Quantitative C reactive protein levels and acute myocardial infarction complications in a Hispanic population: an observational analytical pilot study

Abstract

Introduction: The association between ischemic cardiomyopathy and C reactive protein (CRP) as an acute-phase inflammatory reactant has been reported. Increased highly sensitive C-reactive protein levels have been associated with a higher cardiovascular risk. We found no appreciable structural differences between Quantitative CRP and Highly Sensitive CRP but we found differences cost of both tests. Data addressing a relationship between QtC reactive protein levels and acute post myocardial infarction complications in Hispanic population was collected. Our study aims to provide a new element of prediction for the diagnosis of acute post myocardial infarction omplications in a Hispanic population. Also we could identify the possible presence of a QtCRP predictor range associated with acute post MI complication. We determined the presence of the primary endpoint of sudden death and secondary endpoints of heart failure, reinfarction and revascularization (PTCA) acute post myocardial infarction complications in a Hispanic population and after an acute myocardial infarction correlated them with QtC reactive protein levels.

Methodology: This was an observational analytic pilot study. After the consent form was signed, QtCRP blood levels were taken 24 hours after the cardiac event. We followed the patient for one month after the acute event identifying further visits to the Emergency Room and determined the presence of post acute infarction complications (chest pain, heart failure, reinfarction and cardiac death) during that period of time. Then, we determined the relationship between the QtCRP level and the type of acute postinfarction complication.

Results: We examined 20 acute myocardial infarction subjects and 14 of them developed secondary endpoints (all 14 of them had PTCA intervention). Two patients reinfarcted and 1 developed heart failure. There were no deaths. Levels of QtCRP of 6.07 mg/dl or more were associated with acute post infarction cardiovascular complications (secondary end points). Levels of QtCRP of 1.91 mg/dl or less were not associated with acute post infarction cardiovascular complications. Levels between 1.91 and 6.07 did not correlate well with the occurrence of complications.

Conclusions: There seems to be a correlation between elevated QtCRP levels and secondary end points such as re-infarction, heart failure and PTCA. There is a probable identification range of QtCRP blood levels in patients with or without acute post IM complications.