Elevated crp levels

[deb8997]

so my 16 year old daughter was diagnosed January this year with crohns. the dr said she had the worst stomach she has seen in a while. Anyway been on Pentasa,prednisone & 6mp. Eating right and so far so good no pain, eating good. the only thing is occasionally there will be some blood in the stool but normal form, so anyway latest blood work came back that her crp level is high around 15 I think she said, we were on the phone, she didn't seem to concerned only that we were weaning her off the prednisone now she has to stay on it a little longer and a higher dosage. so should I be concerned about the level even though she is feeling fine?

 

[Jag23]

The Dr will be keeping her on steroids longer to reduce the inflammation. It took me a while to get off them.
I don't think 15 is that high compared to what some people get but it's still a lot higher than a "normal" person but I wouldn't worry too much about 15.

 

[Clash]

It does mean there is inflammation present and whether it is considered a high CRP result would depend on the labs normal reference range. CRP can also pick up other things such as recent cold or infection since it isn't specific to the GI tract. You may ask for a fecal calprotectin stool test it is specific for inflammation in the bowels but not stomach so it may not be helpful. But since pentasa doesn't release in the stomach and is designed to treat another part of the GI tract I'm assuming she has inflammation in other places.

It can take 3 to 4 months fir 6MP to reach therapeutic levels so she may have to stay on pred until 6mp can take over. I hope she finds relief soon!

 

[deb8997]

oh ok thanks so much. today she tells me she went to the bathroom and there was some blood in the stool and drops in the toilet. im thinking maybe she ate something that didn't agree with her.she's been fine for a while with no blood,all of a sudden blood,no pain or discomfort.

 

[Clash]

I would report that to the GI. Steroids did not help my son, he didn't get any benefit. I think it may have possibly kept him from getting worse but it did not takes away his inflammi or symptoms. Steroids works great for most but not everyone. It really may be a good idea to get the fecal calprotectin stool test or at least get blood work done again if she continues to display symptoms.

 

[deb8997]

Yes we are getting all that done next week.