Risks and limits of CRP Senioren

The CRP (C-reactive protein) test measures systemic inflammation but is not specific to any single disease. In seniors, mild chronic inflammation (inflammaging) or common comorbidities (e.g., osteoarthritis, kidney impairment) can elevate CRP without requiring acute intervention. An elevated CRP alone does not confirm a diagnosis – it must be interpreted in clinical context. The main risk is overdiagnosis and unnecessary follow-up procedures, which can be burdensome for older adults. There are no established age-specific reference ranges; a level normal for a 30-year-old may be elevated for an 80-year-old. Therefore, CRP should not be used as a screening test in asymptomatic seniors, only when infection or chronic inflammation is suspected. High-sensitivity CRP (hs-CRP) for cardiovascular risk assessment is also debated in the elderly, as its predictive value declines with age. In summary, CRP is a useful adjunct but has clear limitations in geriatric populations. Clinical judgment and patient context are essential.