Plasma fibrinogen level is related to intimal pathology in coronary spastic angina

Fibrinogen promotes atherosclerosis and thrombosis. To evaluate the possibility that plasma fibrinogen levels represent a marker of atherosclerosis or are a predictor of cardiac events in coronary spastic angina, we studied the relation between plasma fibrinogen values and coronary angioscopic findings. We measured plasma fibrinogen in 20 patients with coronary spastic angina, 19 patients with chronic stable angina and 22 control subjects. Percutaneous angioscopic examination was performed in the patients with coronary spastic angina at the site of vasospasm induced by acetylcholine and in those with chronic stable angina at the site of organic coronary stenosis. Fibrinogen levels were significantly higher in those with coronary spastic angina (308.4±83.0 mg/dl) and chronic stable angina (289.4±69.3 mg/dl) than in the controls (239.5±49.9 mg/dl) (p<0.01, coronary spastic angina vs control;p<0.05 chronic stable angina vs control). Angioscopy showed intimal injuries (hemorrhage, flap, thrombus and/or ulcer) in 9 of the 20 (45%) coronary spastic angina patients, and flap or ulcer in 2 of the 19 (11%) chronic stable angina patients. Hemorrhage and/or thrombus were shown in 6 of the 20 coronary spastic angina patients. In the coronary spastic angina group fibrinogen levels were significantly higher (p<0.05) in those with than without hemorrhage and/or thrombus (365.3±97.4 mg/dl vs. 238.9±65.4 mg/dl). These results suggest that elevated fibrinogen levels in patients with coronary spastic angina are associated with atherosclerosis and thrombus formation.     

Prognostic value of C-reactive protein and troponin T level in patients with unstable angina pectoris

OBJECTIVES: The prognosis of unstable angina pectoris may be more accurately predicted by the combination of C-reactive protein (CRP), which is a known inflammation marker, and troponin T (TnT), which is used for risk assessment for the prognosis of acute coronary syndrome. The present study investigated the correlations between pathophysiology and prognosis of severe unstable angina pectoris and CRP and TnT levels. METHODS: The correlation between CRP at admission and the prognosis was studied in 367 patients with severe unstable angina pectoris (Braunwald type II and III) who were admitted to our hospital between January 1998 and December 2000. The in-hospital and long-term prognosis was investigated in TnT-positive patients. In-hospital cardiac events were defined as death, myocardial infarction, heart failure and angina attacks during hospitalization. Long-term cardiac events were defined as death, myocardial infarction, heart failure and recurrence of angina. RESULTS: The incidence of in-hospital cardiac events in all patients was 30.2%. The CRP levels were higher in patients with cardiac events (0.97 +/- 2.67 vs 0.53 +/- 1.29 mg/d/, p = 0.057), but there was no significant difference between the two groups. The incidence of long-term cardiac events was 26.8%. The mean CRP level was significantly higher in patients with cardiac events than in patients without cardiac events (1.17 +/- 1.86 vs 0.43 +/- 1.14 mg/dl, p = 0.098). In TnT-positive patients (TnT > 0.1 ng/ml, 23% of all patients), the incidence of in-hospital cardiac events was 47.6% (p < 0.0001), significantly higher than that in all patients. TnT-positive patients with CRP levels of 0.5 mg/dl or higher (8% of all patients) had a markedly higher incidence of in-hospital cardiac events of 56.7% (p = 0.001) and long-term cardiac events of 46.7% (p = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: CRP levels were useful in prediction of the long-term prognosis. TnT levels were useful in prediction of in-hospital prognosis. The present study suggested the possibility that the combined use of these biological markers could predict the prognosis of patients with unstable angina at early stage and more accurately.     

