> Reply-to: <[log in to unmask]>
> Date: Tue, 7 Jul 1998 16:37:01 +0100
> Subject: CRP
> From: "Phillip Jordan" <[log in to unmask]>
> To: "ACB Mailbase" <[log in to unmask]>
> Requests for CRP measurement have increased dramatically in recent years,
> and at the same time there has been associated expectations of faster
> turn-around and availability. Laboratories are undoubtedly to blame in
> part for this due to the introduction of readily accessible technology, but
> the clinical indications for considered need seem to be increasing
> inexorably and are of dubious relevance to diagnosis and/or management.
> Whilst not wishing to re-invent the wheel, has anyone seen published, or
> would anyone be willing to share, local guidelines on appropriate
> indications for CRP measurement, repetition intervals, etc., which could be
> used for the benefit and education of junior medical staff, from whom
> requests originate.
>
> Phillip Jordan
> Clinical Scientist
> Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital
>
A review of the clinical utility of CRP measurements appeared in the
Annals in 1992 (vol 29 pp123-131. We did not recommend repetition
intervals because these will vary greatly depending on the reason for
the measurement eg response to treatment of post op infection should
be monitored on a daily basis but CRP normalisation is a more long
term goal in RA treatment so that it would be measured much less
frequently.
Dr Douglas Thompson
Department of Chemical Pathology and Immunology
The General Infirmary
Leeds LS1 3EX
Tel: 0113 392 6503
FAX: 0113 233 5672
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