The role of C-reactive protein in modern obstetric and gynecological practice.
C-reactive protein is an acute phase protein widely used as an indicator of infectious or inflammatory conditions. Traditionally it has been used as an adjunctive test for inflammation and as a marker of disease activity. Though sensitive, its nonspecific nature imposes limitation on its clinical use. Currently C-reactive protein is used in the management of chorioamnionitis, preterm premature rupture of membranes, pelvic inflammatory disease, and urinary tract infection. Interestingly, several obstetric conditions such as pre-eclampsia and gestational diabetes are now known to have an underlying inflammatory basis and there is an emerging role of C-reactive protein testing in managing these diseases. Additionally C-reactive protein testing has an established place in management of several acute abdominal conditions. The aim of this paper is to review the place of C-reactive protein in modern obstetric and gynecological practice.
Azizia
Mohammad M
MM
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Watford General Hospital, Watford, UK.
Irvine
Laurie M
LM
Coker
Marcellina
M
Sanusi
Fatai A
FA
D015415:Biomarkers / Q000097:blood*; D002097:C-Reactive Protein / Q000032:analysis*; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D052776:Female Urogenital Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis*; D006176:Gynecology / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D007249:Inflammation; D009774:Obstetrics / Q000379:methods; D011247:Pregnancy; D011248:Pregnancy Complications / Q000175:diagnosis*
D015415:Biomarkers; D002097:C-Reactive Protein