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Published on: August 8, 2013

Comparison of differing C-reactive protein assay methods and their impact on cardiovascular risk assessment

Jessica L Clarke1, Jeffrey L Anderson, John F Carlquist

  • 1Cardiovascular Department, LDS Hospital, Salt Lake City, Utah 84143, USA.

The American Journal of Cardiology
|December 28, 2004
PubMed

Insights

Medium-sensitivity C-reactive protein (CRP) assays correlate highly with high-sensitivity methods for predicting cardiac events. While absolute values differ, quartile ranks remain similar, validating prior research findings.

Area of Science:

  • Clinical Chemistry
  • Cardiovascular Medicine
  • Biomarker Assays

Background:

  • C-reactive protein (CRP) is a key biomarker for inflammation and cardiovascular risk.
  • Assessing CRP levels aids in predicting adverse cardiovascular events like myocardial infarction.
  • Different assay sensitivities exist, potentially impacting clinical interpretation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare a medium-sensitivity CRP assay with a high-sensitivity assay in a patient cohort.
  • To evaluate the concordance of predictive values for mortality and myocardial infarction between the two assay types.
  • To determine the validity of conclusions from previous studies using medium-sensitivity CRP assays.

Main Methods:

  • A cohort of 803 patients undergoing coronary angiography was studied.
  • A medium-sensitivity CRP assay was compared against a high-sensitivity, enhanced immunoturbidimetric assay.
  • Statistical analysis focused on absolute values, quartile ranks, and predictive values for clinical outcomes.

Main Results:

  • Significant differences in absolute CRP values were observed between the two assays.
  • A high correlation was found when data was analyzed by quartile rank.
  • Both assays demonstrated similar predictive values for death and myocardial infarction.

Conclusions:

  • Conclusions from previous studies using medium-sensitivity CRP assays remain valid.
  • Cross-study comparisons of CRP data should utilize percentile ranks rather than absolute values.
  • High-sensitivity CRP assays provide comparable prognostic information to medium-sensitivity assays for cardiovascular risk stratification.

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