Predictive value of C - reactive protein levels during pregnancy in adverse pregnancy outcomes: One year study at Swaroop Rani Nehru Hospital & Kamla Nehru Hospital (Motilal Nehru Medical College Allahabad)

Objective: To evaluate the association, if any, between serum CRP levels in first and early second trimester of pregnancy and adverse pregnancy outcomes. Materials and Methods: The present study was carried out in 300 antenatal cases attending the department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at Swaroop Rani Nehru Hospital & Kamla Nehru Hospital (Motilal Nehru Medical College Allahabad), over a period of one year. Inclusion Criteria: Pregnant women < 20> Exclusion Criteria: Multiple gestation, previous H/O PTL or mid trimester abortions, endocrine disorder, medical illnesses, HIV infection and substance abuse. Serum C-Reactive protein levels were tested and the participants were divided into 2 groups. Group1 included all pregnant ladies with CRP level > 5mg/L (Study Group) and Group2 with CRP level < 5mg> Result: Raised level of serum CRP had positive correlation with adverse pregnancy outcomes and effect of elevated CRP level was maximum on PPROM (p value-0.002), preeclampsia (p value-0.004) and low birth weight (p value-0.002). Elevated CRP had no significant impact on still birth (0.06). Conclusion: Early detection of higher level of serum CRP in pregnancy can be used as predictor of inflammation and may help in early intervention and follow up of the patients to minimize adverse maternal and fetal complications. Keywords: C - reactive protein, Preterm labour, Fetal growth restriction, Preeclampsia, Low birth weight, Still births.