Preprocedural C-reactive Protein Levels Research Articles

The impact of elevated C-reactive protein levels on long-term outcomes of patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement

BackgroundIn patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR), elevated pre-procedural C-reactive protein (CRP) levels are frequently observed. Its impact on long-term results of TAVR is unclear. The aim of the study was to investigate the long-term (up to six years) clinical outcomes of TAVR patients with normal compared to elevated CRP levels before TAVR. MethodsConsecutive patients undergoing TAVR between August 2012 and January 2023 at a tertiary cardiology facility were included. Patients were divided into two cohorts based on the baseline CRP levels: normal CRP (≤ 5 mg/l) and elevated CRP (>5 mg/l). The cohorts were followed clinically for up to six years after TAVR. ResultsFrom a total of 1000 TAVR patients (mean age 81 ± 6 years), 268 patients (27 %) were found to have elevated baseline CRP (>5 mg/l). Such patients had significantly more co-morbidities (e.g. chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, atrial fibrillation, heart failure, concomitant valvopathies). They also developed periprocedural infections more frequently (3 % vs. 1 %, p = 0.007) and required more commonly repeat hospitalizations for infections during follow-up (HR 1.97, CI 1.47–2.64, p < 0.001). All-cause mortality and development of valve dysfunction did not significantly differ between patients with elevated and normal baseline CRP levels. ConclusionAlbeit long-term results of TAVR patients with elevated pre-procedural CRP levels seem favorable in terms of survival and development of valve dysfunction, they have an increased risk for periprocedural infections and re-admissions due to infections of any type during the follow-up period.

The Significance of Serum C-Reactive Protein and Neutrophil-Lymphocyte Ratio in Predicting the Diagnostic Outcomes of Renal Mass Biopsy Procedure.

This study aimed to investigate the predictive role of serum C-reactive protein (CRP) and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) on renal mass biopsy outcomes. A total of 71 patients with suspected kidney masses who underwent renal mass biopsy procedure between January 2017 and January 2021 were retrospectively evaluated. Pathological results after the procedure were obtained and pre-procedural serum CRP and NLR levels were extracted from the patients' data. The patients were grouped into benign and malignant pathology groups according to the histopathology results. The parameters were compared between the groups. Diagnostic role of the parameters in terms of sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values was also determined. Additionally, Pearson correlation analysis, and univariate and multivariate cox proportional hazard regression analyses were also performed to investigate the above association with tumor diameter and pathology results, respectively. At the end of the analyses, a total of 60 patients had malignant pathology on histopathological investigations of the mass biopsy specimens, whereas the remaining 11 patients had a benign pathological diagnosis. Significantly higher CRP and NLR levels were detected in the malignant pathology group. The parameters positively correlated with the malignant mass diameter, as well. Serum CRP and NLR determined the malignant masses before the biopsy with sensitivity and specificity of 76.6 and 81.8%, and 88.3 and 45.4%, respectively. Moreover, univariate and multivariate analyses showed that serum CRP level had a significant predictive value for malignant pathology (HR: 0.998, 95% CI: 0.940-0.967, P < 0.001 and HR: 0.951, 95% CI: 0.936-0.966, P < 0.001, respectively). In conclusion, serum CRP and NLR levels were significantly different in patients with malignant pathology after renal mass biopsy compared to the patients with benign pathology. Serum CRP level, in particular, diagnosed malignant pathologies with acceptable sensitivity and specificity values. Additionally, it had a substantial predictive role in determining the malign masses prior the biopsy. Therefore, pre-biopsy serum CRP and NLR levels may be used to predict the diagnostic outcomes of renal mass biopsy in clinical practice. Further studies with larger cohorts can prove our findings in the future.

