Correlation analysis between the carotid artery atherosclerosis severity of patients with lacunar infarct and the level of serum uric acid, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein

Abstract

Background Nowadays, clinical practice shows that the number of patients with cerebral infarction increases year by year in young and middle-aged adults with unclear causes. This paper aims to investigate the correlation between the level of serum uric acid (UA), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) and the degree of carotid atherosclerosis by detecting the level of UA, hsCRP and carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) in young and middle⁃aged patients with lacunar infarct. Methods By using Holland Philips HT-11 color Doppler ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus with linear type probe and 7.50 MHz frequency, IMT of end-diastolic distal and bifurcation of arteria carotis communis and proximal internal carotid artery were measured respectively on 186 patients with definitely diagnosed lacunar infarct. As a result, average values were taken as the IMT values. IMT < 1.00 mm was regarded as negative result and 1.00 mm ≤ IMT < 1.20 mm was thickening of carotid artery intima. Carotid artery plaque formation was regarded with echo structure existing in the lumen or abnormal blood flow deficits into the lumen, or local IMT ≥ 1.20 mm at vertical and horizontal scan. At the same time, the levels of UA and hsCRP were detected, and correlation analysis was made between them and IMT. Results The values of UA, hsCRP and IMT in the case group were higher than that in the control group (P = 0.000). The differences among the case subgroups including IMT thickening group, plaque formation group and IMT normal group were statistically significant (P < 0.01, for all). There was linear correlation between the levels of UA, hsCRP and IMT (r = 0.923, P = 0.000; r = 0.955, P = 0.008). Conclusion UA and hsCRP involve in the formation of atherosclerosis plaque and play an important role in the first ⁃ onset lacunar infarct patients without hypertension and other risk factors.