Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is an inflammatory condition that affects the spine and other areas of the body. It is a form of spinal arthritis and is one of the most common types of chronic inflammatory arthritis. One of the primary markers of AS is an elevated level of C-reactive protein (CRP).
CRP is a protein produced by the liver in response to inflammation. It is a marker of inflammation and can be used to diagnose and monitor inflammatory conditions, such as ankylosing spondylitis. Elevated levels of CRP are often seen in AS patients, indicating the presence of inflammation in the body.
The level of CRP in patients with AS can vary widely from one person to the next. In general, a normal CRP level is less than 5.0 mg/L, while an elevated CRP level is greater than 5.0 mg/L. Some studies have shown that CRP levels in AS patients can be as high as 20.0 mg/L or more.
In addition to elevated CRP levels, other tests may be needed to diagnose ankylosing spondylitis. These tests may include blood tests, X-rays, MRI scans, and more. If an elevated CRP level is found, further testing is usually recommended to confirm the diagnosis.
In conclusion, elevated CRP levels are often seen in ankylosing spondylitis patients. The level of CRP can vary widely from one person to the next, but generally, a CRP level greater than 5.0 mg/L is considered elevated. Other tests may be needed to confirm the diagnosis, but an elevated CRP level is often a good indicator of ankylosing spondylitis.