C-Reactive Protein as a Pre-procedural Predictor of Early and Late Outcomes of Percutaneous Coronary Interventions

To examine the predictive value of pre-procedural CRP level in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) regardless of having unstable or stable angina pectoris or myocardial infarction. Blood sampling for CRP measurement in patients undergoing PCI: 116 consecutive patients who underwent single vessel PCI were evaluated. Exclusion criteria were multilesion PCI, total occlusion, left ventricular ejection fraction <30%, left bundle branch block and intercurrent inflammatory conditions known to be associated with an acute phase response. Major adverse coronary events (MACE) were defined as the occurrence of death, fatal or nonfatal myocardial infarction, and need for coronary artery revascularization with either bypass grafting or repeat angioplasty. End-points were assessed at hospital discharge, 30 days, 3 and 6 months following the index procedure. 62 (53%) patients had CRP levels <0.5 mg/dl, and 54 (47%) had >0.5 mg/dl. There were no significant difference in the occurrence of MACE in early in-hospital and 30 days follow up periods, between the two groups (0 vs. 5.5%) (p = ns) whereas the incidence of MACE after 3 months of the procedure was significantly different between the two groups (1.6 vs. 11%) (p < 0.05) and also after 6 months (9.5 vs 24.5%) (p < 0.05). The negative predictive value of CRP measurement is 98.4%. High levels of pre-procedural CRP show association with the higher incidence of MACE after 3 months of the follow-up period and negative CRP tests seems to have high predictive value to compare the patients who will be free of MACE after successful PCI.     

Comparison of C-reactive protein and terminal complement complex in patients with unstable angina pectoris versus stable angina pectoris

Elevated C-reactive protein (CRP) can identify patients with coronary artery disease who are prone to future acute events. We investigated whether elevated CRP is related to the activation of the terminal complement cascade in 66 patients with unstable angina pectoris (UAP), in 45 patients with stable angina pectoris, and in 42 controls. CRP, additional acute phase reactants, the terminal complement complex (sC5b-9), leukocytes, and troponin T were measured. In 47 patients with UAP the CRP values were regarded as elevated (>0.3 mg/dl). In patients with UAP and elevated CRP, the plasma levels of sC5b-9 were markedly higher than in patients with UAP and lower CRP (245 +/- 14 vs 188 +/- 19 ng/ml, p <0.02) and in patients with stable angina pectoris with slightly (0.4 +/- 0.1 mg/dl) increased CRP (sC5b-9 173 +/- 21 vs 130 +/- 7 ng/ml [controls; p <0.05]). A further acute phase reaction was present only in patients with UAP and elevated CRP already on admission (p <0.01). sC5b-9 was not related to troponin release. Thus, elevated CRP levels are associated with activation of the plaque destabilizating terminal complement system in patients with UAP during the acute phase reaction. This may explain the prognostic value of CRP in acute coronary syndromes (ACS).     

阿托伐他汀对急性冠状动脉综合征患者血清C反应蛋白的影响

目的探讨阿托伐他汀对急性冠状动脉综合征患者血清C反应蛋白的影响。方法选择急性冠状动脉综合征患者46人,随机分为阿伐他汀组和常规治疗组,阿伐他汀组在常规治疗的基础上加用阿托伐他汀每天40mg,常规治疗组采用常规治疗。分别于治疗前和治疗后两周测定血清C反应蛋白和血脂水平,比较其差异。结果46例急性冠状动脉综合征患者中,不稳定心绞痛17例,急性心肌梗死29例。血清C反应蛋白水平,心绞痛者为1.37±0.52 g/L,心肌梗死者为2.23±0.45 g/L,均高于正常对照组的0.30±0.22 g/L(P<0.05),心肌梗死患者较心绞痛者C反应蛋白升高显著(P<0.05)。阿托伐他汀治疗两周,血清C反应蛋白水平由1.88±0.45 g/L降至0.52±0.22 g/L,治疗前后相比有显著性差异(P<0.05)。常规治疗组血清C反应蛋白水平由1.85±0.50 g/L降至1.77±0.60 g/L,治疗前后相比无显著性差异(P>0.05)。结论C反应蛋白可能参与动脉粥样硬化的形成,短期使用阿托伐他汀即能明显降低急性冠状动脉综合征患者的血浆C反应蛋白水平,提示阿托伐他汀调脂作用之外还有抗炎作用。     

Interleukin-6 and E-selectin in acute coronary syndromes and stable angina pectoris

Objectives

The purpose of the study was to compare the serum levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6), E-selectin, and trans-fatty acids (TFA) between those with stable and unstable angina pectoris.

