C-reactive protein as a biomarker of severe H1N1 influenza.

Abstract

Background C-reactive protein (CRP) is an acute-phase reactant downstream of the pro-inflammatory cytokines released during influenza infection. However, the role of this inflammatory marker in influenza severity and complications is yet to be elucidated.

Objectives We aim to systematically review and evaluate the levels of CRP in severe and non-severe H1N1 influenza cases and assess its utility as a biomarker in predicting the severity of infection.

Methods We conducted a comprehensive search in Ovid MEDLINE, Ovid MEDLINE (R) Epub ahead of Print, Embase and Embase Classic to identify human studies reporting measurements of CRP levels in patients infected with H1N1 influenza at various levels of disease severity.

Results Our search identified ten studies eligible for inclusion in this systematic review. The results of the data analysis show that the average CRP levels upon diagnosis were significantly higher (P

Conclusion CRP levels have been consistently shown to be significantly higher in H1N1 influenza patients who develop a severe disease outcome. The resuts of the present study suggest that serum CRP can be employed-in combination with other biomarkers-to predict the complications of H1N1 influenza.