Long term clinical outcome after self-expandable nitinol stent implantation for femoropopliteal occlusive disease in hemodialysis patients

Abstract Background Endovascular therapy (EVT) using self-expandable bare nitinol stent (BNS) has been commonly accepted in patients with symptomatic femoropopliteal (FP) occlusive disease. However, poor clinical outcomes in hemodialysis (HD) patients are major problems. We investigated the impact of HD on clinical outcome after EVT in patients with FP disease. Methods A total of 427 consecutive HD patients undergoing successful EVT with BNS for FP disease were enrolled with 157 non-HD patients as a control group. They were followed-up for 5 years. We collected data on target lesion revascularization (TLR) rate, and limb salvage rate as well as survival rate. Propensity-score matching analysis was performed to investigate the true impact of HD on the outcome. Results Critical limb ischemia was observed in 44.0% of overall population (43.0% in HD group vs. 46.8% in non-HD group, p=0.42). Rates of diabetes (67.1% vs. 58.1%, p=0.045) and coronary artery disease (73.5% vs. 58.3%, p=0.0008) were higher, while age (70±10 years old vs. 76±10 years old, p&amp;lt;0.0001) and TASC2 C/D lesion (27.9% vs. 44.6%, p=0.0002) were lower in HD group compared to non-HD group. Pre-procedural C-reactive protein level (0.4mg/l vs. 0.3mg/l, p=0.045) was higher and serum albumin level (3.6g/dl vs. 3.8g/dl, p=0.0045) was lower in HD group than those in non-HD group. The freedom rate from TLR at 5 years was significantly lower in HD group than in non-HD group [47.2% vs. 65.2%, hazard ratio (HR) 1.77, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.23–2.64, p=0.0017]. The limb salvage rate was comparable between the groups (93.3% vs. 97.1%, HR 1.57, 95% CI 0.58–5.47, p=0.41), while the survival rate was significantly lower in HD group compared to non-HD group (60.6% vs. 86.0%, HR 2.53, 95% CI 1.56–4.36, p=0.0002). After propensity-score analysis, 250 patients (125 in each group) were matched without any difference of clinical characteristics in both groups. In the matched cohort, the freedom rate from TLR was still lower in HD group compared to non-HD group (46.7% vs. 66.6%, HR 2.25, 95% CI 1.35–3.87, p=0.0019). The adjusted limb salvage rate was consistently similar between the groups (95.4% vs. 97.3%, HR 1.10, 95% CI 0.20–5.94, p=0.91). Also, the adjusted survival rate was lower in HD group than in non-HD group (47.6% vs. 89.9%, HR 3.60, 95% CI 1.89–7.44, p&amp;lt;0.0001). Conclusion The freedom rate from TLR at 5 years after BNS implantation for FP disease were significantly lower in HD group than in non-HD group, though the limb salvage rate was similar between the groups. The survival rate was consistently lower in HD group compared to non-HD group. HD status had a great impact on TLR and mortality after EVT with BNS in patients with FP disease. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: None

P1280IMPACT OF HAEMODIALYSIS IN PATIENTS UNDERGOING BYPASS SURGERY FOR PERIPHERAL ARTERY DISEASE WITH CRITICAL LIMB ISCHEMIA - 10-YEAR FOLLOW-UP STUDY -

