C-REACTIVE PROTEIN – A BIOMARKER PREDICTING THE UNFAVORABLE PROGNOSIS OF THE COVID-19 INFECTION

Abstract

Objectives. C-reactive protein is a feasible, easy-to-interpret, and widely accessible biomarker in most medical institutions, favorable for use in the management of patients with COVID-19. Today there is a wide range of studies and evidences that clearly shows that C-reactive protein is a key biomarker of unfavorable prognosis in severe patients with COVID-19.

Material and methods. The publications were selected from the databases PubMed, Hinari, SpringerLink and Google Search by keywords: "COVID-19", "SARS-CoV-2", "coronavirus", "C-reactive protein", "biomarkers", "severity prediction’', which were used in various combinations to maximize search yield. From 324 full articles selected, 48 publications were included in the final bibliography of the paper, which were considered representative of the materials published on the subject of this synthesis article.

Results. Establishing the degree of severity of patients with COVID-19 remains an absolutely necessary measure, as it can facilitate decision-making regarding the management of work, means and maneuvers, as well as streamlining the workload and the sequence of performing intensive care measures. In fact, C-reactive protein is not only a marker of inflammation, but is also an important regulator of inflammatory processes. The level of this protein correlates positively and can be widely used to predict severity, prognosis and mortality in patients with COVID-19 in addition to monitoring vital functions, supportive treatment, oxygen therapy, ventilatory and circulatory support.

Conclusions. The determination of C-reactive protein levels during the monitoring of patients with COVID-19 becomes a diagnostic algorithm of significant importance in the decision of patients admittance in the intensive care unit, the early detection of severe cases, the need for the early implementation of non-ventilation techniques - invasive versus invasive, recording the evolution of the disease with improved prognosis.