What does an elevated level of C-reactive protein in serum typically indicate?

An elevated level of C-reactive protein (CRP) in serum typically indicates inflammation. CRP is an acute-phase protein produced by the liver in response to inflammatory cytokines, particularly interleukin-6. Its levels rise rapidly in response to inflammation, infection, tissue injury, or other stimuli that activate the immune response.

While CRP can be elevated in various conditions, the primary role of this protein is to serve as a marker of systemic inflammation. This makes it a valuable tool for clinicians to assess the presence and intensity of inflammatory processes in the body. Conditions such as infections, autoimmune disorders, and cancers can lead to increased CRP levels, but the direct indication of elevated CRP is associated with inflammation itself.

This function of CRP allows healthcare professionals to monitor inflammatory responses in patients, aiding in diagnosis and management across numerous medical disciplines.