Variation In C-reactive Protein Research Articles

Intraindividual variability over time in plasma biomarkers of inflammation and effects of long-term storage

Systemic measures of chronic inflammation, often based on a single blood draw, are frequently used to study the associations between inflammation and chronic diseases such as cancer. However, more information is needed on the measurement error in these markers due to laboratory error, within-person variation over time, and long-term storage. We investigated the intraindividual variability of inflammation markers C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and soluble tumor necrosis factor receptors I and II (sTNFRI and II) in a subsample of the Seattle Barrett's esophagus study cohort. Two fasting blood samples were collected between 1995 and 2009 from 360 participants on average 1.8 years apart. CRP, IL-6, and sTNF receptor levels were measured by immunonephelometry, ELISA, and multiplex assays, respectively. Intra- and inter-batch coefficients of variation (CV) were estimated using blinded pooled samples within each batch. Intraclass correlations (ICCs) were computed using random effects ANOVA. Intra- and inter-batch CVs for the pooled plasma aliquots were low (2.4-8.9 %), suggesting little laboratory variability. Reliability over time was excellent for sTNF receptors (ICCsTNF-RI = 0.89, ICCsTNF-RII = 0.85) and fair-to-good for CRP and IL-6 (ICCCRP = 0.55, ICCIL-6 = 0.57). For samples stored for over 13 years, the ICCs for CRP and IL-6 were decreased but those for sTNF receptors were unaffected. sTNF receptor levels are more stable within person over time than CRP or IL-6. Long-term storage of samples appears to increase the variability of CRP and IL-6 measures, while the reliability of soluble TNF receptor measures was not affected by storage time.

Elevated Plasma B-type Natriuretic Peptide and C-reactive Protein Levels in Children with Restrictive Right Ventricular Physiology Following Tetralogy of Fallot Repair

This study aimed to compare the levels of plasma B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) and C-reactive protein (CRP) in relation to oxygen transport between patients with restrictive right ventricle (rRV) and those without (non-rRV) early after tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) repair. Eighty patients (30 in the rRV group) underwent TOF repair in 2011 and 2012. BNP and CRP were repeatedly measured during postoperative day (POD) 7, along with oxygen transport variables including arterial and superior vena cava oxygen saturation (SaO2 and SvO2 ), oxygen extraction ratio (ERO2 ), and lactate. Demographic data included age and durations of cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB), aortic cross-clamping (ACC), mechanical ventilation, and ICU and hospital stays. During POD 7, BNP did not change in either of the two groups but was consistently higher in the rRV group (P < .0001). CRP increased from POD 1 to POD 2 and decreased thereafter. The decrease was slower in the rRV group (P = .04). The increase in SvO2 and the decrease in ERO2 were slower in the rRV group (P < .05). Lactate decreased in both groups (P < .05) but was consistently higher in the rRV group (P = .03). BNP was negatively correlated with SvO2 and preoperative SaO2 and positively correlated with ERO2 and lactate (P < .05). No correlation was found between CRP and oxygen transport variables. The rRV group was older and required longer CPB, ACC, mechanical ventilation, and ICU and hospital stays compared with the non-rRV group (P < .05 for all). rRV physiology is associated with significantly higher BNP and CRP levels with poorer balance of systemic oxygen transport. Information about these pathophysiological changes may help to identify appropriate treatment strategies in this difficult group of patients.

Variants in C-reactive protein and IL-6 genes and susceptibility to obstructive sleep apnea in children: a candidate-gene association study in European American and Southeast European populations

BackgroundPreliminary evidence indicates that variants of the C-reactive protein (CRP) and IL-6 genes might be associated with the presence of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in childhood. Thus a candidate-gene association study was conducted to investigate the association of four variants of the CRP gene (1444C/T, −717T/C, 1861C/T, and 1919A/T) and two variants of the IL-6 gene (−174G/C and 597G/A) with OSA in a cohort of European American and Greek children. MethodsThe genetic risk effects were estimated based on the odds ratio (OR) of the allele contrast and the generalized odds ratio (ORG), which is a model-free approach. The mode of inheritance was assessed using the degree of dominance index. The impact of haplotypes was also examined. ResultsIn the American population, the allele contrast and the model-free approach produced significant ORs for the CRP 1444C/T variant (OR, 3.82 [95% confidence interval {CI}, 1.91–7.63] and ORG, 4.37 [95% CI, 1.96–9.76]), respectively, and the mode of inheritance was recessiveness of allele T. Significance was also shown for the CRP 1919A/T variant (OR, 2.45 [95% CI, 1.23–4.85] and ORG, 2.76 [95% CI, 1.26–6.03]) with the mode of inheritance being nondominance of allele T. For the IL-6-174G/C variant, there was an indication of recessiveness of allele C. Finally, the IL-6-174C/IL-6 597A haplotype was associated with OSA. In the Greek population, no association was detected for any variant or haplotype. ConclusionsGenetic variation in the IL-6/CRP pathway was associated with increased risk for OSA in European American children and may account for the higher CRP levels in the context of pediatric OSA compared to Greek children.

