C-Reactive Protein Elevation in Patients With Atrial Arrhythmias
Key result
Patients with atrial arrhythmias had significantly higher median C-reactive protein levels compared to controls (0.21 vs 0.096 mg/dL; P<0.001).
Why the study?
Are C-reactive protein levels elevated in patients with atrial arrhythmias compared to controls?
Population
202 patients, comprising 131 with atrial arrhythmias and 71 control patients.
Comparison
Presence of atrial arrhythmias vs Control patients without atrial arrhythmias
Design
Case-control
Authors
Discussion
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Implication
Supports inflammation-AF link observationally; hypothesis-generating and should not yet change practice.
Study Design
Type
Case-Control (n=202)
Structured PICO
Are C-reactive protein levels elevated in patients with atrial arrhythmias compared to controls?
P
Population
202 patients (131 with atrial arrhythmias and 71 controls) evaluated for C-reactive protein levels.
E
Exposure
Presence of atrial arrhythmias (atrial fibrillation, atrial ectopy, or tachycardia)
C
Comparator
Control patients without atrial arrhythmias
O
Outcome
C-reactive protein (CRP) levelssurrogate
Main Result
Absolute Event Rate: 0.21% vs 0.096%
p-value: p=<0.001
C-reactive protein is elevated in patients with atrial fibrillation and correlates with arrhythmia burden, suggesting a link between systemic inflammation and AF persistence.
Limitations
- The cause of elevated CRP levels in AF patients remains unknown
Cite This Study
Chung et al. (2001) conducted a case-control in Atrial arrhythmias (n=202). Atrial arrhythmias vs. Control patients was evaluated on C-reactive protein (CRP) level (p=<0.001). Patients with atrial arrhythmias had significantly higher median C-reactive protein levels compared to controls (0.21 vs 0.096 mg/dL; P<0.001).