Long-term prognostic value of C-reactive protein in unstable angina

Background

C-reactive protein (CRP) has been consistently correlated with cardiovascular events in patient with unstable angina (Biasucci LM etal: Circulation 1999, 99:855-860) and even in healthy individuals.

Objective

To analyze the relationship between CRP levels in patients hospitalized due to unstable angina and major adverse cardiac events during a 2-year follow up.

Population and method

We prospectively studied 22 consecutive patients admitted to our Coronary Care Unit between October 1997 and December 1997, and who had at least two CRP measurements. Admission and highest values were selected for statistical analyses. Follow up was made through phone calls to patients, relatives or assistant physicians, and end-points were death or readmission due to cardiovascular events. Patients were divided in two subgroups according to a CRP level cutoff ≤ 1 mg%. Survival free of events was analyzed by Kaplan-Meyer method, and log-rank test was applied for comparison between curves.

Results

See Table.

Table

Conclusion

Elevated CRP levels in patients admitted due to unstable angina can predict cardiovascular prognosis during a 2-year follow up. As only highest values correlated with worst outcomes, it seems reasonable that two or more measurements should be done during hospitalization.