The Relationship Between CRP Gene Polymorphism and the Serum Concentrations of C-Reactive Protein, Total Cholesterol and HDL Cholesterol in Suckling Piglets / Związek polimorfizmu genu CRP z koncentracją kodowanego białka C-reaktywnego, cholesterolu całkowitego i HDL-ch w surowicy krwi ssących prosiąt

AbstractThe relationship between CRP gene (1271 G/A, 3’UTR) polymorphism and the serum levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), total cholesterol (Ch-T) and high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-ch) was analysed in suckling crossbred [Polish Large White × Polish Landrace (♀) × × Duroc × Pietrain (♂)] piglets. CRP genotypes were identified by PCR-RFLP with Hinfi restriction enzyme. The levels of CRP, Ch-T, HDL-ch and white blood cell (WBC) counts were determined in blood samples collected from younger (21±3 days of age) and older piglets (35±3 days of age). There was a relationship between CRP gene (1271 G/A, 3’UTR) polymorphism and variations in the serum levels of CRP in piglets with normal WBC counts. The above relationship did not manifest itself in piglets with elevated WBC counts. The studied genotypes differed in their response to elevated WBC counts, and the noted differences were more pronounced in older piglets. The response of genotypes with weak CRP expression caused an increase in CRP levels and a decrease in the serum concentrations of Ch-T and HDL-ch. Such a response was not observed in the genotype with strong CRP expression.

AB0190 The influence of variation in c-reactive protein values on the das28 score

BackgroundThe Disease Activity Score in 28 joints (DAS28) is a scoring system used to measure the disease activity in patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA). A complex calculation based on four...

AB0646 Intra-articular level of c-reactive protein in diagnosis of prosthetic knee infection

BackgroundPeriprosthetic joint infection is a rare but potentially serious complication. In 2012, Parvizi et al. suggested intra-articular C-reactive protein (CRP) could be used as a diagnosis marker of periprosthetic joint...

Evaluation of mean platelet volume (MPV) levels in patients with synovitis associated with knee osteoarthritis

Platelet count, C-reactive protein (CRP) and neutrophile countings are markers those reflect the inflammatory response. Mean platelet volume (MPV) is a simple indicator of platelet size and has been known to be a marker of platelet activity. Some platelet markers, including MPV, have been investigated to have relation with inflammation. MPV is inversely correlated with inflammation in inflammatory bowel diseases, rheumatoid arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis, as shown in the previous studies. In this study, we aimed to investigate the levels of MPV in patients with synovitis of knee osteoarthritis. 147 patients diagnosed with synovitis associated to osteoarthritis, 191 patients with knee osteoarthritis, and 121 patients between the same age range who did not have joint complaints (control group), totally 459 participants were included to our study. MPV results of these groups were compared. We found a significant difference between the patient group with synovitis associated with osteoarthritis of knee and patients with knee osteoarthritis in MPV blood level (p < 0.0001), similarly a significant difference was found between the patient group with synovitis associated with osteoarthritis of knee and the control group (p < 0.0001). There was no significant difference between the knee osteoarthritis patient group and the control group (p = 0.78). We found a significant relation between MPV and ESR in the patient group with synovitis of osteoarthritis (p = 0.004). According to the Pearson correlation, it is found that there is a negative relationship between CRP and MPV variables in those of knee osteoarthritis patients. This correlation coefficient is statistically significant at the 10% level (p = 0.058). We could not find a relation between CRP and MPV in patients with the osteoarthritis group, but we found negative correlation (p = 0.65). Significant relationship was not found between ESR and MPV variables at the 10% level; the p value is 0.34. In the control group no correlation was found between CRP–MPV (p = 0.69) and ESR–MPV (p = 0.798). MPV levels may be beneficial in osteoarthritis with synovitis patients. MPV levels may be considered as a marker of inflammation but further comprehensive prospective trials are needed in osteoarthritis associated with synovitis patients.

