Response of C-reactive protein after lumber laminectomy, a prospective study

ABSTRACT

To assess the level of C-reactive protein [CRP] following lumber laminectomy to evaluate the physiological increase related to the surgical operation from that resulting to post operative infection. CRP was measured for 40 patients who underwent lumber laminectomy. CRP rapidly increased to reach a peak value [average 39] on the second post operative day. In 18 patients it reached it is maximum level in the third post operative day. From day 5 the level started to decline reaching to normal levels [mean 4.8] on day 9. There was no significant correlation between the CRP and Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate [ESR], body temperature, white blood cell [WBC] count. CRP is effective and highly sensitive for evaluation of patients following lumber laminectomy. The rapid decline CRP will probably be interrupted by a second rise or persisting elevation [more than 5 days] if infection occurs