Question
An infant suddenly started crying loudly a week ago, showing a sickly moan and looking listless. After being taken to the hospital, no specific disease was found, but on the second day of admission, a red and swollen area was discovered on the groin. The body temperature reached 38.5 degrees. The doctor diagnosed it as inflammation of the leg due to a too tight diaper. The first blood test showed a C-reactive protein level of 53. What could be the possible reasons for the elevated C-reactive protein?
Answer
C-reactive protein (CRP) is a protein that rises dramatically in plasma when the body is subjected to infection or tissue damage. When an infant has a fever and elevated C-reactive protein levels, it typically indicates that the immune memory is responding to bacterial infection or inflammation. In this case, it is important to actively pursue anti-inflammatory treatment and closely monitor the infant’s condition changes. Additionally, further checks of routine blood test (complete blood count), erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and assessment of the redness, swelling, and tenderness at the groin area should be conducted to check for deep wave motion or superficial lymph node enlargement, in order to comprehensively judge the condition and formulate appropriate treatment plans.