
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