Author/Editor | Maraspin-Čarman, Vera; Strle, Franc; Cimperman, Jože | |
Title | C-reactive protein and erythrocyte sedimentation rate in erythema migrans | |
Translated title | C-reaktivni protein in hitrost sedimentacije eritrocitov pri erythema migrans | |
Type | članek | |
Source | Zdrav Vestn | |
Vol. and No. | Letnik 65, št. 3 | |
Publication year | 1996 | |
Volume | str. 113-4 | |
Language | eng | |
Abstract | Background. The aim of our prospective study was to determine the value of C-reactive protein and erythrocyte sedimentation rate as markers of bacterial infection in patients with the early localised borrelial infection. Methods. Serum concentrations of C-reactive protein and erythrocyte sedimentation rate were determined in 200 consecutive adult patients with a typical erythema migrans. Concentrations of serum C-reactive protein were determined by rate nephelometry, the rereference value was lower than 5 mg/L. The erythrocyte sedimentation rate was measured by a modified Westergren method, the normal value was below 20 mm/h. Results. In 174 patients (87 percent) the C-reactive protein concentrations were higher than 5 mg/L. Of 26 patients (13 percent) with elevated C-reactive protein only five (2.5 percent) had the C-reactive protein concentrations higher than 20 mg/L and only two patients (1 percent) higher than 40 mg/L. In 181 patients (90.5 percent) the erythrocyte sedimentation rate was below 20 mm/h. Conclusions. Although Lyme borreliosis is a bacterial infection, the serum concentration of C-reactive protein usually remains within normal range and the erythrocyte sedimentation rate remains low. | |
Descriptors | LYME DISEASE C-REACTIVE PROTEIN BLOOD SEDIMENTATION ERYTHEMA CHRONICUM MIGRANS PROSPECTIVE STUDIES |