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Real members of MyLupusTeam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

Has anyone had an elevated high sensitivity CRP and what was the cause, just inflammatory response from lupus?

A MyLupusTeam Member asked a question 💭
Hannibal, MO

I got my labs back today and my C-reactive protein was 140. This was slightly alarming to me. Any insight would be helpful.

July 8
 · 
Reactions
A MyLupusTeam Member

So all of that looks negative from what I can tell. My CBC and CMP were WNL

July 9
A MyLupusTeam Member

Teresa, infection can also increase CRP. I understand it's concerning to see it so high, but please be aware that the inflammatory markers do NOT necessarily correlate with disease activity. For example, my ESR was off the charts at 80 to over 100 for several years while I had only mild symptoms. Some lupus expert rheumatologists don't even bother checking them, since C3 and C4 levels reflect disease activity much better.

July 9
MyLupusTeam

A CRP of 140 is definitely worth paying close attention to — that's not a number to brush off, and it's completely understandable to feel alarmed.

C-reactive protein (CRP) is a marker of inflammation in the body. In lupus, elevated CRP can be caused by a few things:

- Active lupus flare — lupus itself drives inflammation Show Full Answer

A CRP of 140 is definitely worth paying close attention to — that's not a number to brush off, and it's completely understandable to feel alarmed.

C-reactive protein (CRP) is a marker of inflammation in the body. In lupus, elevated CRP can be caused by a few things:

- Active lupus flare — lupus itself drives inflammation, which raises CRP
- Infection — lupus can sometimes mask or mimic infection symptoms, making this tricky to sort out
- Organ involvement — such as lupus nephritis (kidney involvement), which can trigger a stronger inflammatory response
- Medications — some lupus treatments can affect how your body responds to inflammation

A level of 140 is significantly elevated and could point to more than just a mild flare. It's really important to contact your rheumatologist as soon as possible — ideally today or tomorrow — so they can review your full lab picture and symptoms together.

Don't wait on this one. Your care team will want to rule out infection or organ involvement quickly, as early action makes a real difference with lupus.

July 8
A MyLupusTeam Member

Would be nice if it didn't take my Reums office 3 weeks to get back to me.

July 8

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