Abstract Background and Aims Although lower extremities bypass surgery has been commonly performed as the standard option to treat peripheral artery disease with critical limb ischemia (CLI) even in patients on haemodialysis (HD) as well as general population, higher amputation and/or mortality rates still remains major clinical problems after bypass surgery in this population. In this 10-year follow-up study, we investigated the impact of HD on outcomes after surgical revascularization in patients with CLI. Method A total of 464 patients undergoing successfully elective bypass surgery were enrolled. We compared 304 HD patients with 335 limbs and 160 non-HD (NHD) patients with 183 limbs during 10 years follow-up period. Primary outcome was amputation-free survival (AFS) rate defined as freedom rate from composited endpoint with major amputation (limb amputation above ankle level) or all-cause mortality. To minimize the differences of clinical characteristics between the two groups, propensity score-matching with all baseline variables was performed. Results Prevalence of diabetes (55.6% vs. 33.8%), ulcer/gangrene (99.1% vs. 63.5%) and infra-popliteal artery disease (58.9% vs. 32.5%) were significantly higher in HD group compared to NHD group (p&amp;lt;0.0001 in all). Pre-procedural C-reactive protein (CRP) levels was also higher in HD group [14.0 (4.0-51.5) mg/l vs. 7.0 (2.0-34.0) mg/l, p=0.0015]. Inversely, age was younger in HD group than in NHD group (67±9 years vs. 72±8 years, p&amp;lt;0.0001). The 30-day mortality rate was comparable (3.3% in HD group vs. 1.3% in NHD group, p=0.16). During follow-up period (median of 48 months), 53 amputation (17.4%) and 102 death (33.6%) in HD group, and 17 amputation (10.6%) and 23 death (14.4%) in NHD group occurred, respectively. The 10-year AFS rate was significantly lower in HD group compared to NHD group [41.3% vs. 71.3%, hazard ratio (HR) 2.33, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.64-3.41, p&amp;lt;0.0001). Similarly, limb salvage rate and survival rate was also lower in HD group than in NHD group (72.1% vs. 87.5%, HR 1.90, 95%CI 1.12-3.39, p=0.016, and 51.8% vs. 80.4%, HR 2.78, 95%CI 1.80-4.48, p&amp;lt;0.0001, respectively). In the propensity score-matched cohort, having no significant differences of all baseline characteristics between HD and NHD group (n=125 in each), the 10-year AFS rate and survival rate was still lower in HD group compared to NHD group (53.1% vs. 72.8%, HR 2.11, 95% CI 1.34-3.39, p=0.0012 and 58.6% vs. 84.9%, HR 3.72, 95% CI 2.09-7.06, p&amp;lt;0.0001, respectively). However, the limb salvage rate was statistically comparable between the two group (81.9% vs. 84.2%, HR 1.13, 95%CI 0.55-2.38, p=0.74). In addition, pre-procedural CRP levels could predict major amputation in HD patients (HR 1.06, 95%CI 1.01-1.10, p=0.024) but not NHD patients (HR 1.09, 95%CI 0.93-1.25, p=0.27). Conclusion The long-term AFS rate and survival rate were markedly lower in HD patients compared to NHD patients. However, the limb salvage rate was even between HD and NHD after adjustment for clinical characteristics. These results suggest that detection at the early stage of PAD may potentially improve the poor outcome. Pre-procedural inflammation status may also specifically affects the poor outcome in HD group.

Prognostic impact of baseline C-reactive protein levels on mortality after transcatheter aortic valve implantation.

To determine whether baseline C-reactive protein (CRP) levels can predict mortality after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI), we performed a meta-analysis of currently available studies. All studies investigating the prognostic impact of baseline (preprocedural) CRP levels on all-cause mortality after TAVI were identified by means of searching PubMed and Google Scholar through May 2019. For each study, (preferentially, adjusted rather than unadjusted) odds/hazard ratios (ORs/HRs) with corresponding 95% confidence intervals of mortality per standard-deviation (SD) (or unit) increase in CRP levels or those for high vs low CRP levels. Our search identified 14 eligible studies including a total of 3449 patients undergoing TAVI and reporting early (in-hospital to 3-month) and midterm (1-year to 3-year) all-cause mortality after TAVI. Pooled analyses demonstrated associations of high-baseline CRP levels with a marginal, but statistically nonsignificant increase in early mortality (pooled OR/HR per SD increase in CRP levels, 2.72; P = .09 and pooled OR/HR for high vs low CRP levels, 3.32; P = .07) and a statistically significant increase in midterm mortality after TAVI (pooled OR/HR per SD increase in CRP levels, 1.45; P < .0001 and pooled OR/HR for high vs low CRP levels, 1.78; P < .00001). Excluding HRs for high-sensitivity CRP, combining ORs/HRs of 1-year mortality, pooling HRs of ≥2-year mortality, and combining adjusted HRs did not alter the primary results. High-baseline CRP levels may predict increased midterm, but not early, mortality after TAVI.

Role of Pre-procedural C-reactive Protein Level in the Prediction of Major Adverse Cardiac Events in Patients Undergoing Percutaneous Coronary Intervention: a Meta-analysisof Longitudinal Studies

