Blood Poisoning | Causes for increased CRP values

Blood Poisoning

In blood poisoning, which is medically known as sepsis, there is a pronounced reaction of the body’s own defense system and thus, among other things, a pronounced release of inflammatory substances. For this reason, blood poisoning usually also leads to greatly increased CRP values. Conversely, in the presence of an inflammation that leads to a significant increase in CRP values in the course of time, an incipient sepsis should be considered.

After initiation of therapy for sepsis, the determination of CRP values over the course of time can be a parameter for a response to therapy. A further strong increase in CRP values can indicate an insufficient response of the body to the treatment. In cases of sepsis, the procalcitonin is often determined in addition to the CRP.

HIV

In the case of increased CRP values, HIV infection should not be considered as a cause first. HIV is a virus that attacks the defence cells of the immune system and destroys them gradually, usually over a period of years. In the case of an initial infection with HIV, increased CRP values are possible, but they are of little significance.

On the one hand, they are unspecific, i.e. there are many other possible causes for the increase. On the other hand, increased CRP values are not sensitive to the question of whether an HIV infection is present. This means that it is possible to become infected with HIV without increased HIV values. It only makes more sense to contact a doctor immediately if there is a justified suspicion of infection, for example after sexual intercourse with an HIV-positive person.

Back pain

If increased CRP levels occur in connection with back pain, there are several possible causes. Often the two findings are not connected, i.e. one suffers from back pain and the elevated CRP value has a completely different cause. However, constellations are conceivable in which back pain and elevated CRP values are due to a common trigger. In the case of pain in the flanks, elevated CRP values should be considered, for example, in the case of inflammation of the renal pelvis, especially in the case of unilateral pain and fever. However, only the doctor can assess whether there is a connection between back pain and elevated CRP values after his examination.