Pattern of change of C-reactive protein levels and its clinical implication in patients with acute poisoning

C-reactive protein is well known as an inflammatory indicator in injury, infection, and cancer. However, little is known about its role in poisoning. C-reactive protein levels first increase and then decrease within several days during poisoning management. This study aimed to verify the C-reactive protein change pattern and its clinical co-infection possibility in patients with poisoning.

Daily C-reactive protein levels of the patients with poisoning, who were admitted for more than 5 days, were measured. Microbial cultures were conducted, and fever (⩾38°C) and infection-related symptoms were investigated.

In the enrolled 56 patients, the initial median C-reactive protein levels at hospital day 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 were 0.28, 4.85, 10.91, 10.57, and 6.68 mg/dL, respectively. C-reactive protein level was the highest at hospital day 3 and decreased thereafter. No statistical difference was observed in the daily and maximal C-reactive protein levels between the culture-positive and culture-negative groups. The levels at hospital days 3-5 and the maximal level were 8.4, 9.2, 5.49, and 11.02 mg/dL, respectively, in non-fever group. The levels at hospital days 3-5 and the maximal level were 7.4, 9.2, 4.74, and 10.81 mg/dL, respectively, in non-symptoms group. Levels at hospital days 3-5 and the maximal level were 5.21, 4.93, 3.7, and 5.28 mg/dL, respectively, in all-negative (culture-negative without fever or infection symptoms) group.

Acute rise and fall of C-reactive protein levels can be observed in the infection-unlikely patients with poisoning. The levels were similar to bacterial infection levels, possibly due to the drug reaction itself, rather than for superimposed infections.