The assessment of high sensitivity C-reactive protein as a systemic marker in moderate asthma patients and changing levels by inhaled corticosteroids

Objectives: To see if high-sensitivity C-reactive protein levels increase even in the early stages of asthma, and to evaluate if corticosteroid therapy affects the levels in asthma patients. Methods: The case-control pilot study was conducted at Yedikule Chest Disease and Surgery Education and Research Hospital, Turkey, from February to April 2011. Patients newly diagnosed with asthma who reported symptoms that occurred six months before diagnosis were included in the study. The protein levels were measured pre-treatment and one month post-treatment. In addition, pulmonary function test and total Immunoglobulin-E measurements were taken and the prick test was performed. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS 15. Results: There were 15 cases; 8 (53%) females and 7 (47%) males. Besides, there were 19 Controls; 9 (47%) females and 10(53%) males. The mean age of the Cases was 29.13 +/- 10.30 years, while for the Controls it was 28.9 +/- 5.35 years. The difference was not statistically significant (p<0.54). The difference in protein levels pre and post-treatment was not significant. However, a higher level in the pre-treatment period was found compared to the Controls. Post-treatment levels in the Cases were not significantly different than the Controls. Conclusion: Elevated high-sensitivity C-reactive protein levels in asthmatic patients may indicate an increased risk for cardiovascular disease. Future studies in asthma patients should focus on this relationship.