Open AccessThe role of C‐reactive protein in modern obstetric and gynecological practice
Author(s) -
AZIZIA MOHAMMAD M.,
IRVINE LAURIE M.,
COKER MARCELLINA,
SANUSI FATAI A.
Publication year - 2006
Publication title -
acta obstetricia et gynecologica scandinavica
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.401
H-Index - 102
eISSN - 1600-0412
pISSN - 0001-6349
DOI - 10.1080/00016340500432614
Subject(s) - medicine , c reactive protein , acute phase protein , chorioamnionitis , pelvic inflammatory disease , intensive care medicine , pregnancy , inflammation , obstetrics , immunology , gestation , biology , genetics
C‐reactive protein is an acute phase protein widely used as an indicator of infectious or inflammatory conditions. Traditionally it has been used as an adjunctive test for inflammation and as a marker of disease activity. Though sensitive, its nonspecific nature imposes limitation on its clinical use. Currently C‐reactive protein is used in the management of chorioamnionitis, preterm premature rupture of membranes, pelvic inflammatory disease, and urinary tract infection. Interestingly, several obstetric conditions such as pre‐eclampsia and gestational diabetes are now known to have an underlying inflammatory basis and there is an emerging role of C‐reactive protein testing in managing these diseases. Additionally C‐reactive protein testing has an established place in management of several acute abdominal conditions. The aim of this paper is to review the place of C‐reactive protein in modern obstetric and gynecological practice.