Methods

From September 2008 to March 2009, a case?Ccontrol study was performed at two university hospitals. We included 89 patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) including patients with myocardial infarction and those with unstable angina pectoris (case group) and 93 patients with stable angina pectoris (control group). The two groups were matched with respect to demographic characteristics and risk factors of cardiovascular diseases. Serum levels of IL-6 and E-selectin were measured using the enzyme linked immunosorbent assay, while TFA and lipoproteins were measured using gas chromatography and enzymatic methods, respectively.

Results

No significant differences between baseline characteristics of the two study groups were observed. Patients with stable angina had significantly higher serum levels of total cholesterol (187.0?±?3.7 vs. 171.6?±?4.2?mg/dl; p?=?0.009), low density lipoproteins (104.8?±?2.4 vs. 95.4?±?2.7; p?=?0.017), and TFA (1.41?±?0.47 vs. 1.24?±?0.69?mg/dl; p?=?0.047) compared to those with ACS. Serum levels of IL-6 were found to be significantly higher in those with stable angina compared to those with ACS (102.4?±?1.9 vs. 224.6?±?3.6; p?=?0.007). However, patients with ACS had higher levels of E-selectin (53.5?±?25.7 vs. 49.2?±?23.5???g/dl; p?=?0.52), but the difference did not reach statistical significance.

Conclusion

In the current study, inflammation as measured by IL-6 and E-selectin was not found to play an important role in progression of ischemic heart disease from stable angina to unstable angina or myocardial infarction, which is contrary to previous studies.     

急性心肌梗死与不稳定型心绞痛患者血栓前体蛋白和肌酸激酶的检测

为了解检测血栓前体蛋白对急性冠状动脉综合征转归的早期诊断价值 ,5 1例临床确诊冠心病患者分为不稳定型心绞痛和急性心肌梗死两组 ,采用酶联免疫吸附法检测各组血浆中血栓前体蛋白含量 ,采用干化学法同步检测患者血清磷酸肌酸激酶及其同工酶。结果发现 ,急性心肌梗死组 2 5例患者血栓前体蛋白均值为 9.9± 3.9mg L ,不稳定型心绞痛组 2 6例患者血栓前体蛋白均值为 2 .6± 1.7mg L ,前者明显升高 ,差别有显著性意义 (P <0 .0 1) ;急性心肌梗死组磷酸肌酸激酶均值为 5 95± 4 32u L ,磷酸肌酸激酶同工酶均值为 10 1± 74u L ,不稳定型心绞痛亚组磷酸肌酸激酶均值为 137± 4 0u L ,磷酸肌酸激酶同工酶均值为 10± 7u L ,前者亦明显升高 ,差别均有显著意义(分别为P <0 .0 5和P <0 .0 1)。结果提示 ,血栓前体蛋白对急性冠状动脉综合征具有早期诊断和鉴别价值     

Chlamydia pneumoniae exposure and inflammatory markers in acute coronary syndrome (CIMACS)

Previous studies have shown higher levels of Chlamydia pneumoniae (C. pneumoniae, CP) antibody titers (CPIgG), C-reactive protein (CRP), and fibrinogen in patients with coronary artery disease. The role of these infectious and inflammatory markers in precipitating acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is unclear. We conducted a cross-sectional study on patients (n = 830, mean age 63 +/- 15 years, 57% male) admitted to the chest pain center of our institution. The differences in the CPIgG, CRP, and fibrinogen levels in patients who were diagnosed with ACS versus those who were not (non-ACS) were evaluated. CPIgG titers tended to be higher in the ACS group than in the non-ACS group. However, when different titers were used to define seropositivity, the difference achieved statistical significance only at the titer of > or =1:1,024 (35% vs 26%, p = 0.004). CRP (median 0.48 vs 0.33 mg/dl, p <0.0001), fibrinogen (median 317 vs 293 mg/dl, p <0.0001), and leukocyte count (median 7.7 vs 6.9 10(9)/L, p <0.0001) were higher in the ACS group. On multivariate analysis, CPIgG > or =1:1,024 (odds ratio [OR] 1.62), diabetes (OR 1.91), hypertension (OR 1.46), prior myocardial infarction (OR 1.78), smoking (OR 1.70), Caucasian race (OR 1.7), high-density lipoprotein (OR 0.98), and elevated troponin-T (OR 12.44) were the only factors independently associated with ACS. Thus, we found a strong association between high level seropositivity to CP and ACS. This may indicate recent re-infection or an exaggerated immune response to CP as an etiologic factor for ACS. This study also suggests that therapeutic interventions may need to be specifically targeted to these patients.     