Screening for surgical nosocomial infections by crossing databases

Surgical site infection (SSI) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality, and they are the third cause of nosocomial infections. It has been shown that surveillance can reduce the rate of these infections because the publication of the results that introduce a interrogation on her surgical pratices. However, surveillance requires considerable medical resources. Our objective is to validate a computer algorithm that uses microbiological results and the results of a C-reactive protein (CRP) assay and granulocyte count to detect SSIs. All patients who underwent colorectal surgery between the 1st of January and the 30th of June 2009 were included. Administrative, surgical and microbiological data and the appearance of neutrophilia and CRP after surgery and during hospitalization were collected. The algorithm uses four biological variables: CRP, neutrophils, and the bacterium found on the positive sample. The CRP and neutrophil variables were coded in 0 or 1. CRP was coded as 1 if the sample was below 5mg/l at the time of the operation and increased to more than 60mg/l in the 30 days immediately after post-operation. Neutrophils were coded as 1 if the sample was normal at the time of the operation and increased to more than 12,000cells/mm(3) in the 30 days immediately after post-operation. The "type of sample" and "bacterium" variables were coded in categories. For the type of sample, we coded 3 if the sampling site was related to the surgical site, 2 if the sampling site was potentially linked to the surgical site, 1 if the sampling site was not directly or indirectly related to the surgical site and 0 if there was no sample. Regarding the bacteria, we coded 3 for bacteria found in over 5% of SSIs, 2 for bacteria found in 2-5% of SSIs, 1 for bacteria found in less than 2% of SSIs and 0 if there were no bacteria. The algorithm calculates a score from 1 to 5. Our study included 195 operations, out of which it was possible to study 168. Following the operations, we found neutrophilia above 12,000cells/mm(3) in 41.5% of cases and CRP above 60mg/l in 64.6% of cases. Thirty-seven operations (22%) were complicated by an SSI. The positive predictive values and the negative predictive values in our algorithm were 74.07% and 87.94%, respectively, and the number of records that remain to be investigated is 27 out of 168. Linking databases from bacteriology and biology with those containing the hospital records of surgical procedures is a simple method for identifying surgical nosocomial infections.

Major Acute Phase Proteins in Pig Serum from Birth to Slaughter

Abstract Age-related changes in serum concentrations of C-reactive protein (CRP), haptoglobin (Hp), serum amyloid A (SAA), and pig major acute phase protein (pig-MAP) were investigated in healthy pigs from birth to slaughter under field conditions. Repeated blood samples were obtained from 60 pigs at ages of 1-19 weeks. Concentrations of acute phase proteins (APP) were measured with the use of commercial ELISA kits. Concentrations of all APP increased with age (P&lt;0.05) and positive correlations were evidenced between their concentrations and the age of pigs. Great variations in CRP, Hp, and SAA concentrations were found, as can been seen from standard deviation values. The minimal individual variability was found in regard to pig-MAP. A significant increase in all APP was observed in pigs’ serum after weaning, constituting an important characteristic of this period. The elevation of APP after weaning may be associated with stress induced by mixing animals after weaning or changes in the pattern of feed administration. The peak in APP may be also caused by the initiation of synthesis of these proteins by piglets. Because a significant association between age and APP concentrations exists, further studies are needed to decide whether the age may influence the diagnostic value of APP as a marker of infection. Additionally, studies are needed to estimate whether the APP response in infection is age-dependent to any clinical importance degree.

Within-Person Variability in High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein

To the Editor: C-reactive protein (CRP) is a marker of systemic inflammation and cardiovascular disease.1–3 Based on findings from recent clinical trials, CRP has been recommended as an adjunct screening tool to stratify cardiovascular risk in the general population4. However, evidence regarding within-person variability of CRP in the general population is limited. Short-term variability in CRP has important implications for its use an interpretation in clinical practice and research studies. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate the short-term, within-person variability in CRP measurements and to quantify the impact of repeat testing on CRP-based cardiovascular risk classification.

