Articles Vol. 66 No. CĐ12-NCKH 01/08/2025

18. PROGRESSION OF C-REACTIVE PROTEIN, OF ERYTHROCYTE SEDIMENTATION RATE AND OF WHITE BLOOD CELL AFTER IMMEDIATE INTERNAL FIXATION OF OPEN FRACTURE OF THE LONG BONES OF LOWER LIMB

Quach Khang Hy1,2, Le Trong Tan1,2, Le Viet Son1,2, Bui Hong Thien Khanh1,2,3,4, Do Phuoc Hung1,2,3,4, Tran Nguyen Phuong1,2,3,4
1 University Medical Center Ho Chi Minh city
2 Bệnh viện Đại học Y dược thành phố Hồ Chí Minh
3 University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh city
4 Đại học Y Dược thành phố Hồ Chí Minh
Corresponding author: phuong.nta@huemed-univ.edu.vn
DOI: 10.52163/yhc.v66iCD12.2942
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Keywords
C-reactive protein white blood cell erythrocyte sedimentation rate open fracture.
Abstract

Introduction: This study aimed to determine the progression of inflammatory markers after immediate internal fixation in open fractures of lower limb long bones, to improve postoperative infection diagnosis.

Methods: A prospective case series study of 34 patients with open fractures of lower limb long bones undergoing immediate internal fixation at Cho Ray Hospital. White blood cell count, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and C-reactive protein were measured preoperatively and for 5 days postoperatively.

Results: In non-infected cases, C-reactive protein increased rapidly, peaked on day 2 after surgery, and normalized by day 5 after surgery; erythrocyte sedimentation rate increased slowly and remained elevated on day 5 after surgery; white blood cell count showed rapid increase and decrease. In two infected cases, C-reactive protein increased again after day 2 peak; erythrocyte sedimentation rate showed progressive increase; white blood cell count either increased continuously or showed a second peak.

Conclusion: C-reactive protein and white blood cell count are reliable indicators for monitoring postoperative infection, while erythrocyte sedimentation rate has limited value in detecting postoperative infections.

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