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Published on: June 28, 2019
C-reactive protein predicts death in patients with non-ischemic cardiomyopathy
Brianna S Ronnow1, Sandra P Reyna, Joseph B Muhlestein
1Cardiovascular Department, LDS Hospital, Salt Lake City, Utah 84143, USA.
Insights
High C-reactive protein (CRP) levels predict mortality in patients with non-ischemic left ventricular dysfunction. This finding highlights CRP as a significant risk marker for death, even without coronary artery disease.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Biomarkers
- Inflammation
Background:
- C-reactive protein (CRP) is linked to atherosclerotic complications.
- Its predictive value for mortality in non-ischemic heart disease is less understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if CRP levels predict death in patients with non-ischemic left ventricular dysfunction.
Main Methods:
- Two hundred and three patients with non-ischemic left ventricular dysfunction were studied.
- Patients underwent cardiac catheterization and were followed for mortality over 2.4 years.
Main Results:
- Mortality was 15% in patients with low CRP and 30% in those with high CRP.
- High CRP independently predicted mortality (p=0.037, HR=2.0) after adjusting for 11 covariates.
Conclusions:
- Baseline CRP concentrations are significant predictors of mortality in patients with left ventricular dysfunction.
- Elevated CRP indicates increased mortality risk, independent of coronary artery disease.
Abstract:
C-reactive protein (CRP) has been associated with atherosclerotic complications, and we hypothesized that CRP levels might also predict death in non-ischemic patients with left ventricular dysfunction. Two hundred and three patients with non-ischemic left ventricular dysfunction undergoing cardiac catheterization were included and were followed for 2.4 +/- 1.4 years to determine the incidence of fatal events. Death occurred in 15% of patients with low CRP (1st and 2nd tertiles) and 30% of patients with high CRP (3rd tertile). After adjustment for 11 covariates, high CRP (p = 0.037, hazard ratio = 2.0) significantly and independently predicted mortality. Even in the absence of coronary artery disease, patients with left ventricular dysfunction are at increased risk of mortality based on their baseline CRP concentrations.
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