Intraindividual variability of C-reactive protein: The Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis

BackgroundThe intraindividual variability of C-reactive protein (CRP) remains uncertain. Although guidelines suggest stability of serial CRP values comparable to that of cholesterol measures, several studies indicate greater fluctuations of CRP. We sought to compare the intraindividual variability of CRP with that of cholesterol measures using the multi-ethnic study of atherosclerosis (MESA). MethodsCRP measurements were available in 760 MESA participants after exclusion of those with comorbidities or medications known to affect CRP or CRP≥10 mg/L. Serial values were available for 255 participants. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was quantified for CRP, total cholesterol (TC), and non-HDL-cholesterol (non-HDL-C) as the ratio of between-subject variance to the sum of between-subject and within-subject variance. Fluctuation between baseline and follow-up categories was calculated by cross-classifying participants according to baseline tertiles. ResultsThe multivariable-adjusted ICC of CRP was 0.62 (95% CI, 0.55–0.68), significantly lower than that of TC (0.75; 95% CI, 0.70–0.81; p = 0.001 vs CRP) and non-HDL-C (0.76; 95% CI, 0.71–0.81; p = 0.001 vs CRP). 51% of participants in the highest baseline CRP tertile had discordant values on follow-up, while 54% and 27% were discordant in the middle and lowest baseline CRP tertiles. Among participants with baseline CRP levels exceeding 3 mg/L, a clinical threshold for higher risk, 69% had subsequent measurements falling within a lower risk category. ConclusionsIn the MESA cohort, intraindividual variation of CRP was significantly greater than that for cholesterol measures. Our results suggest that further evaluation of CRP variability is needed in large prospective studies using shorter intervals between measurements.

Analysis of variability of high sensitivity C‐reactive protein in lowland ecuador reveals no evidence of chronic low‐grade inflammation

C-reactive protein (CRP) is a central component of innate immune defenses, and high sensitivity CRP has emerged as an important biomarker of chronic inflammation and cardiovascular disease risk. Prior analyses of CRP variability have reported stable between-individual differences in CRP over time, but a limitation of current knowledge is that it is based on research conducted in post-epidemiologic transition populations. This study evaluated CRP variability among adults in the southeastern region of the Ecuadorian Amazon where rates of infectious diseases remain high. Blood samples were collected from 52 adults at four weekly sampling intervals and were quantified using a high-sensitivity immunoassay. Median CRP concentration was 0.52 mg/l. About 34.6% of participants had CRP >3 mg/l at one time point, but no individuals had CRP >3 mg/l across two or more sampling intervals, and within-individual correlations revealed low levels of stable, between-individual differences in CRP. The application of current guidelines for the assessment of chronic inflammation failed to detect a single case of "high risk" CRP. This study is the first to investigate CRP variability in a nonindustrialized, high infectious disease environment. It documents a pattern of variation over time that is distinct from prior research, with no evidence for chronic low-grade inflammation. These results may have substantial implications for research on inflammation and diseases of aging globally, as well as for scientific understandings of the regulation of inflammation.

Contribution of gender and body fat distribution to inflammatory marker concentrations in apparently healthy young adults

This cross-sectional study assessed the potential contribution of gender, body fat distribution, and their interactions to some inflammatory marker concentrations [C-reactive protein (CRP), complement factor 3 (C3), and ceruloplasmin (Cp)] in young adults. Measurements included body composition, lifestyle features, blood biochemical and selected inflammatory markers on 317 healthy subjects [122 males/195 females; 22±3years; 22.1±2.8kg/m(2) (mean ± SD)]. Women had significantly higher CRP and Cp concentrations than men. No gender difference was noted in C3 concentrations. In a multivariate model of the whole sample, body fat (BF), waist circumference (WC) and the sex×WC interaction term presented the highest R (2) for variance of CRP (11%), C3 (2%), and Cp (12%), respectively. In regression models separated by sex, BF was the adiposity indicator that explained the variability of CRP in men (13%) and women (7%). WC was the only variable significantly associated with C3 concentrations in women (3%). BF presented the highest partial R (2) for Cp in men (8%) and WC in women (16%). Our findings indicate a relevant interaction between gender and body fat distribution on the variance of CRP, C3, and Cp concentrations in apparently healthy young adults.