Numerous studies have reported the relation between pre-procedural C-reactive protein (CRP) levels and the risk of major adverse cardiac events (MACEs) in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). However, the results across the studies were inconsistent. The aim of this study was to evaluate the predictive effect of pre-procedural CRP levels and the risk of MACEs in patients undergoing PCI. Longitudinal studies on the association between pre-procedural CRP levels and MACEs were identified by electronic and manual searches. Summary risk ratios (RRs) and 95 % confidence intervals (CI) were calculated employing an inverse variance random-effects model irrespective of between-study heterogeneity. Thirty-three studies involving 34,367 patients with 4119 MACEs were included in this study. High CRP level was associated with increased incidences of MACEs, all-cause death, myocardial infarction, coronary revascularization, and clinical restenosis, with pooled RRs of 1.97 (95 % CI, 1.65, 2.35), 2.88 (95 % CI, 2.15, 3.86), 1.81 (95 % CI, 1.48, 2.21), 1.31 (95 % CI, 1.11, 1.56), and 1.45 (95 % CI, 1.07, 1.96), respectively. Dose-response analysis showed that every 1 mg/L increment in pre-procedural serum CRP level was associated with a significant 12 % increase in the risk of MACEs. In spite of heterogeneity across the included studies, this meta-analysis suggests that pre-procedural serum CRP level is a valuable predictor of MACEs in patients undergoing PCI.

Lipoprotein(a), Interleukin‐10, C‐Reactive Protein, and 8‐Year Outcome After Percutaneous Coronary Intervention

This prospective study investigated the association between preprocedural biomarker levels and incident major adverse cardiac events (MACE) in complex patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with sirolimus-eluting stenting. Lipoprotein(a) (Lp[a]), interleukin-10 (IL-10), and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (CRP) have long-term prognostic value in patients undergoing PCI. Between April 2002 and February 2003, 161 patients were included in the study. Blood was drawn before the procedure, and biomarkers were measured. Patients were followed-up for MACE (death, nonfatal myocardial infarction, and repeat revascularization). Cox proportional hazard models were used to determine risk of MACE for tertiles of biomarkers. Both 1-year and long-term follow-up (median, 6 years; maximum, 8 years) were evaluated. Mean age was 59 years, and 68% were men. During long-term follow-up, 72 MACE occurred (overall crude cumulative incidence: 45% [95% confidence interval (CI): 37%-52%]). Lp(a) was associated with a higher 1-year risk of MACE, with an adjusted hazard ratio (HR) of 3.1 (95% CI: 1.1-8.6) for the highest vs the lowest tertile. This association weakened and lost significance with long-term follow-up. IL-10 showed a tendency toward an association with MACE. The 1-year HR was 2.1 (95% CI: 0.92-5.0). Long-term follow-up rendered a similar result. The association of CRP with MACE did not reach statistical significance at 1-year follow-up. However, CRP was associated with long-term risk of MACE, with an HR of 1.9 (95% CI: 1.0-3.5). In this prospective study, preprocedural Lp(a) level was associated with short-term prognosis after PCI. The preprocedural CRP level was associated with long-term prognosis after PCI.

C-Reactive Protein and the Risk of Contrast-Induced Acute Kidney Injury in Patients Undergoing Percutaneous Coronary Intervention

Background: The relationship between preprocedural C-reactive protein (CRP) levels and the incidence of contrast-induced acute kidney injury (CI-AKI) is unknown. Methods: Documents of 7,310 consecutive patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) were screened. Patients with acute myocardial infarction, cardiogenic shock, concomitant inflammatory conditions or undergoing CABG within 48 h were excluded due to potential confounding effects. Results: A total of 4,522 patients were valid for analysis. The median follow-up was 26 months (interquartile range 20–33 months). According to preprocedural CRP values, patients were divided into 3 groups: group 1: CRP <1.0 mg/l (n = 1,523); group 2: 1.0 mg/l ≤ CRP ≤ 3.0 mg/l (n = 1,626); group 3: CRP >3.0 mg/l (n = 1,373). Patients with higher preprocedural CRP levels were associated with a significantly increased rate of CI-AKI (10.6 vs. 14.9 vs. 23.5%, p < 0.0001). After adjustment for baseline covariates, CRP level was still an independent predictor for the incidence of CI-AKI, either as a continuous variable or a categorical variable. Patients with higher CRP values had a significantly higher rate of all-cause mortality and myocardial infarction during follow-up. Conclusion: Elevated preprocedural CRP is associated with an increased risk for CI-AKI in patients undergoing PCI. Preprocedural risk stratification with CRP as an adjunct to established clinical risk factors might be useful.

