Kickas.org Forums Ankylosing Spondylitis General Discussion #1 AS Web Support Group Spondylitis and CRP

Here's another Manatee, from SAA - Spondylitis Association America : https://www.spondylitis.org/Ankylosing-Spondylitis/Diagnosis
(snip...) "Since there is no single blood test for AS, laboratory work may, or may not, be of help. Elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), also known as SED rate, and C-reactive protein (CRP) are common indicators of inflammation. Elevated levels of these markers, however, are not present in all AS patients and, when they are, it can be from other causes such as anemia, infection, or cancer. For example, it is estimated that less than 70 percent of people with AS have a raised ESR level.

Finally, there is no association between AS and rheumatoid factor (associated with rheumatoid arthritis) and antinuclear antibodies (associated with lupus.)"



Search criteria : CRP and ankylosing spondylitis

Question though:

If my CRP was elevated when I had uncontrolled inflammation at diagnosis, and then went back to normal after I started treatment and pain subsided, then is it a good indicator of disease activity for my specific case?

I'm asking this cause I've had intermittent back pain and stiffness for two months but my blood tests are immaculate so my rheumy doesn't want to change my medication unless there's some proof of active inflammation like an MRI.

Thanks Molly, hope all is well with you

I have the same question as Wilhelm. If your CRP is consistently elevated pre-biologics, then lowered to normal on biologics ... does that necessarily mean the biologic is working?

If anybody could answer it'd be great!

Wilhelm, what does your doc think? It would seem scientifically sound to say that is what is happening, absent any other issues that might mess up that thinking. But many things can elevate CRP.

If you had to stop the biologic for 3-4 months and the CRP went up, then went down again when the biologic was restarted--that might be indicative of it being due to the biologic. There isn't a good way to tell for sure, though.

My rheumy thinks that in my case CRP activity correlates with active disease and that’s why she won’t allow me to switch from Enbrel to Humira, because my labs are still good. Although I’m in pain.