[Hormonal replacement therapy and inflammatory response--update]

Recent studies have shown that the administration of hormonal replacement therapy (HRT) to postmenopausal women might be associated with the appearance of increased concentrations of C-reactive protein (CRP). This marker of inflammation might be associated with an unfavorable outcome regarding the appearance of ischemic vascular diseases and accelerated atherosclerosis in elderly women. In addition, the use of HRT might be associated with an enhanced thrombotic tendency. Therefore, the administration of HRT to individuals who have increased concentrations of inflammatory markers (CRP for example) and/or thrombophilic ones, might be associated with an eventual less favorable clinical outcome.