Measurement of<unk> s, especially C-reactive protein, is a useful marker of inflammation in both medical and veterinary clinical pathology. It correlates with the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), however not always directly. This is due to the ESR being largely dependent on elevation of fibrinogen, an<unk><unk>  reactant with a half-life of<unk> roximately one week. This protein will therefore remain higher for longer despite removal of the inflammatory stimuli. In contrast, C-reactive protein (with a half-life of 6–8 hours) rises rapidly and can quickly return to within the normal range if treatment is employed. For example, in active systemic lupus erythematosus, one may find a raised ESR but normal C-reactive protein.They may also indicate liver failure.
Acute-phase protein
Inflammatory cytokine
Microantibody
Cytokine
Lipoprotein
Coagulation activation marker
Lymphokine
Antibody