The effect of early statin treatment on inflammation and cardiac events in acute coronary syndrome patients with low-density lipoprotein cholesterol

We investigated the effects of atorvastatin on inflammation and cardiac events during the inpatient period and initial 6-month follow-up in acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients with low low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol level. One hundred and twelve consecutive ACS patients with LDL cholesterol less than 100 mg/dl were included in the study (mean 78.2 ± 12.3 mg/dl). While 70 randomly selected patients received a dose of 40 mg atorvastatin within the first 24 h on top of their standard treatment as the atorvastatin group, the remaining 42 patients considered as the control group were given the standard treatment only, i.e., without any lipid-lowering drug therapy. Lipid profile, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), and plasma amyloid A (SAA) levels were measured in all patients within the first 24 h of chest pain, on the 5th day, and in the 6th month. During the inpatient period and subsequent 6-month follow-up, all episodes of angina, reinfarction, revascularization, heart failure, rehospitalization, cardiac mortality, and total number of cardiac events were recorded. In the atorvastatin group, hsCRP and SAA values on the 5th day and in the 6th month compared to the first 24 h were significantly lower than those of the control group (P < 0.0001). Mean LDL cholesterol level was significantly decreased in the atorvastatin group (55.7 ± 17.7 mg/dl), but there was no significant change in the control group at the 6th month. The frequency of heart failure during the inpatient period and angina, unstable angina pectoris, heart failure, and revascularization in the first 6 months were also significantly reduced in the atorvastatin group. Atorvastatin started in the first 24 h reduces inflammation and improves the prognosis during both the inpatient period and the first 6 months of clinical follow-up in ACS patients with low LDL cholesterol levels.     

C-reactive protein as an independent marker of prognosis in acute coronary syndrome: comparison with troponin T

BACKGROUND: It has been suggested that inflammatory processes play a role in the pathogenesis of acute coronary syndromes (ACS). C-reactive protein (CRP) is a classic acute phase protein. It is yet unclear whether, in addition to established markers as troponin T (TnT), determination of CRP in patients admitted for ACS contributes significantly to the diagnosis and prognosis of ACS. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We investigated 50 patients with ACS (59.4 SD 13.9 years) in the first hour after admission and 4-24 h later with respect to TnT (Elecsys, Roche Diagnostics) and CRP (biokit, modified Quantex CRP plus, analytical sensitivity 0.02 mg/dL). Fifty percent of the patients were classified as having unstable angina retrospectively. All patients were followed in the 6 weeks post discharge regarding death and recurrent ACS. RESULTS: The cumulative event rate at 6 weeks after discharge was 62.5% for patients being CRP and TnT positive compared to 35.3% in TnT positive and CRP negative patients. In TnT negative patients a positive CRP test predicted 33.3% of events and 28.8% of patients negative for CRP and TnT had events at 42 days post discharge. Logistic regression analysis regarding the primary endpoint including TnT and CRP (4-24 h values), age, gender and diagnosis resulted in independent prediction of ACS or death by TnT (cutoff 0.1 microgram/L, p = 0.048, odds ratio = 7.5) and CRP (cutoff 0.862 mg/dL, p = 0.026, odds ratio = 5.3). Sensitivity/specificity for AMI diagnosis were 69.6%/75% for TnT and 12%/72% for CRP in the first hour and 91.3%/68.2% for TnT and 68%/72% for CRP 4-24 h later. CONCLUSIONS: Besides TnT, high sensitivity CRP determination has no additional value for early AMI diagnosis. The prognosis of these patients during the first 24 hours is significantly and independently predicted by CRP measurements in addition to troponin T.     