Prognostic values of C-reactive protein levels on clinical outcome after endovascular therapy in hemodialysis patients with peripheral artery disease

Endovascular therapy (EVT) has been widely performed for peripheral artery disease. However, the high restenosis rate after EVT remains a major problem in patients on hemodialysis. Recent studies suggest that C-reactive protein (CRP) reflects vascular wall inflammation and can predict adverse events. We evaluated the possible prognostic values of CRP on outcomes in hemodialysis patients undergoing EVT. A total of 234 hemodialysis patients undergoing EVT for peripheral artery disease were enrolled and followed-up for up to 5 years. They were divided into tertiles according to serum CRP levels (lowest tertile, < 1.4 mg/L; middle tertile, 1.4-6.0 mg/L; highest tertile, ≥ 6.0 mg/L). We analyzed the incidence of any reintervention or above-ankle amputation of the limb index (RAO) and any-cause death. Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that the event-free rate from the composite end point of RAO and any-cause death for 5 years was 60.2% in the lowest tertile, 50.0% in the middle tertile, and 25.1% in the highest tertile (P < .0001). The survival rate from any-cause death for 5 years was 81.5% in the lowest tertile, 65.2% in the middle tertile, and 59.3% in the highest tertile (P = .0078). Even after adjusting for other risk factors at baseline, preprocedural CRP levels were a significant predictive factor for RAO and any-cause death after EVT in a multivariable Cox analysis. Elevated preprocedural serum CRP levels were associated with RAO and any-cause death after EVT in hemodialysis patients with peripheral artery disease.

Long-Term Prognostic Value of Preprocedural C-Reactive Protein After Drug-Eluting Stent Implantation

C-reactive protein (CRP) elevation is associated with an adverse cardiovascular prognosis after bare metal stent implantation. Data have suggested a similar association between preprocedural CRP and adverse events after drug-eluting stent (DES) implantation. The present study was designed to address whether such a relation exists after DES placement. After excluding patients presenting with an acute coronary syndrome with troponin I elevation, we analyzed the data from 936 consecutive patients who had undergone DES implantation from 2003 to 2007 and had a preprocedural CRP measurement. The patients were divided into 3 groups according to the preprocedural CRP level (<1.31, 1.31-3.76, and >3.76 mg/L). The primary end point was the composite of death and Q-wave myocardial infarction (QWMI) at 2 years of follow-up. Target vessel revascularization was also assessed. The rate of death/QWMI was not significantly different statistically among the CRP tertiles during the in-hospital period (0.6% vs 0.0% vs 0.6%, p = 0.5) or at 1 year of follow-up (1.9% vs 2.9% vs 4.5%, p = 0.2). At 2 years, death/QWMI had occurred in 2.9% of patients in the lowest, 5.2% in the middle, and 8.8% in the highest tertile (p = 0.006). The incidence of target vessel revascularization was similar in the 3 groups at 2 years of follow-up (13.2% vs 14.9% vs 16.9%, p = 0.5). On multivariate analysis, the upper tertile of CRP was an independent predictor of death/QWMI at 2 years (hazard ratio 2.5, 95% confidence interval 1.1 to 5.4, tertile 3 vs tertile 1, p = 0.006). In conclusion, high preprocedural CRP levels are associated with an increased risk of death and QWMI after DES implantation at long-term follow-up but not acutely. The CRP levels were not related to target vessel revascularization. Thus, an elevated CRP level in this population appears to be more of a marker of global cardiovascular risk than a predictor of post-DES-related complications.

Preprocedural Statin Therapy to Prevent Myocardial Damage in Percutaneous Coronary Intervention

Multiple landmark clinical trials have demonstrated the beneficial effects of statin therapy for primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease, but the exact timing of how early to treat relative to acute presentation has been less clear. The benefits of statin in cardiovascular disease can be explained not only by their lipid-lowering potential but also by non-lipid-related mechanisms, called pleiotropic effects. Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) can result in myocardial injury that is reflected by an increase in creatine kinase-MB and troponin I isoenzymes with worsened long-term prognosis following PCI. Observational studies suggested that pretreatment with statins might reduce the incidence of myocardial infarction after coronary intervention and prevent myocardial injury. Thus, several randomized controlled trials were conducted. They showed that pretreatment with statin before elective PCI reduces periprocedural myocardial injury in patients with stable angina. Moreover, short-term high-dose statin administration before coronary procedures also improves clinical outcome in patients with acute coronary syndromes and/or high preprocedural C-reactive protein levels. Thus, this evidence strongly supports routine utilization of high-dose statins as adjuvant pharmacological therapy before percutaneous coronary revascularization.

