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Correlation between serum levels of C-reactive protein and infant pneumonia: A meta-analysis
Xiao Xiao1, Long Xue2, Hui-Lin Sheng3
1Neonatal Department, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215000, P.R. China.
Insights
Serum C-reactive protein (CRP) is elevated in infants with pneumonia, indicating its potential as a diagnostic marker. This meta-analysis confirms high CRP levels are associated with infant pneumonia across diverse ethnicities.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Clinical Immunology
- Respiratory Medicine
Background:
- Systemic inflammation, indicated by serum C-reactive protein (CRP), is implicated in pneumonia development.
- Investigating CRP's role in infant pneumonia is crucial for early diagnosis and management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To conduct a meta-analysis on the association between serum CRP levels and infant pneumonia.
- To evaluate the diagnostic value of CRP in pediatric pneumonia.
Main Methods:
- A meta-analysis of 10 clinical case-control studies involving 652 infants with pneumonia and 845 healthy controls.
- Searched multiple databases including PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library.
- Calculated standard mean difference (SMD) and 95% confidence intervals (CI), with subgroup analyses.
Main Results:
- Infants with pneumonia exhibited significantly higher serum CRP levels compared to healthy controls (SMD=4.41, 95% CI: 3.34-5.47, P<0.001).
- High CRP levels were identified as a risk factor across Asian, African, and Caucasian infant populations.
- Statistical analysis confirmed significant differences in CRP levels between the groups.
Conclusions:
- Elevated serum CRP levels are strongly associated with infant pneumonia.
- Serum CRP demonstrates independent diagnostic value for pneumonia in children.
- CRP may serve as a key biomarker for identifying and managing pediatric pneumonia.
Abstract:
Experimental data imply that serum C-reactive protein (CRP) is a marker of general systemic inflammation, and inflammation may have a role in the development of pneumonia. The aim of the present study was to investigate the associations of serum CRP levels in infant patients with pneumonia by meta-analysis. The Science Citation Index, Cochrane Library, PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, Current Contents and two Chinese (CMB and CNKI) databases were searched. Studies were pooled and standard mean difference (SMD) and the corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated. Subgroup analyses and publication bias detection were also conducted. The statistical analysis was conducted using Stata software version 12.0. Serum CRP levels were analyzed in 10 clinical case-control studies (652 infants with pneumonia and 845 healthy controls); significant differences in serum CRP levels were observed between infants with pneumonia and the healthy controls (SMD=4.41, 95% CI: 3.34-5.47, P<0.001). Ethnicity-stratified subgroup analysis detected that high levels of serum CRP may be the main risk factor for infant pneumonia in Asian, African and Caucasian populations (all P<0.05). Serum CRP levels were statistically higher in infants with pneumonia than in healthy infants, and thus serum levels of CRP may have independent diagnostic value for pneumonia in children.
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