Serum CRP levels in pre-dialysis patients

Background. An elevated serum C-reactive protein (CRP) is strongly associated with morbidity and mortality in dialysis patients. However, the significance of high CRP levels in pre-dialysis patients has not been studied extensively. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of elevated serum CRP in pre-dialysis patients and to analyze its correlation with renal function and other inflammatory and nutritional factors. Methods. In a cross-sectional study, 100 pre-dialysis patients who had been visited in two outpatient nephrology clinics from 2005 until 2006 and had the serum creatinine >= 1.5 mg/dL for at least three months were studied. Demographic characteristics, medications, GFR, hemoglobin, as well as inflammatory and nutritional parameters (CRP, Albumin, Fibrinogen, Transferin, Ferritin, TG, Chol, LDL, and HDL) were measured and compared between the patients in regard to the CRP level. Results. The mean of serum CRP level was 5.7 +/- 5.1 mg/L; elevated level were reported in 17 patients (17%). Serum CRP levels was significantly correlated with GFR, albumin, fibrinogen, transferring, and ferritin. Conclusion. Similar to the dialysis population, we found that serum CRP was elevated in pre-dialysis patients. In addition, a positive correlation between serum CRP levels and several inflammatory factors was found. CRP serum level was also negatively correlated with GFR, the indicator of renal function.