Study of C Reactive Protein in Acute Respiratory Tract Infection in Children of North Karnataka

Background: High C-reactive protein (CRP) values are frequently found in patients with respiratory tract infec-tion Elevated CRP value is a strong predictor of severity of respiratory tract infection. Method: 60 (sixty) children with acute respiratory tract infections were studied. CBC and CRP were evaluated, and a chest x-ray, if necessary, was studied to rule out the CRP level. The CRP level was also correlated with the WBC count. Results: The clinical manifestations included 58 (96.6%) fever, 60 (100%) cough, 49 (81%) rhinitis, 6 (10%) throat pain, 2 (3.3%) earache, and 11 (18.3%) breathlessness. CRP level was 0.6–18.8 mg/dl in 3 (5%) on the first day, 0.6–4.8 mg/dl in 32 (53.3%) on second day, 0.6–6.8 mg/dl 25 (41.6%) in third day. WBC/mm 41 (68.3%) patients and >15000 WBC/mm in 11 (18.3%) patients were noted. Conclusion: It is concluded that, elevated CRP values are associated with severity of respiratory tract infection.