Subclinical inflammation (synonyms: chronic subclinical inflammation; silent inflammation; ICD-10 R79.8) is defined as a permanent systemic inflammation (inflammation affecting the whole organism) without clinical symptoms. An important indicator of inflammation is CRP (C-reactive protein/inflammation parameter), in particular hs-CRP (high-sensitivity C-reactive protein). This belongs to the acute phase proteins like prealbumin and transferrin, which is synthesized in the liver.
Inflammation is an expression of an innate (non-specific) immune response of the organism.
Endogenous and/or exogenous stimuli that endanger physiological processes are the cause of inflammation.
To be distinguished from subclinical inflammation is acute inflammation, which is characterized by the following features:
- Biologically meaningful, as it is intended to eliminate the damaging stimulus.
- Prerequisite for repair processes (“healing”), i.e., serves to maintain the integrity of the entire biological system
- The “trigger” represents a problem (e.g. pathogen of an infection).
The typical local features of inflammation are (according to Galen): rubor (redness), calor (hyperthermia), tumor (swelling), dolor (pain) and functio laesa (impaired function). Signs of a general body reaction are: Fever, night sweats, and a feeling of illness.
While subclinical inflammation itself does not cause symptoms, it is in turn the cause of symptoms of the secondary diseases it causes.
Frequency peak: subclinical inflammation can occur at any age.
The prevalence (disease frequency) of subclinical inflammation is not known.
Course and prognosis: The course and prognosis of subclinical inflammation depend on the cause of the subclinical inflammation and the individual genetic disposition. Medical clarification is desirable, since subclinical inflammation leads to accelerated aging processes in addition to the induction of chronic diseases (aging/”inflammaging”).
Comorbidities (concomitant diseases): The diseases listed under secondary diseases are associated with subclinical inflammation. Diseases in which CRP (C-reactive protein) is considered an independent risk factor were essentially included.
