Association between C-reactive protein levels and outcome in acute lung injury in children

High plasma C-reactive protein (CRP) levels are associated with favorable outcome in adults with acute lung injury (ALI). The association between CRP levels and outcome has not been studied in ALI in children. We performed a historical cohort study in 93 mechanically ventilated children (0-18 years) with ALI. The CRP level within 48 h of disease onset was tested for association with 28-day mortality and ventilator-free days (VFD). Clinical parameters and ventilator settings were evaluated for possible confounding. Fourteen patients died within 28 days. The median (interquartile range) CRP level in nonsurvivors was 126 mg/L (64; 187) compared with 56 mg/L (20; 105) in survivors (p = 0.01). For every 10-mg/L rise in CRP level, the unadjusted odds (95 % confidence interval (95 % CI)) for mortality increased 8.7 % (2.1-15.8 %). Cardiovascular organ failure at onset of ALI was the strongest predictor for mortality (odds ratio, 30.5 (6.2-152.5)). After adjustment for cardiovascular organ failure, for every 10-mg/L rise in CRP level, the OR (95 % CI) for mortality increased 4.7 % (-2.7-12.6 %; p = 0.22). Increased CRP levels were associated with a decrease in VFD (ρ = -0.26, p = 0.01). Conclusion: increased plasma CRP levels are not associated with favorable outcome in ALI in children. This is in contrast with findings in adults with ALI.