Carotid intima‐media thickness and markers of inflammation, endothelial damage and hemostasis
Key result
Plasma levels of C-reactive protein and fibrinogen were unequivocally associated with carotid intima-media thickness, whereas data for other soluble markers were contradictory or unconfirmed.
Why the study?
Are plasma levels of soluble markers of inflammation, endothelial damage, and hemostasis associated with increased carotid intima-media thickness?
Population
Patients included in cross-sectional studies assessing the association between carotid intima-media…
Design
Meta-analysis
Authors
Discussion
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Implication
CRP and fibrinogen may aid atherosclerotic burden assessment; confirms their carotid IMT association while leaving other markers inconclusive.
Study Design
Type
Meta-Analysis
Structured PICO
Are plasma levels of soluble markers of inflammation, endothelial damage, and hemostasis associated with increased carotid intima-media thickness?
P
Population
A systematic review and meta-analysis of cross-sectional studies evaluating the association between carotid intima-media thickness and soluble markers of inflammation, endothelial damage, and hemostasis.
E
Exposure
Plasma levels of soluble markers (e.g., C-reactive protein, fibrinogen)
O
Outcome
Carotid intima-media thickness (C-IMT)surrogate
C-reactive protein and fibrinogen are unequivocally related to carotid intima-media thickness, supporting their role as markers of atherosclerotic burden, whereas evidence for other soluble markers remains inconclusive.
Limitations
- Heterogeneity in ultrasound methodologies and in statistical approach limited comparability between studies.
- For most soluble markers, publication bias of positive results cannot be excluded.
- Heterogeneity in ultrasound methodologies
- Heterogeneity in statistical approach limited comparability between studies
- Publication bias of positive results cannot be excluded for most soluble markers
Cite This Study
Baldassarre et al. (2008) conducted a meta-analysis in Atherosclerosis. Soluble markers of inflammation, endothelial damage, and hemostasis (e.g., CRP, fibrinogen) was evaluated on Carotid intima-media thickness (C-IMT). Plasma levels of C-reactive protein and fibrinogen were unequivocally associated with carotid intima-media thickness, whereas data for other soluble markers were contradictory or unconfirmed.