Preprocedural serum levels of acute-phase reactants and prognosis after percutaneous coronary intervention

OBJECTIVE: In this study we evaluate the value of baseline concentrations of acute-phase reactants on prognosis after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). METHODS: Blood samples were drawn immediately before PCI to measure baseline concentrations of C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)), and fibrinogen. Follow-up data were collected at 8 months. Repeat PCI, CABG, myocardial infarction, and death were recorded as major adverse clinical events (MACE). Furthermore the recurrence of angina pectoris was noted. RESULTS: The study included 600 consecutive patients after a successful PCI. Sixty-four percent of the patients were stented. The mean age was 61.6 years and 68.9% were male. CRP levels were significantly higher in patients who were to have repeat angina as compared with those who were not (P=0.0322). IL-6 levels were not correlated with angina or MACE. Lp(a) and fibrinogen concentrations were both significantly related to MACE (P=0.0337 and P=0.0253, respectively). CONCLUSION: Our study clearly supports the role of inflammation in restenosis after PCI as measured in statistically higher levels of Lp(a) and fibrinogen in patients with MACE and CRP in patients with repeat angina.