In adults presenting with acute confusion is CRP effective at ruling out an infective cause of acute confusion?
Date First Published:
July 5, 2010
Last Updated:
July 8, 2010
Report by:
Rachel Alstead, Medical Student (MRI)
Three-Part Question:
In [adults presenting with acute confusion] is [CRP] effective at [ruling out an infective cause of acute confusion]
Clinical Scenario:
A 55 year old male presents at the emergency department with apparent confusion. There are no obvious signs as to the cause. You wonder if it is due to infection.
Search Strategy:
MEDLINE 1950 to June week 4 2010, EMBASE 1980 to 2010 week 26 and the COCHRANE LIBRARY.
Search Details:
(exp confusion/ OR exp delirium/) AND (exp C-reactive protein/) limit to human and English language.
Outcome:
16 papers were found on Medline, none of which were relevant. 116 papers were found on Embase, none of which were relevant.
Author Commentary:
There is no evidence towards testing CRP levels when someone presents with acute confusion.
Bottom Line:
There is no evidence to determine whether checking CRP levels is necessary. Local advice should be followed.