Prognostic Values of C-Reactive Protein Levels on Clinical Outcome After Implantation of Sirolimus-Eluting Stents in Patients on Hemodialysis

Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) using drug-eluting stents significantly reduces the risk of restenosis in the general population. However, in patients on hemodialysis, adverse cardiac events are frequently seen even if treated with drug-eluting stents. Recent studies suggest that C-reactive protein (CRP) reflects vascular wall inflammation and can predict adverse cardiac events. We evaluated possible prognostic values of CRP on outcomes in patients on hemodialysis undergoing PCI with drug-eluting stents. A total of 167 patients undergoing PCI with sirolimus-eluting stents for stable angina (322 lesions) were enrolled. They were divided into tertiles according to serum CRP levels. We analyzed the incidence of major adverse cardiovascular events including cardiovascular death, nonfatal myocardial infarction, and target lesion revascularization after PCI as well as quantitative coronary angiographic data. The mean follow-up was 31 months (SD, 14). Major adverse cardiac events occurred in 11 patients (19.6%) of the lowest tertile, in 22 patients (39.3%) of the middle tertile, and in 28 patients (50.9%) of the highest tertile during follow-up period (P=0.0009). There was a progressive increase in neointimal growth after sirolimus-eluting stent implantation during follow-up because preprocedural CRP levels were higher, despite similar angiographic data just after PCI. Angiographic restenosis at 6 to 8 months after PCI was seen in 10.6% in the lowest tertile, 17.9% in the middle tertile, and 32.0% in the highest tertile (P=0.0007). Increased preprocedural serum CRP levels would predict higher major adverse cardiac events and restenosis rates after sirolimus-eluting stents implantation in patients on hemodialysis.

Pre-procedural C-reactive protein levels and clinical outcomes after percutaneous coronary interventions with and without abciximab: pooled analysis of four ISAR trials

Objective: To assess the prognostic value of the baseline C-reactive protein (CRP) level in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) after pre-treatment with 600 mg of clopidogrel and whether there...

Association between C-reactive protein and angiographic restenosis after bare metal stents: an updated and comprehensive meta-analysis of 2747 patients

Previous studies have shown conflicting results about the relationship between baseline C-reactive protein (CRP) and restenosis after stenting with bare metal stent (BMS). We assessed the association between serum CRP and angiographic restenosis after BMS by meta-analysis. Studies that reported basal serum CRP levels, above a prespecified cutoff value, before BMS deployment were included. An inverse random weighted meta-analysis was performed by entering the logarithm of the odds ratio (OR) of angiographic restenosis with its standard error for each study. Nine studies enrolling 2747 patients were selected. CRP threshold value was around 3 mg/l in three studies, 5 mg/l in four studies, and 6.98 and 10 mg/l in one study. Follow-up duration was 6.2+/-3.0 (mean+/-S.D.) months. Higher preprocedural CRP levels were a significant predictor of angiographic restenosis: OR 1.59, 95% confidence interval 1.21-2.07, P=.001. Heterogeneity was found: chi2 14.47, P=.07; I2=44.7%. Publication bias was also detected (P=.01, Egger's test). A sensitivity analysis, after excluding each study in turn, confirmed the predictive value of higher CRP levels, in agreement with the results of the main analysis. Among patients with coronary artery disease, undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention with BMS, higher baseline CRP levels are associated with higher risk of angiographic restenosis. A targeted therapeutic approach to patients with high baseline CRP, based on statins, oral corticosteroids, or PPAR gamma agonists, or selective use of drug-eluting stents, aiming at abating the higher risk of in-stent restenosis should be considered.

