< b>Acute-phase protein: Any protein whose plasma concentration increases
(or decreases) by 25% or more during certain inflammatory disorders. The acute-phase
proteins include C-reactive protein (CRP), serum amyloid A (SAA), fibrinogen, and
alpha 1-acid glycoprotein.
Perhaps the best known of these acute-phase proteins is CRP, a plasma protein
that rises in the blood with inflammation. The level of CRP in blood plasma can
rise as high as 1000-fold with inflammation. Conditions that commonly lead to marked
changes in CRP include infection, trauma, surgery, burns, inflammatory conditions,
and advanced cancer. Moderate changes occur after strenuous exercise, heatstroke,
and childbirth. Small changes in CRP occur after psychological stress and in several
psychiatric illnesses.
C-reactive protein is a test of value. Marked rises in CRP reflect the presence
and intensity of inflammation. An elevation in CRP, however, is not a telltale sign
pointing to just one disease.
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