High Sensitive- C Reactive Protein (hs-CRP) as a vital tool for grading of Preeclampsia: A Case Control Study

Abstract

Introduction: High blood pressure (140/90 mmHg or higher), presence of protein in urine and swelling due to fluid retention are symptoms of preeclampsia, a disease that affects pregnant women after the 20^th week of gestation. Chronic inflammation is understood to significantly contribute to the development of preeclampsia. This study strived to evaluate serum highly sensitive C-reactive protein levels in women with preeclampsia, as well as to compare the hs-CRP levels across various groups of preeclamptic patients and healthy individuals. Aims & Objective: The goals of this study are to ascertain the blood hs-CRP levels of preeclamptic women, to assess and analyze these levels, to compare hs-CRP levels in different groups of preeclampsia patients and healthy controls, and to examine the role of CRP in preeclampsia severity ratings. Materials & Methods: The research included 105 pregnant women in their third trimester (28 to 40 weeks) ranging in age from 18 to 35. Mild preeclampsia affected 35 pregnant women and severe preeclampsia affected 35 pregnant women were taken as cases. For the control group, we used 35 identically aged pregnant women whose blood pressure was within the usual range. All subjects were asked to sign an informed consent form before participating in the study. The serum hs-CRP concentration was determined using the turbidimetry technique on the Biosystem BA400 Biochemistry fully automated analyzer. Results: The mean hs-CRP level in the control group was 1.73 ± 0.46 mg/l, whereas in mild preeclampsia it was 2.74 ± 0.53 mg/l, and in severe preeclampsia it reached   5.77 ± 1.04 mg/l. The detected difference was statistically significant, suggesting that preeclamptic women, compared to the control group, had a higher level of hs-CRP. Conclusion: Increased blood hs-CRP levels are associated with more severe preeclampsia, according to this study’s results. Therefore, it may be crucial to determine hs-CRP levels in preeclamptic women early on so that these patients may get the right treatment and reduce the morbidity and mortality associated with these disorders.