The association of serum C-reactive protein with the occurrence and course of postpartum depression

CRP has been positively correlated with depressive symptomatology but this has received less study in postpartum depression (PPD). In this secondary analysis of a trial of PPD treatment, depressive symptoms (Structured Interview Guide for the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale-Atypical Depression Symptoms (SIGH-ADS₂₉)) and serum CRP levels were assessed and associations between CRP and SIGH-ADS₂₉ scores evaluated. The associations between baseline log CRP and depression response and remission were also assessed. Of the 35 women included, neither baseline log CRP nor exit log CRP was significantly associated with SIGH-ADS₂₉ score. Baseline CRP was not associated with response or remission. In this sample of women with PPD, CRP was not associated with depressive symptoms nor response to treatment.