Preprocedural C-Reactive Protein Levels Predict Stroke and Death in Patients Undergoing Carotid Stenting

Elevated baseline levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) are associated with an adverse outcome during coronary stent placement. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether preprocedural CRP levels also are predictive of stroke and death in patients undergoing carotid stent placement (CAS). We reviewed data prospectively collected from 130 patients (97 men, 33 women; mean age, 68.5 +/- 10.1 years; range, 43-89 years) who underwent CAS for symptomatic carotid stenosis and from whom preprocedural CRP values had been obtained. A CRP value of >5 mg/L was considered to be elevated. The frequency of stroke and death within 30 days was compared between patients with and without elevated baseline CRP levels using chi(2) and multivariate logistic regression analysis. Baseline CRP values were normal in 94 (72.3%) patients but were elevated in 36 (27.7%) patients. The demographic and clinical characteristics were similar in both treatment groups. The 30-day stroke and death rate was significantly higher in patients with elevated CRP values (8/36; 22.2%) than in those without (3/94; 3.2%; P < .01). After adjusting for demographic characteristics, degree of carotid stenosis, and use of cerebral protection devices and/or statin therapy, an elevated CRP value before CAS remained a significant and independent predictor of stroke and death within 30 days after CAS (odds ratio, 7.7; 95% confidence interval: 1.8-32.8, P = .006). Baseline CRP is a powerful predictor of outcome in patients undergoing CAS, which underscores the role of inflammation in the pathogenesis of embolic complications during this procedure.

Asociación entre la concentración plasmática de proteína C reactiva y el volumen de hiperplasia neointimal en pacientes tratados con implante de stent liberador de zotarolimus. Análisis volumétrico con ecografía intracoronaria tridimensional

C-reactive protein (CRP) is an inflammatory marker that predicts cardiac events in patients with coronary syndromes. However, data on the relationship between the CRP level and in-stent restenosis are contradictory. The objective of this study was to investigate the relationship between the basal CRP level and the neointimal hyperplasia volume measured by intracoronary ultrasound 4 months after implantation of a zotarolimus-eluting stent. The study included 40 consecutive patients who underwent zotarolimus-eluting stent implantation. Patients were divided into quartiles according to their preprocedural CRP level. Intracoronary ultrasound was performed after stent implantation and at 4 months, and the neointimal hyperplasia volume was determined using Simpson's rule. Correlation and linear regression analyses were used to evaluate the relationships between variables. Multivariate analysis was used to identify variables that were independently related to neointimal hyperplasia volume. The patients' mean age was 58 (8) years, 55% were male, and 40% had diabetes mellitus. There was no difference in baseline characteristics between the quartiles. The hyperplasia volumes were 4.8 (4.2) microl and 15.8 (10.0) microl in the first and fourth quartiles, respectively (P< .001). There was a significant positive correlation between the CRP level and neointimal hyperplasia volume (r = 0.64, P=.0001). The CRP level, the postimplantation lumen volume, and the final deployment pressure were all independent predictors of neointimal hyperplasia. In this study, an independent correlation was observed between the CRP level before zotarolimus-eluting stent implantation and the neointimal hyperplasia volume at 4-month follow-up.

Preprocedural C-reactive protein levels predict myocardial necrosis after successful coronary stenting in patients with stable angina

Myocardial necrosis as assessed by cardiac troponin elevation occurs frequently after coronary stenting and is associated with adverse clinical outcome. Mechanical factors have been implicated in this complication and the role of systemic inflammation is not known. We prospectively studied 208 patients with chronic stable angina who underwent elective coronary stenting. All patients had normal troponin levels before the procedure. Blood samples for high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (CRP) were obtained before the procedure and analyzed using a high-sensitivity kit. Cardiac troponin T (cTnT) was obtained 24 hours after the procedure. Postprocedural cTnT elevations were observed in 46 (22%) patients. There were 11 (16%), 14 (20%), and 21 (30%) patients with elevated postprocedural cTnT in the first, second, and third CRP tertile, respectively (P for trend = .045). In a multivariate logistic regression model, adjusting for all the significant univariate predictors and for statin therapy, CRP remained a significant independent predictor of postprocedural cTnT elevation with an odds ratio of 2.6 in patients in the third CRP tertile compared with patients in the first CRP tertile (95% CI 1.1-6.0, P = .02). Patients in the third CRP tertile also had higher cTnT elevations compared with patients in the first and second CRP tertile (P = .03). Elevated baseline CRP levels are associated with higher risk of postprocedural troponin elevations in patients with stable angina undergoing uncomplicated coronary stenting. These results underscore the role of systemic inflammation in the pathogenesis of periprocedural myocardial injury.