The Role and Clinical Significance of High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein in Cardiovascular Disease

The Role and Clinical Significance of High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein in Cardiovascular Disease

Role of C-Reactive Protein When Prescribing a Statin

The clinical value of measuring C-reactive protein (CRP) to guide statin therapy is uncertain. It has no value in patients at high risk who would be treated regardless of CRP (eg, patients with coronary disease or of equivalent risk), in patients at low risk who do not warrant treatment, and those with other acute or chronic inflammatory conditions that amplify CRP. Drawbacks to the widespread clinical use of CRP include its small impact on risk prediction beyond other risk factors, and evidence from JUPITER and other trials that baseline CRP is unable to identify patients who obtain greater absolute benefits from statin therapy. Furthermore, the within-person variability of CRP is about the same as the reduction in CRP from intensive statin therapy, and this leads to many patients registering an increase in CRP with treatment. For these reasons, CRP has no clear role in determining who should receive statin therapy or for monitoring the success of treatment.

C-reactive protein and endothelial dysfunction: The clinicians should have in mind diurnal variations

We read the article by Forte et al. [1] that the increase in C-reactive protein (CRP) plasma levels across the coronary circulation is associated with a profound impairment in coronary endothelialdependent function, outlining a novel pathophysiological mechanism linking CRP to acute coronary syndrome (ACS). However, in the present article we saw an additional potential limitation of the study: the authors have not measured CRP during a 24-hour period. Clinicians have used additional tools to aid clinical assessment and to enhance their ability to identify the “vulnerable” patients at risk for cardiovasculardiseases. Circulating biomakers are one such tool used for identifying better high-risk individuals and to prognosticate effectively and treat patients with disease [2]. Circadian rhythms influence nearly every important physiologic process. The human cardiovascular system and cardiovasculardisease are influenced bycircadian rhythms. It is now evident that molecular circadian clocks play a role in the regulation of daily oscillations in cardiovascular function [3]. The existence of a circadian rhythm in the incidence of ACS suggests an association between physiological rhythms and the development of coronary events, with a peak along of day [4]. Moreover, experimental studies have shown that both immune cell number and immune functions may vary throughout the 24-hour circadian period [5]. Our group demonstrated that patients with ACS have daytime variations in serum CRP concentrations. Serum CRP values were significantly higher in the light phase (9:00 a.m.) when compared to the dark phase (2:00 a.m) [6]. In other study, Rudnicka et al. [7] described one of the largest cross-sectional studies of seasonal and diurnal fluctuations in fibrinogen, CRP, fibrin D-dimer, tissue plasminogen activator antigen, and von Willebrand factor in 9377 men and women aged 45 years. These investigators demonstrated that diurnal variations existed for these biomarkers. The amplitude of the diurnal variation for all analytes was greater than the seasonal variation. Moreover, recently Koc and colleagues describe measurements of CRP over a 24-hour cycle in 124 Turkish patients with and without coronary artery disease. They demonstrated a variation of CRP in patients with stable coronary artery disease at 6-hour intervals over a 24-hour period. Besides, they showed that the sampling time of CPR is important, because only midnight CRP measurements predicted severe coronary artery disease [8]. Several studies have shown diurnal variations in inflammatory systemic markers in patients with ACS. Diurnal variations can alter the analysis of blood-derived samples. Prior to the analysis of a blood sample, multiple steps are necessary to generate the desired specimen [9]. In summary, temporal variation is an important source of heterogeneity that may bias the analysis of epidemiologic studies and coronary artery disease risk prediction. The authors of this manuscript have certified that they comply with the Principles of Ethical Publishing in the International Journal of Cardiology (Shewan and Coats 2010; 144:1–2).

Obesity, inflammation and metabolic syndrome in Danish adolescents

To describe biomarkers of inflammation and markers related to the metabolic syndrome (MS) in healthy obese Danish adolescent and compare to a normal-weight group. Fifty-one obese and 30 normal-weight adolescents (12-15 years) were included. Anthropometry and blood pressure were measured, and blood was sampled. Obese adolescents had significantly higher blood pressure, insulin, homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance, C-peptide, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL), triglyceride, C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 and tumour necrosis factor alpha and lower high-density lipoprotein cholesterol values, compared with normal-weight adolescents, whereas there were no differences between the groups for glucose, free fatty acids or faecal calprotectin. Within the obese group insulin, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and CRP were positively associated with body mass index (BMI) Z-scores. The MS was present in 14% of obese adolescents. CRP was positively associated with most anthropometric measures within the obese group, and in multiple linear regression analysis both BMI Z-score and the sum of skin folds explained a considerable part (R(2) = 0.421) of the variation in CRP. Otherwise healthy Danish obese adolescents had marked low-grade inflammation, elevated biomarkers of the MS and high prevalence of the MS.

