A Case Report: A 15 Year-Old-Female with Elevated C - Reactive Protein, Major Depression and Maltreatment in Early Childhood

Ms. S is a 15 year old female with refractory major depressive disorder. She has a history of early childhood maltreatment and currently has an elevated C - reactive protein (CRP) concentration. Many studies have found CRP to be elevated in patients with major depressive disorder. A recent study found that having a CRP>3 mg has a strong connection with symptoms of major depressive disorder [1]. Another study of patients with a prior history of maltreatment before eight years of age, showed elevated CRP levels once they have reached adolescence [2]. Drugs targeting inflammation, such as Infliximab and Acetylsalicylic Acid (ASA), have shown early promise in the treatment of depression. Infliximab outperformed placebo in patients with treatment resistant depression and an elevated CRP [3]. ASA in combination with an SSRI showed a 52.4% response rate in nonresponding patients [4]. Therefore, further studies of anti-inflammatory drugs in the treatment of depression are needed, especially in combination with standard treatments.