DR. NAVEEN A K

DR. SOFIA AHMAD, DR. HARSHA BHAMIDIPATI, DR.RAHUL MAHALA

Abstract

Inflammation is now recognized as a critical contributor in the pathogenesis of DR.CRP is an acute phase protein produced in response to inflammation in the body.

AIM: To study CRP levels in DR patients before and after treatment, to determine if CRP can be used as a biomarker for progression or regression of DR.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:Dilated fundoscopy was done in all patients. CRP levels were measured pre and post treatment(follow up period was set at 1 month post treatment) in 81 patients with DR between July 2018 to Dec 2019.Inclusion criteria: DR patients requiring treatment(PRP or Anti VEGF injections).Exclusion criteria: Known causes of elevated CRP levels.

RESULT: Mean CRP levels pre treatment was 4.13±1.23 and post treatment was 3.71±1.21mg/L.

CONCLUSION: The change in mean CRP levels after treatment was statistically significant(P value≤0.05) which implicates that treatment improved the CRP values. Hence, CRP may be used as a biomarker for progression or regression of DR.