Acute myocardial infarction in young patients: nutritional status and biochemical factors

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to establish whether nutritional status and biochemical factors, C-reactive protein (CRP), serum amyloid A (SAA) protein, serum iron (Fe) and fibrinogen at admission were different in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) at a young age (<40 years) vs. those with AMI at an older age (>60 years). We also investigated whether during the stay in the hospital, the increase in acute-phase reactants was different in young vs. older subjects, and if dyslipidemic aspects were different between the two groups. METHODS: The study population consisted of 40 patients, all males with a mean age of 36.7+/-1.16 years, admitted to our facility with AMI. The control group included 40 patients, all males, mean age of 66.3+/-4.24 years, with AMI. CRP, SAA, Fe and fibrinogen were determined at admission to the hospital and daily for 7 days in the two groups of patients. RESULTS: In young patients the median value of the highest levels were 6.2 mg/l (range 0.7-27.30) for CRP, 13.22 mg/l (range 0.7-130) for SAA, 420 mg/dl (range 76-840) for fibrinogen and 49.1 gamma/ml (range 14-102) for Fe levels. In the older patients, the median value of the highest levels were 5.9 mg/l (range 0.6-28.30) for CRP, 12.12 mg/l (range 0.9-280) for SAA, 480 mg/dl (range 60-780) for fibrinogen and 47.1 gamma/ml (range 12-94) for Fe levels. CONCLUSIONS: In the present study, acute-phase reactants were quantitatively similar in young and old patients. On the contrary, nutritional status, homocysteine, LDL and triglycerides are significantly higher in young patients than in old patients.     

急性冠状动脉综合征患者血液凝固性加强

目的通过研究急性冠状动脉综合征患者凝血状态的变化,探讨急性冠状动脉综合征患者的发病与血栓前状态的关系,以期对危重冠心病患者及早作出诊断和治疗。方法选择急性冠状动脉综合征患者86例,对照组为稳定型心绞痛患者75例,以酶联免疫吸附法测定两组患者血浆凝血酶原片段1和2、可溶性纤维蛋白单体复合物等凝血分子标志物的含量并进行比较。结果急性冠状动脉综合征患者血浆凝血酶原片段1和2及可溶性纤维蛋白单体复合物较稳定型心绞痛患者均显著升高(1.21±0.23nmolL比0.76±0.20nmolL;85.4±12.4mgL比68.7±13.8mgL,P均<0.001)。急性冠状动脉综合征合并2型糖尿病时血浆凝血酶原片段1和2及可溶性纤维蛋白单体复合物较不伴有2型糖尿病时显著升高(1.28±0.19nmolL比1.16±0.20nmolL;89.8±12.4mgL比82.7±13.7mgL,P均<0.05)。急性冠状动脉综合征合并原发性高血压时血浆凝血酶原片段1和2及可溶性纤维蛋白单体复合物较不伴有原发性高血压时显著升高(1.26±0.24nmolL比1.16±0.20nmolL;90.0±12.8mgL比82.7±13.7mgL,P均<0.05)。结论稳定型心绞痛患者的凝血系统处于稳定状态,而急性冠状动脉综合征患者处于高凝状态,合并2型糖尿病或原发性高血压的急性冠状动脉综合征患者高凝状态更显著,提示高凝状态与急性冠状动脉综合征的发病密切相关。     

Enhanced inflammatory response in patients with preinfarction unstable angina

OBJECTIVES: We assessed the extent and the time course of the acute phase response following myocardial cell necrosis and its relationship with the presence of preinfarction unstable angina (UA). BACKGROUND: Elevated levels of acute phase proteins have been reported in patients with UA and in patients with acute myocardial infarction (MI). METHODS: C-Reactive Protein (CRP), serum amyloid A protein (SAA) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) were measured in 36 patients with MI admitted within 3 h from symptoms onset. All patients had normal levels of creatine kinase and of troponin T on admission, rising above diagnostic levels within 6 to 12 h. Blood samples for CRP, SAA and IL-6 measurements were taken on admission, at 6, 24, 48, 72 h and at discharge. RESULTS: Twenty of the 36 patients studied presented an unheralded MI (Group 1); the remaining 16 patients had symptoms of unstable angina in the preceding 7 days (Group 2). Group 2 patients have much higher levels of CRP and SAA on admission (median values 8.8 vs. 3 mg/L and 28 vs. 3.4 mg/L, respectively, all p<0.001). Following the necrotic insult, despite similar infarct size and clinical signs of reperfusion, Group 2 patients had strikingly higher peaks of IL-6 (median values 85.2 vs. 19 pg/ml, p<0.05), CRP (50 vs. 31.4 mg/L, p<0.05) and SAA (228 vs. 45 mg/L, p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Our data demonstrated that the acute phase response is greatly enhanced in patients with preinfarction UA compared with those presenting with an unheralded MI. The significant differences in acute phase response observed in these two clinical presentations of MI indicate a major difference in their underlying pathogenetic components.     

