C-reactive protein--a review.

C-reactive protein (CRP) is an acute-phase protein present in normal serum which increases significantly with tissue necrosis of inflammation. Presented in this review is a history of investigations of the protein, and its physical, immunological, and functional characteristics, as well as the various methods used for its detection and quantitation. The relationship of CRP to other acute-phase reactants is summarized with respect to its value in clinical diagnosis. The clinical application of CRP in detecting and monitoring post-surgical complications and in helping detect various disease states is also discussed.