CRP, or C-reactive protein, is a marker of inflammation which can be used to measure the amount of inflammation in the body. In spondyloarthritis, a type of inflammatory arthritis that affects the spine and other joints, CRP levels tend to be elevated. This is because the inflammatory process in spondyloarthritis causes an increase in the release of inflammatory cytokines, which triggers the release of CRP by the liver.
The amount of CRP in the body can be measured with a simple blood test. In general, normal CRP levels tend to be less than 10 mg/L, while levels greater than 10 mg/L may indicate an active inflammatory process. In spondyloarthritis, CRP levels tend to be greater than 10 mg/L, though this can vary depending on the severity of the condition. For instance, CRP levels may be higher in people with active disease than those in remission.
The presence of elevated CRP levels can be useful in diagnosing spondyloarthritis, as well as monitoring the effectiveness of treatments. In general, treatments for spondyloarthritis are designed to reduce inflammation and, as such, should result in a decrease in CRP levels. Thus, measuring CRP levels can be a useful way to monitor the effectiveness of treatment and ensure that the condition is being adequately managed.
Overall, CRP levels tend to be elevated in spondyloarthritis due to the inflammatory process associated with the condition. Measuring CRP levels can be a useful tool for diagnosing spondyloarthritis, as well as monitoring the effectiveness of treatments, making it an important part of managing the condition.