Long-term urokinase therapy and isovolemic hemodilution: A clinical and hemodynamic comparison in patients with refractory angina pectoris

Antiischemic effectiveness of long-term urokinase therapy and isovolemic hemodilution therapy has been reported in patients with symptomatic coronary artery disease, but both interventions have never been compared. In patients with refractory angina pectoris and end-stage coronary artery disease (clinical functional class III), isovolemic hemodilution (n=9) (hydroxyethyl starch solution 6%, 1–2 times/week), and urokinase therapy (n=11) (500,000 U urokinase per i.v. injection, 3 times a week) were performed over a period of 12 weeks, each additionally to maximal conventional treatment. Apart from the assessment of clinical symptoms and rheologic parameters, invasive hemodynamic measurements were carried out at rest and during exercise testing before and after treatment. After treatment with urokinase, patients showed a significant reduction of clinical symptoms (from 19.8±6.5 to 5.0±4.3 anginal events/week,p<0.001), fibrinogen (from 410±88 to 238±40 mg/dl,p<0.001), plasma viscosity (from 1.45±0.10 to 1.33±0.03 mPa×s^–1,p<0.01), and no changes of hematocrit (from 0.45±0.02 to 0.45±0.02) and whole blood viscosity (from 4.7±0.5 to 4.4±0.7 mPa × s^–1); however, hemodilution resulted in a decrease of hematocrit (from 0.46±0.01 to 0.39±0.01,p<0.001) and whole blood viscosity (from 4.7±0.5 to 4.0±0.3 mPa×s^–1,p<0.001) and no changes of initially comparable levels of clinical symptoms, fibrinogen, and plasma viscosity. Hemodynamic parameters at rest improved after urokinase therapy with a reduction of pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (from 9.1±5.1 to 5.5±2.8 mmHg,p<0.05) at comparable levels of systemic vascular resistance (from 1510±340 to 1420±510 dyn×s×cm^–5). Hemodilution did not result in any significant hemodynamic changes. Apart from clinical symptoms, long-term intermittent urokinase therapy reduces pulmonary capillary wedge pressure at rest. This may reflect an improved diastolic function due to a rheological enhancement of myocardial perfusion at the level of the coronary microcirculation. Isovolemic hemodilution seems to be of no benefit.     

有关血尿素氮评价急性冠脉综合征预后的临床研究

目的：探讨血尿素氮（BUN）水平变化对急性冠脉综合征（ACS）预后的影响。方法：选择上海长海医院2000年1月至2005年12月期间住院ACS患者590例,随访4年,了解与患者预后相关的主要不良心血管事件（MACE）,如心绞痛、心肌梗死、脑卒中、心衰、死亡等发生情况。按入院时检验的BUN水平分为BUN〈20mg/dl组（385例）、BUN20～25mg/dl组（114例）和BUN〉25mg/dl（91例）,比较不同水平的BUN对ACS预后的影响。结果：与BUN〈20mg/dl组及BUN20～25mg/dl组相比,BUN〉25mg/dl组心绞痛（50.65%比69.30%比83.75%）、心肌梗死（3.12%比6.14%比21.98%）、心衰（37.40%比50.0%比78.02%）、脑卒中（5.97%比11.40%比25.27%）、死亡（4.41%比8.77%比17.58%）发生率明显升高（P〈0.05～0.001）。结论：血尿素氮变化水平与急性冠脉综合征预后相关,随着血尿素氮水平升高,急性冠脉综合征危险性增加,预后越差。     

Relationship between myocardial damage and C-reactive protein levels immediately after onset of acute myocardial infarction

