What does elevated high-sensitivity C-reactive protein in children indicate?

Elevated high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) levels in children are usually an important clinical indicator, potentially suggesting various underlying health issues. CRP plays a guiding role in cardiovascular diseases, neonatal bacterial infections, and kidney transplantation. The normal range is 0–10 mg/L; clinically, levels above 25 mg/L indicate bacterial infection in the child; levels above 50 mg/L suggest a severe bacterial infection; and values exceeding 75 mg/L may indicate sepsis or systemic infection. When bacterial infections are present in children—such as bacterial colds, tonsillitis, or acute gastroenteritis—bacteria stimulate the immune system, leading to increased hs-CRP levels. For bacterial infections, doctors typically recommend antibiotics such as amoxicillin granules or cefaclor granules to eliminate the infectious source.