Elevated C-reactive protein levels are associated with endothelial dysfunction in chronic cocaine users.

OBJECTIVE

To examine the relationship of the serum C-reactive protein (CRP) and endothelial function and their associations with coronary artery calcification, lipid profile and cardiac changes.

METHODS

The analyses for serum lipids and CRP, echocardiography, spiral computed tomography scans and endothelial function assay were performed in 53 participants with a history of chronic cocaine use.

RESULTS

There were no statistically significant differences in demographic characteristics and drug use between CRP normal (<1.9 mg/l) and abnormal groups. The brachial artery diameter percentage changes in the third scan (immediately after deflation of cuff) and the fourth scan (90 s after deflation of cuff) were significantly associated with the CRP levels (the third: beta=-0.054, S.E.=0.027; P=0.028; the fourth: beta=-0.065, S.E.=0.026; P=0.016). The multiple regression models showed that CRP was the only significant predictor of artery diameter changes (%) in these two scans. The CRP abnormal group had more coronary artery calcification (calcium scores >5, 16.7 vs. 0%; P=0.036) and more cardiac diastolic dysfunction expressed as deceleration time >240 ms (16.7 vs. 0%; P=0.036).

CONCLUSIONS

Elevated serum CRP levels are associated with endothelial dysfunction, coronary artery calcification and cardiac diastolic dysfunction in chronic cocaine users.