Serum C-reactive Protein (CRP) Level in Tuberculous Patients.

The present prospective case control study was carried out to assess the role of C-reactive protein (CRP) level as a diagnostic and prognostic tool of tuberculous patients. The study was conducted in the Department of Paediatrics over a period of one year. Total 60 persons were included. Case was 30 and control was 30. Out of 30 tuberculosis patients 18(60%) had pulmonary tuberculosis, 6(20%) had abdominal TB, 3(10%) had pleural effusion and 3(10%) had tubercular lymphadenopathy. CRP was positive>6 mg/L in 25(83.3%) cases. CRP level was negative after 4 weeks of treatment. There is significant difference at p<0.001 in serum CRP level in between tuberculosis and healthy children. The study concluded that CRP level is a useful indication for diagnosis and prognosis of tuberculous patients.