Title: Estimation of C-Reactive Protein (C-RP) in Serum and Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) to Differentiate between Pyogenic and Tubercular Meningitis

Authors: Dr Manoj Kumar, Dr Tejpal Singh, Dr Awadhesh Yadav, Dr Kushal Pal

 DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.18535/jmscr/v6i12.166

Abstract

Meningitis is one of the commonest and most feared neurological disease in children and adults with high morbidity and mortality. So, this study was conducted to measure the serum and CSF C-reactive protein to differentiate between pyogenic and tubercular meningitis.

Method: This study was conducted in Department of Medicine, S. N. Medical College, Agra. Adult between 12 - 50 years of age admitted with history of fever and seizure were included. CSF was sent for CRP estimation and other laboratory investigations. Patients were divided into three groups based on clinical and CSF finding. Group 1 (Bacterial Meningitis), Group 2 (Tubercular Meningitis) and Group 3 (Control Group). Statistically analysis was done by Chi-square test and Student “t” test.

Result: 60 patients were enrolled in our study. The mean ages of our cases in pyogenic tubercular and control group was 22.38 years, 26.38 years and 28.95 years respectively. 8 cases had pyogenic meningitis, 32 cases had tubercular meningitis and 20 cases had no meningitis. Serum value of CRP in case of pyogenic meningitis which is statistically significantly raised than that in tubercular group (mean value 36.52mg/L) (p value < 0.0001). The value of mean CRF level was found to be significantly higher in the pyogenic meningitis (91.13 mg/L), compare to tubercular meningitis (2.70 mg/L) and control group (1.54 mg/L with p value <0.0001), which is statistically significant.

Conclusion: Serum CRP and CSF - CRP estimation in meningitis is good parameter to differentiate pyogenic from other meningitis.

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Corresponding Author

Dr Tejpal Singh

Professor, Dept of Medicine, S N Medical College, Agra UP, India