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Combination of biomarkers to predict mortality in elderly patients with myocardial infarction

Fabiola Olivieri1, Liana Spazzafumo, Roberto Antonicelli

  • 1Center of Genetic and Molecular Biology, Cardiology-CCU Unit, Center of Statistics, Center of Immunology and Nutrigenomics, Center of Citology, Italian National Research Centers on Aging (I.N.R.C.A.), Ancona, Italy. b.molecolare@inrca.it

Mechanisms of Ageing and Development
|February 27, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Elderly patients with Acute Myocardial Infarction (AMI) face high mortality. Combining C-reactive protein (CRP) and total homocysteine (tHcy) with vitamin levels improves heart mortality risk prediction.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Biomarkers
  • Geriatrics

Background:

  • Elderly patients with Acute Myocardial Infarction (AMI) exhibit the highest mortality rates.
  • Accurate risk stratification is crucial for managing this high-risk population.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To enhance mortality risk stratification in elderly AMI patients.
  • To evaluate the combined predictive value of various biomarkers, including genetic markers.

Main Methods:

  • A one-year follow-up study was conducted on 250 elderly AMI patients.
  • Concurrent evaluation of plasma levels for total homocysteine (tHcy), folate, vitamin B12, and C-reactive protein (CRP).

Main Results:

  • High tHcy, low folate and vitamin B12, and elevated CRP levels identified the highest risk for cardiac mortality (RR=4.20).
  • Conversely, low tHcy, high folate and vitamin B12, and low CRP levels indicated a lower risk pathway.

Conclusions:

  • Concomitant elevation of CRP and tHcy, coupled with low folate and vitamin B12 levels, is a significant predictor of cardiac mortality in elderly AMI patients.
  • This biomarker combination offers improved risk stratification capabilities.
Abstract

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