The role of serum amyloid A as an inflammatory biomarker in patients with chronic inflammatory conditions

Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic value of serum amyloid A (SAA) by comparing it with conventional acute phase markers (APMs), such as C-reactive protein (CRP), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and fibrinogen, in patients experiencing pain related to chronic inflammatory and gallbladder diseases. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively examined data retrieved from the medical records of 601 patients diagnosed with chronic inflammatory disease, gallbladder stones who underwent cholecystectomy between January 2020 and June 2023. We compared serum levels of ESR, SAA, CRP, and fibrinogen during episodes of pain. Results: The study population consisted of 601 patients, of whom 401 (66.72%) were female and 200 (33.28%) were male. The mean age was 48.74±17.20 years for females and 46.62±17.52 years for males. Serum SAA, CRP, ESR, and fibrinogen levels showed a statistically significant positive correlation. The most significant correlation was between SAA and CRP. However, there was no rise in CRP or other acute phase markers (APMs), even though SAA rose in about one-fourth of the patients (24.7%). Conclusion: Monitoring chronic inflammatory diseases with SAA is thought to be useful for detecting subclinical inflammation and underlying chronic inflammatory diseases. It may also prevent the development of amyloidosis and therefore morbidity and mortality.