[Significance of C-reactive protein in pediatric diagnosis].

The present review summarizes the results of C-reactive protein determinations in the serum of 9100 infants and children and gives a survey on data presented in the literature. Quantitative estimations of CRP are a useful screening method for the evaluation of infections and the activity of inflammatory processes in chronic diseases. In a variety of diseases CRP correlates well with erythrocyte sedimentation rate. CRP is, however, superior to ESR in showing faster dynamics and being uninfluenced by anemia, nephrotic syndrome or renal insufficiency. Marked elevations of CRP concentration may help to differentiate between viral and bacterial infections. It can be concluded that the determination of CRP in the serum must be added to the list of standard investigations in acutely and chronically ill infants and children.