title: The assessment of high sensitivity C-reactive protein as a systemic marker in moderate asthma patients and changing levels by inhaled corticosteroids.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To see if high-sensitivity C-reactive protein levels increase even in the early stages of asthma, and to evaluate if corticosteroid therapy affects the levels in asthma patients.
  
  
  METHODS
  The case-control pilot study was conducted at Yedikule Chest Disease and Surgery Education and Research Hospital, Turkey, from February to April 2011. Patients newly diagnosed with asthma who reported symptoms that occurred six months before diagnosis were included in the study.The protein levels were measured pre-treatment and one month post-treatment. In addition, pulmonary function test and total Immunoglobulin-E measurements were taken and the prick test was performed. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS 15.
  
  
  RESULTS
  There were 15 cases; 8 (53%) females and 7 (47%) males. Besides, there were 19 Controls; 9 (47%) females and 10 (53%) males. The mean age of the Cases was 29.13+/-10.30 years, while for the Controls it was 28.9+/-5.35 years. The difference was not statistically significant (p<0.54). The difference in protein levels pre and post-treatment was not significant. However, a higher level in the pre-treatment period was found compared to the Controls. Posttreatment levels in the Cases were not significantly different than the Controls.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Elevated high-sensitivity C-reactive protein levels in asthmatic patients may indicate an increased risk for cardiovascular disease. Future studies in asthma patients should focus on this relationship.
authors.affiliation: Yedikule Chest Disease and Surgery Education and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey.
authors.forename: Figen
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Kadakal
authors.forename: Gulfidan
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Aras
authors.forename: Dilck
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Kanmaz
authors.forename: Sevim
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Purisa
authors.forename: Meltem
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Uzumcu
authors.forename: Elvan
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Iatk
authors.forename: Dorina
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Bratfalean
mesh_terms: D000280:Administration, Inhalation; D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000328:Adult; D001249:Asthma / Q000097:blood* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000503:physiopathology; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000097:blood; D002097:C-Reactive Protein / Q000378:metabolism*; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005541:Forced Expiratory Volume; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010865:Pilot Projects; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D014797:Vital Capacity; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones; D015415:Biomarkers; D002097:C-Reactive Protein