C-reactive protein and acute coronary syndrome: comparison of conservative and interventional management.

BACKGROUND

Inflammation plays a key role in the initiation and progression of atherosclerosis, the most common cause of acute coronary syndrome. C-reactive protein (CRP) that enhances plaque inflammation is synthesized six hours after myocardial infarction.

METHODS

High sensitivity C-reactive protein was measured by Immunoturbiditory method in 50 healthy controls and 100 patients of acute coronary syndrome on conservative or interventional management.

RESULTS

Serum C-reactive protein levels [mg/L +/- SEM] at the time of admission were significantly raised in patients of acute coronary syndrome (11.90 +/- 2.30) as compared to controls (2.30 +/- 0.18) and further increased progressively during 24 hours of follow up period. C-reactive protein levels also increased significantly in patients who underwent interventional management (115.90 +/- 7.73) as compared to those who were on conservative management (22.28 +/- 5.54).

CONCLUSION

Serum C-reactive protein levels were found to be significantly raised in patients with acute coronary syndrome as compared to controls. In addition, patients undergoing interventional management had higher C-reactive protein levels, post intervention, as compared to those on conservative management.