C-reactive protein (CRP) /-rē·ak″tiv/ , a protein not normally detected in the serum but present in many acute inflammatory conditions and with necrosis. CRP appears in the serum before the erythrocyte sedimentation rate begins to rise, often within 24 to 48 hours of the onset of inflammation. Acute rheumatic fever is monitored with serial estimations of CRP because the serum level of the protein is the most sensitive indicator of rheumatic activity. Bacterial infections and widespread neoplastic disease are also associated with C-reactive protein in the serum. CRP disappears when an inflammatory process is suppressed by salicylates, steroids, or both. Also called serum C-reactive protein.