The present study investigated the relationship between myocardial damage and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels, with no increase in creatine kinase (CK) activity, immediately after the onset of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) in 85 patients with their first reperfused anterior AMI without CK elevation on admission and no ischemic events during hospitalization. Patients were classified into those with low levels (<0.3 mg/dl) of CRP (Group L; n=67) and those with high levels (> or =0.3 mg/dl) of CRP (Group H; n=18). Group H had a higher proportion of patients with a history of preinfarction angina (89 vs 55%, p<0.01), especially unstable angina. SigmaST in leads V1-6 on admission ECG was lower in Group H than in Group L (14+/-7 vs 21+/-13 mm, p<0.05). Predischarge left ventriculography showed that the left ventricular global ejection fraction (55+/-11 vs 48+/-10%, p<0.01) and SD/chord at the left anterior descending artery lesion (-1.7+/-0.9 vs -2.3+/-0.9, p<0.01) were better in Group H. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that both CRP on admission (p=0.011) and preinfarction angina (p=0.002) were independently associated with better regional wall motion (SD/chord >-2.0) before discharge. These results suggest that the clinical situation of elevated CRP immediately after onset is associated with less myocardial damage and better left ventricular function in reperfused anterior AMI.     

Effect of prior exposure to Chlamydia pneumoniae, Helicobacter pylori, or cytomegalovirus on the degree of inflammation and one-year prognosis of patients with unstable angina pectoris or non-Q-wave acute myocardial infarction

Inflammation and chronic infections may be important features in the pathogenesis of acute coronary syndromes. We describe 6 systemic markers of inflammation in patients with unstable angina or non-Q-wave myocardial infarction and the relations between these markers, seropositivity to chronic infections, and prognosis. C-reactive protein (CRP), serum amyloid A protein (SAA), fibrinogen, interleukin-6 (IL-6), neopterin, procalcitonin, and serum antibody levels to Chlamydia pneumoniae, Helicobacter pylori, and cytomegalovirus were measured on admission and 48 hours later. One-year clinical follow-up was performed. Plasma levels of acute phase reactants were all elevated on admission and increased further at 48 hours: CRP from 10.1 +/- 2.1 mg/L at baseline to 26.6 +/- 5.1 mg/L at 48 hours (p <0.001); SAA from 27.3 +/- 8.5 to 93.1 +/- 23.2 mg/dl (p <0.005); fibrinogen from 3.2 +/- 0.1 to 3.8 +/- 0.1 g/L (p <0.0001); whereas initial high levels of IL-6 tended also to increase from 9.8 +/- 2 to 15.3 +/- 3.1 pg/ml (p = NS). In contrast, neopterin and procalcitonin remained unchanged. We found no association between levels of each inflammatory marker and the serologic status. Furthermore, levels of inflammatory proteins in patients seronegative to all 3 agents were comparable to those of patients seropositive to 2 or 3 infectious agents. The composite end points of death, myocardial infarction, recurrent angina, or revascularization at 1-year follow-up did not differ according to the serologic status. Thus, in patients with acute coronary syndromes, the acute phase proteins increased over the first 2 days of hospitalization. This initial inflammatory reaction as well as the 1-year clinical outcome did not differ according to the initial serologic status of Chlamydia pneumoniae, Helicobacter pylori, or cytomegalovirus.     

Predictive value of C-reactive protein and troponin T in patients with unstable angina: a comparative analysis. CAPTURE Investigators. Chimeric c7E3 AntiPlatelet Therapy in Unstable angina REfractory to standard treatment trial

OBJECTIVES: We evaluated C-reactive protein (CRP) and troponin T (TnT) for predicting six-month cardiac risk in patients with unstable angina. BACKGROUND: Troponin T is predictive of cardiac risk in patients with unstable angina. The clinical implications of elevated CRP in such patients remains controversial. METHODS: Baseline TnT and CRP values were determined in 447 patients with unstable angina enrolled in the placebo group of the Chimeric c7E3 AntiPlatelet Therapy in Unstable angina REfractory to standard treatment trial (CAPTURE) trial. All patients underwent a coronary intervention and were followed for a six month period in which 13 deaths and 47 myocardial infarctions were documented (MIs). RESULTS: Troponin T was >0.1 microg/liter in 30% and CRP was >10 mg/L in 41% of the patients. For the initial 72-h period (including coronary intervention), TnT (17.4% vs. 4.2%; p < 0.001) but not CRP (10.3% vs. 8%; p = 0.41) was predictive of mortality and MI. The TnT-positive patients displayed more frequent recurrent instability before the planned intervention (44.8% vs. 16.9%; p < 0.001), but in the CRP-positive patients, no such increase was observed (25.9% vs. 24.8%; p = 0.92). In contrast, for the six month follow-up period, CRP was predictive of cardiac risk (mortality, MI) (18.9% vs. 9.5%; p = 0.003). Using multivariate analysis, both CRP and TnT emerged as independent predictors of mortality and MI at six-month follow-up. Furthermore, the incidence of coronary restenosis during six-month follow-up was not related to TnT status (3% vs. 4.5%; p = 0.49); however, it was significantly related to CRP status (7% vs. 2.3%; p = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: Troponin T, but not CRP, was predictive of cardiac risk during the initial 72-h period, whereas CRP was an independent predictor of both cardiac risk and repeated coronary revascularization (coronary artery bypass graft surgery and percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty) during six month follow-up.     