The prognostic value of preprocedual serum C-reactive protein in patients undergoing elective coronary intervention

目的 评价稳定性冠心病患者行冠状动脉介入手术前C-反应蛋白(CRP)检测对术后12个月预后的预测价值.方法术前测定236例行择期冠状动脉介入治疗患者的基础血清C-反应蛋白浓度,将患者分为CRP＜3.0 mg/L组(正常组,131例)和CRP≥3.0 mg/L组(异常组,105例),随访、记录和分析患者行冠状动脉介入治疗术后12个月内心血管事件(死亡、心肌梗死、心绞痛和再次血运重建术等)发生率.结果236例患者中有105例(44%)术前CRP异常(大于3 mg/L),异常组患者年龄大,吸烟者多,血脂亦高于CRP正常者(P＜0.05),而正常组更多患者使用他汀类药物(P＜0.05).死亡、心肌梗死以及因急性冠脉综合征行急诊冠脉血流重建术发生率异常组明显高于正常组(P＜0.05),非急诊血流重建术两组相似(P＞0.05).结论术前C-反应蛋白水平可以预测术后心血管事件的发生,术前C-反应蛋白水平升高者,术后12个月内不良心血管事件的发生明显增加,提示术前炎症反应的活性影响晚期临床结果。

Combined periprocedural evaluation of CRP and TNF-α enhances the prediction of clinical restenosis and major adverse cardiac events in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary interventions

To assess the value of serial C-reactive protein (CRP), serum amyloid A (SAA), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and interleukin-10 (IL-10) evaluation in the risk stratification in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention. The study was designed as a prospective cohort trial with a 1-year follow-up. Eighty patients (70 with stable angina, 10 with unstable angina) were enrolled. Blood samples were collected before the procedure and after 6 and 24 h, and 1 month. Clinical follow-up visits were performed (*with exercise test) 7 days* and 1*, 3, 6* and 12 months after the procedure. Any symptoms of restenosis were verified angiographically. Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified increased preprocedural TNF-alpha and CRP levels and elevated CRP concentrations evaluated 24 h after the procedure as significant predictors of both clinical restenosis and major adverse cardiac events (MACE), while high SAA values at 24 h accurately predicted clinical restenosis. Patients, who were in the highest tertile of, either, baseline TNF-alpha and/or baseline CRP/CRP at 24 h, were more prone to develop restenosis and MACE than stratified only on the basis of a single marker. Our data indicate that combined analysis of CRP and TNF-alpha might be an effective approach to the clinical restenosis and MACE prediction. Additionally, long-term outcome is markedly influenced by the periprocedural activation of inflammation.

The relation between preprocedural C-reactive protein levels and early and late complications in patients with acute myocardial infarction undergoing interventional coronary angioplasty.

Inflammation is an important feature of arteriosclerotic disease, and the vulnerability of coronary plaques in acute myocardial infarction (AMI) may be related to the levels of serum C-reactive proteins (CRP). While some risk factors for early and late complications have been suggested, an accurate and definitive preprocedural risk stratification of patients undergoing percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) is still lacking. The study was undertaken to investigate whether early and late complications after PTCA could be predicted by evaluation of baseline serum CRP levels in patients with AMI. Levels of serum CRP were measured in a total of 230 patients with AMI undergoing PTCA and provisional stent. They were divided into two groups: Group 1 (n = 48) with elevated CRP levels (> or = 5 mg/l) and Group 2 (n = 182) with normal CRP levels (< 5 mg/l). There were no significant differences in baseline clinical, angiographic, and procedural characteristics between the two groups. However, the incidence of in-hospital adverse coronary events (reinfarction, coronary reocclusion, target vessel revascularization, and death) and severe left ventricular dysfunction was significantly higher in Group 1 (18.3 vs. 6.1%, p < 0.05 and 20.9 vs. 6.1%, p < 0.05, respectively). In addition, bailout stenting was performed more frequently in Group 1 than in Group 2 (60.4 vs. 36.3%, p < 0.005). No significant late complications were noted. The serum levels of CRP were the only independent predictors of early adverse events. Preprocedural serum CRP level might be considered a powerful predictor of early but not late complications in patients undergoing PTCA/stent procedures.