Study of C reactive protein as a prognostic marker in malaria from Eastern India
Rudrajit Paul1, Pradip K Sinha, Raja Bhattacharya
1Department of Medicine, Medical College Kolkata, Kolkata, India.
Background:
C-reactive protein (CRP) is useful as marker of severity in malaria. African studies have shown that serum CRP levels correlate with parasite burden and complications in malaria, especially falciparum. However, there are very few data on CRP levels in Indian malaria patients.
Materials And Methods:
We assessed CRP levels in malaria patients at presentation and studied for any relation of CRP levels with subsequent prognosis. Statistical tests included student's t-test, Mann Whitney U test, and chi square test, all with 2-tailed analyzes.
Results:
Of 71 patients in our study, 42 (59.1%) were infected with P. falciparum. 23 (32.4%) patients needed admission and 10 (14.1%) died. Average CRP levels were quite high in malaria patients (31.29 ± 20.4 mg/L). There was no significant difference in CRP between vivax and falciparum cases. Admitted patients had significantly higher CRP levels compared to those treated on outdoor basis (47.11 ± 19.13 vs. 23.71 ± 16.35 mg/L; P < 0.0001). 8 patients were admitted with multiple complications. They had significantly high CRP level compared to those with 1 complication (P = 0.015). Also, patients who died had higher CRP levels compared to survivors (P = 0.000346). CRP levels at presentation showed positive correlation with duration of hospital stay (r = 0.59; P < 0.05). CRP levels >35 mg/L was highly sensitive in predicting mortality.
Conclusion:
Our study in Indian population corroborates the findings in African studies regarding prognostic role of CRP in malaria. CRP is an effective biomarker in assessing malaria severity and also for follow-up.
Insights
C-reactive protein (CRP) effectively predicts malaria severity in Indian patients. Higher CRP levels correlate with complications, hospital stay, and mortality, confirming its prognostic value.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Biomarkers
- Clinical Pathology
Background:
- C-reactive protein (CRP) is a known marker for malaria severity, particularly in African populations.
- Studies indicate CRP levels correlate with parasite burden and complications in falciparum malaria.
- Limited data exists on CRP levels in Indian malaria patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess C-reactive protein (CRP) levels in Indian malaria patients at presentation.
- To investigate the relationship between CRP levels and subsequent prognosis in malaria patients.
Main Methods:
- Assessed CRP levels in 71 malaria patients.
- Utilized statistical tests including student's t-test, Mann Whitney U test, and chi square test.
- Analyzed correlation between CRP levels and clinical outcomes such as admission, complications, and mortality.
Main Results:
- Average CRP levels were high (31.29 ± 20.4 mg/L).
- Admitted patients (47.11 ± 19.13 mg/L) and those with complications showed significantly higher CRP levels.
- Patients who died had higher CRP levels (P = 0.000346), and CRP >35 mg/L predicted mortality.
Conclusions:
- CRP is an effective biomarker for assessing malaria severity in the Indian population.
- Findings corroborate African studies on the prognostic role of CRP in malaria.
- CRP aids in prognosis and follow-up of malaria patients.