Increased systemic elastase and C-reactive protein in aggressive periodontitis (CLOI-D-00160R2)

The inflammatory mediators, serum elastase and C-reactive protein (CRP), are associated with an increased risk for coronary heart disease. Thus, the aim of this study is to compare systemic inflammatory mediators in periodontally healthy controls (C), patients with untreated aggressive (AgP) and chronic (ChP) periodontitis. C [periodontal pocket probing depth (PPD) <3.6 or <5 mm without bleeding (BOP), BOP < 10%], ChP (PDD ≥ 3.6 mm and probing attachment loss ≥5 mm at >30% of sites; age >35 years), and AgP (clinically healthy; PDD ≥ 3.6 mm at >30% of sites, bone loss ≥50% at ≥2 teeth; age ≤35 years) were examined clinically, and the body mass index was assessed. Blood was sampled for assessment of serum levels of elastase, CRP, lipopolysaccharide binding protein (LBP), interleukin (IL) 6, 8, and leukocyte counts. Thirty C, 31 ChP, and 29 AgP were analyzed. Elastase, CRP, LBP, and IL-6 levels were elevated in AgP compared to C (p < 0.013), whereas leukocyte counts and IL-8 were similar. Multiple regression analysis identified AgP (p < 0.001) and education level (p < 0.001) to explain 47% of the variation of elastase. AgP (p = 0.003), African origin (p = 0.006), female sex (p = 0.002), and BMI (p < 0.001) explained 39% of the variation of CRP. Serum elastase and CRP are significantly elevated in AgP compared to C. AgP patients exhibit a stronger systemic inflammatory burden than C patients.

Single-nucleotide polymorphisms at five loci are associated with C-reactive protein levels in a cohort of Filipino young adults

C-reactive protein (CRP) is a component of nonspecific immune defense and is a reliable marker of low-grade inflammation involved in obesity, type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Genome-wide association studies in middle-aged and elderly populations, predominantly of European descent, demonstrated associations of CRP levels with single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) at several loci. To examine whether the variants identified are replicated in Filipino young adults, we applied Tobit regression models to study the association of plasma CRP with 12 SNPs at seven loci in a cohort of 1691 Filipino young adults (aged 21.5±0.3 years) from the Cebu Longitudinal Health and Nutrition Survey. SNPs in or near CRP (P=3.2 × 10(-11)), HNF1A, IL6R, APOE-APOC1 and LEPR showed significant associations (P<0.05) and together explained 4.8% of the total variation in CRP. Modest interactions were observed between LEPR-rs1892534 and waist circumference (uncorrected P(interaction)=0.020) and between APOE-rs769449 and pathogen exposure (uncorrected P(interaction)=0.0073) in models predicting CRP. Our results demonstrated that variants in several loci are significantly associated with plasma CRP in Filipino young adults, suggesting shared genetic influences on circulating CRP across populations and age groups.

Influência das variáveis antropométricas na proteína C reactiva.

Obesity is a widespread and growing problem and one of metabolic syndrome (MS) components. In healthy populations, C reactive protein (CRP) is correlated with obesity measurements. To study in a population of patients with cardiac disease, if the correlation between CRP and MS variables is also maintained, and the relation between CRP and coronary artery disease (CAD). Study of 1231 patients admitted for an elective cardiac invasive procedure. We collected anthropometric measurements, CRP levels, as well as the other variables of MS. We compared groups according to body mass index distribution and correlation was performed between CRP and all other variables. The overall frequency of MS was 59%. CRP was significantly higher in obese patients, compared to normal and overweight patients. CRP was significantly correlated with all risk factors. The best correlations were obtained for waist circumference, body mass index and number of metabolic syndrome components. The best cut-off value of CRP to predict MS is 0.38 mg/dL. Risk factors, including obesity measures can only explain 3.3 - 3.5% of CRP variance. Gender was the best correlate, followed by HDL-cholesterol. From the anthropometric variables, only body mass index contributed to the variance. No significant association was found between CRP, MS and the presence of CAD. In patients with cardiac disease, we found a significant association between CRP, anthropometric variables and MS, however not as significant as previously described in healthy patients. The number of MS components was also an important influence for CRP.