C-reactive protein, pre- and postdexamethasone cortisol levels in post-traumatic stress disorder

Abstract Background: Dysregulations of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis may impact inflammatory processes in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), possibly resulting in a low-grade inflammation as reflected by elevated levels of C-reactive protein (CRP). Methods: Serum CRP levels and salivary cortisol before and after the dexamethasone suppression test (DST) were assessed in 50 inpatients with main diagnoses PTSD, major depressive disorder or borderline personality disorder. Results: A strong trend for lower CRP levels was found in PTSD positive individuals compared with patients without PTSD. Conclusions: Our study does not support the hypothesis of elevated serum CRP levels in PTSD compared with other psychiatric patients. However, a dysbalanced immune system with suppressed CRP might contribute to the elevated somatic comorbidity in PTSD.