Tests for Chronic Inflammation The two blood tests that are inexpensive and good markers of systemic inflammation include high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) and fibrinogen.
The elevation in baseline CRP level was shown to be useful to gauge chronic inflammation and tissue damage resulting from excessive inflammation or failure of the initial inflammatory response (5).
This type of stimulation–response activity generates some of the most dramatic aspects of inflammation, with large amounts of cytokine production, the activation of many cell types, and in fact the four cardinal signs of inflammation: heat, pain, redness, and swelling (1).
Based on visual observation, the ancients characterised inflammation by five cardinal signs, namely redness (rubor), swelling (tumour), heat (calor; only applicable to the body' extremities), pain (dolor) and loss of function (functio laesa).
Inflammatory markers, including C-reactive protein (CRP), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and plasma viscosity (PV) are commonly used in primary care for diagnosis and monitoring of inflammatory conditions, including infections, autoimmune conditions, and cancers.
Additionally, elevated CRP levels are associated with poor survival in many malignant tumors, such as soft tissue sarcoma, prostate cancer, breast cancer, renal cell carcinoma, colorectal cancer, non-small-cell lung cancer, malignant lymphoma, and pancreatic cancer (10, 13-20).
9) Fatigue
Low-grade inflammation can lead to fatigue. Higher CRP was linked with fatigue – both in healthy people and in disease-free survivors of breast cancer [27, 28, 29].
Full blood count (FBC)
For example, an FBC may detect signs of: iron deficiency anaemia or vitamin B12 deficiency anaemia. infection or inflammation. bleeding or clotting disorders.
CRP rises within hours of onset of an infection or inflammatory condition and returns to normal within three to seven days if the acute process is resolved. ESR, on the other hand, increases in a slower manner and remains elevated for a longer period of time.
A wide variety of inflammatory conditions can cause elevated CRP levels, including : autoimmune conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis (RA), lupus, and certain types of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.
1.0 to 10.0 mg/dL: Moderate elevation (Systemic inflammation such as RA, SLE, or other autoimmune diseases, malignancies, myocardial infarction, pancreatitis, bronchitis). More than 10.0 mg/dL: Marked elevation (Acute bacterial infections, viral infections, systemic vasculitis, major trauma).
Some of the most common signs of chronic inflammation include: Body discomfort, including joint stiffness, tendonitis and muscle pain. Sleep disorders like insomnia, sleep apnea and persistent fatigue. Weight gain or unexplained weight loss.
Tests for Chronic Inflammation
The two blood tests that are inexpensive and good markers of systemic inflammation include high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) and fibrinogen.
The only way to detect chronic inflammation is to have an evaluation by your doctor. He or she will review your symptoms, perform a physical exam, and perhaps check your blood for signs of inflammation. (See "A test for inflammation.")
Several disorders (e.g. generalised anxiety, panic and stress/adjustment) were associated with higher levels of CRP.
Elevated CRP is a risk factor for many chronic inflammation-related disorders, including cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, obesity, and more.
A few biologic compounds meet the criteria for an ideal tumor marker; C-reactive protein (CRP) is one [3]. It is a non-specific acute phase reactant which reflects tissue damage.
The normal range for this test depends on the lab and the procedure used in the lab. Generally, a CRP level under 10 milligrams per liter (mg/L) is considered normal. If the level of CRP in your blood is higher than that, it may mean your body is having an inflammatory reaction to something.
Your liver releases more CRP into your bloodstream if you have inflammation in your body. High levels of CRP may mean you have a serious health condition that causes inflammation. Inflammation is your body's way of protecting your tissues and helping them heal from an injury, infection, or other disease.
IL-6 Levels
In clinical practice, serum IL-6 levels are usually applied to inflammatory or infectious diseases. Increased IL-6 levels have been reported in patients diagnosed with breast, cervical, esophageal, head and neck, ovarian, pancreatic, prostate, and renal cancers.
Inflammatory markers and cancer diagnosis
In a further study, published in the British Journal of Cancer in April, the team found that patients with raised inflammatory marker levels were at greater risk of cancer.
Generally, a CRP level of less than 10 mg/L is considered normal. CRP levels between 10 and 100 mg/L indicate mild to moderate inflammation, while levels above 100 mg/L indicate severe inflammation.