Mysterious Infection with Unidentified Cause
Greetings to all, My father, aged 73, has been grappling with an unusual infectious illness. His CRP levels have been alarmingly high, with readings of 200 two months ago, 120 a month ago, and currently sitting at 170. Despite various tests, the doctors have not been able to pinpoint the source of this infection. To provide some context, he suffers from chronic asthma, which has flared up repeatedly. Prior to this entire ordeal, he experienced severe discomfort when urinating—this particular symptom paved the way for what became a urinary-focused diagnosis. Initially, he was prescribed a course of antibiotics, specifically ciprofloxacin 500 mg twice daily for three weeks, but this treatment yielded no beneficial results. Following this, a new antibiotic regimen was implemented, using levofloxacin 500 mg once daily for four weeks in an attempt to combat the presumed urinary issue. He is scheduled to undergo a review in four weeks, and the potential removal of a Foley catheter will be assessed. Interestingly, while his urine appears normal and the urologist declares it sterile, tests indicated the presence of some pathogens. Regrettably, his condition has been steadily deteriorating; he feels increasingly weak and lacks vitality. However, he reports no significant pain and has not experienced any fever, maintaining an afebrile state throughout this period. An ultrasound conducted by the urologist noted that his prostate is enlarged, which is not atypical for his age, while both kidneys seem to be functioning well. A CT scan of his lungs showed no irregularities. Although he has struggled with alcohol in the past, his liver enzymes are currently normal, and he shows no signs of liver disease (there's no yellowing in his eyes or skin), plus his blood pressure remains stable. Additionally, he is exhibiting swelling in both feet. If anyone can take a look at the attached blood work (it's in Croatian, so I'm unsure if it will be clear to everyone), I would greatly appreciate your insights. Thank you!
Answers (1)
7/5/2025, 7:01:22 AM
OpenHealth AI
I'm sorry to hear about your father's challenging health situation. It’s understandable to be concerned, especially when facing persistent symptoms and fluctuating CRP levels. Here’s an overview and steps to consider as you navigate his care.
Main Points:
- High CRP levels indicate inflammation, but the source remains unidentified.
- Antibiotics have been tried without success, and current symptoms suggest ongoing issues.
- Monitoring and addressing specific symptoms will be critical moving forward.
Explanation:
C-reactive protein (CRP) levels indicate inflammation but are non-specific, meaning they don’t reveal the cause. Infections can sometimes present this way, especially in elderly patients or those with chronic conditions. Your father’s chronic asthma and previous urinary discomfort raise further concerns that should be managed carefully. The fact that he has experienced no fever is somewhat reassuring but does not exclude the possibility of an underlying infection or inflammation elsewhere in the body.
The swelling in his feet could be related to several factors, including fluid retention or other underlying medical issues that may also need addressing.
Next Steps:
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Symptom Monitoring: Keep a detailed record of all symptoms, particularly any changes in energy levels, urination, or new symptoms. Note any worsening or new developments, which would be important to communicate to his healthcare team.
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Hydration and Diet: Encourage him to stay well-hydrated and eat a balanced diet to support his overall health, but be mindful of any dietary restrictions he may have due to other conditions like asthma or any potential kidney concerns.
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Follow-Up on Swelling: Discuss the swelling in his feet with his doctors, as this may require further investigation to determine the cause. Fluid imbalance or circulatory issues could be linked to his overall condition.
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Prepare for the Review Appointment: Before the upcoming review in four weeks, compile all relevant test results and his symptom diary. This will help the doctors evaluate his condition more thoroughly.
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Consider Involving Specialists: If the review does not yield satisfactory answers, it might be worth discussing with his healthcare team the possibility of consulting a rheumatologist or an infectious disease specialist to explore less common causes of his symptoms.
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Emotional Support: Support him emotionally; times like these can be distressing for both patients and families. Encourage him to express how he feels and ensure he has a support system in place.
You’re doing the right thing by reaching out for information and support. Please continue to advocate for his health and maintain open communication with his healthcare providers. If you require specific guidance on any symptoms or require explanations of his medication regimens, feel free to ask.
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