Assessment of C-reactive Protein Levels as a Monitoring Technique in Patients with Odontogenic Space Infections

BACKGROUND: Odontogenic space infections can rapidly progress to severe complications, necessitating reliable biomarkers for early assessment and monitoring of treatment response. C-reactive protein (CRP) has been shown to be a sensitive indicator of systemic inflammation. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the use of serum CRP levels as a monitoring tool in patients with odontogenic space infections and correlate serial CRP changes with clinical recovery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-six patients with odontogenic space infections requiring surgical intervention were considered for this research. Serial serum CRP measurements were performed at baseline (Day 0, Day 3, Day 5, and Day 7) using an immunoturbidimetric assay. Clinical parameters, including pain (visual analog scale), swelling, and mouth opening, were recorded at the same intervals. Data were statistically analyzed. RESULTS: Mean CRP levels significantly decreased from 84.2 ± 20.6 mg/L on Day 0-9.6 ± 4.3 mg/L on Day 7 (P < 0.001). Pain, swelling, and mouth opening improved in parallel with CRP decline. CRP and pain were found to have strong positive relationships (r = 0.71) along with swelling (r = 0.74), and also for hospital stay (r = 0.69). There was a negative correlation noted with mouth opening (r = -0.65). Higher baseline CRP (>100 mg/L) and it was associated with prolonged hospitalization. CONCLUSION: Serial serum CRP measurements reliably reflect clinical improvement in odontogenic space infections and can serve as a practical biomarker for monitoring disease progression and treatment response.