Impact of statin therapy on coronary intervention for non-ST elevation acute coronary syndrome with decreased low-density lipoprotein cholesterol

OBJECTIVES: The benefits of treating patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) with statins are well established. This study investigated the effects of statins on patients who presented with low levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, were diagnosed with non-ST elevation ACS, and subsequently underwent percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI). METHODS: From 2000 to 2003, 87 patients(mean age 68 +/- 10 years, 69 males, 18 females) underwent PCI because of non-ST elevation ACS, and had low LDL cholesterol on presentation. These patients were divided into two groups: those who had been taking statins (S-group, n = 46), and those not taking statins, or controls (C-group, n = 41). Only patients whose LDL cholesterol was < 100 mg/dl at admission (average: 82 +/- 12 mg/dl) were included in the study. Troponin-T (TnT), creatine kinase (CK), CK-MB, and high-sense C reactive protein (hs-CRP) were measured before and 6 hr after PCI. The two groups were evaluated at 6 months clinical follow-up. RESULTS: There was no difference in these markers before PCI in both groups. TnT and CK-MB in the S-group at 6 hr post-PCI were significantly decreased compared to those of the C-group (0.45 +/- 1.34 vs 1.40 +/- 2.37 ng/ml, respectively, for TnT, p = 0.04; 17.2 +/- 45.5 vs 81.3 +/- 157.2 IU/l, respectively, for CK-MB, p = 0.02). Major adverse cardiac events (MACE) defined as death, myocardial infarction, congestive heart failure and target lesion revascularization were evaluated after 6 months. There was no difference in MACE between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: Statin treatment before PCI in patients with non-ST elevation ACS demonstrated beneficial effects such as less myocardial damage, even though both groups presented with low LDL cholesterol levels. However, no significant effect on MACE was seen at 6 months after PCI.     

Correlation between ST-T-segment changes with markers of hemostasis in patients with acute coronary syndromes

BACKGROUND: Disturbance of the hemostatic and the inflammatory system plays an important role in the pathophysiology of acute coronary syndromes (ACS). Their markers have been shown to predict further coronary events in patients with ACS. The prognostic value of the admission electrocardiogram (ECG), which is commonly used to evaluate ischemia, was studied previously. We investigated the correlation between serum markers of the hemostatic/inflammatory system and ECG changes in ACS. METHODS: A standard 12-lead ECG was obtained from 85 patients with ACS on admission (0d). Markers of the hemostatic and inflammatory system were measured on admission and after 2 days (2d). RESULTS: Patients with ST-T-changes had higher fibrinogen and thrombin-antithrombin III complex (TAT) levels than patients without ECG alterations at both times (fibrinogen: 0d: 492 +/- 38 vs. 357 +/- 36 mg/dl, p < 0.01; 2d: 633 +/- 55 vs. 440 +/- 50 mg/dl, p < 0.02; TAT: 0d: 7.2 +/- 1.3 vs. 3.6 +/- 0.7 microg/l, p < 0.05; 2d: 5.3 +/- 0.9 vs. 3.2 +/- 0.5 microg/l, p < 0.05). Tissue-type plasminogen activator (TPA) was elevated in patients with ECG changes initially (10.1 +/- 0.6 vs. 7.2 +/- 0.7 ng/ml, p < 0.02). D-dimers, the acute-phase proteins C-reactive protein, serum amyloid A and the soluble adhesion molecules showed no significance. CONCLUSIONS: The data reveal a correlation between electrocardiographic changes and hemostasis in patients with ACS. The association of myocardial damage and a disturbed hemostatic system might stratify patients who are at high risk of suffering further coronary events.