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C‐reactive protein as a predictor of postoperative infective complications following elective colorectal resection
Author(s) -
MacKay G. J.,
Molloy R. G.,
O’Dwyer P. J.
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
colorectal disease
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.029
H-Index - 89
eISSN - 1463-1318
pISSN - 1462-8910
DOI - 10.1111/j.1463-1318.2010.02236.x
Subject(s) - medicine , surgery , complication , interquartile range , infective endocarditis , c reactive protein , abscess , anastomosis , elective surgery , urinary system , colorectal surgery , predictive value , colorectal cancer , gastroenterology , abdominal surgery , cancer , inflammation
Aim C‐reactive protein (CRP) may be useful in predicting postoperative complications [1]. We investigated the sensitivity and specificity of postoperative CRP for infective complications after elective colorectal surgery. Method One hundred and sixty consecutive patients (72 years old; interquartile range, 63–79) undergoing elective resection for colorectal cancer treated between September 2003 and October 2006 were studied. Details of the postoperative course were prospectively entered into a database. Of the 160 patients, 10 had incomplete CRP data and were excluded from further analysis. Results Infective complications occurred in 21%, with an overall complication rate of 29%. Infective complications occurred as follows: respiratory (10), wound (9), urinary tract (2) and central line infection (1), anastomotic leakage (5), intra‐abdominal abscess (3) and septicaemia of unknown origin (2). There were three postoperative deaths. The positive predictive value for infection of CRP > 145 mg/l on postoperative day 4 was 61%. The negative predictive value of CRP < 145 mg/l on postoperative day 4 for an infective complication was 96%. Conclusion A CRP > 145 mg/l on day 4 has high specificity and sensitivity for infective complications following elective colorectal resection.