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The association between upper gastrointestinal lesions and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein in coronary artery

Damir Fabijanić1, Marko Banić, Dusko Kardum

  • 1University Hospital Split, Split, Croatia. damir.fabijanic@st.t-com.hr

Medical Science Monitor : International Medical Journal of Experimental and Clinical Research
|January 31, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Elevated high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) levels in coronary artery disease (CAD) patients may indicate upper gastrointestinal lesions (UGILs). Endoscopy is recommended for CAD patients with high hs-CRP to assess UGILs and manage cardiovascular risk.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Gastroenterology
  • Biomarkers

Background:

  • High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) is an independent predictor of cardiovascular events.
  • A link between upper gastrointestinal lesions (UGILs) and coronary artery disease (CAD) has been observed.
  • The study investigates the hypothesis that UGILs elevate hs-CRP in CAD patients.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine if upper gastrointestinal lesions (UGILs) are associated with elevated high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) levels in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD).
  • To explore the correlation between the severity of UGILs and hs-CRP levels in CAD patients.
  • To assess the clinical implications of this association for cardiovascular risk management.

Main Methods:

  • 150 patients with stable coronary artery disease (CAD) were studied.
  • Data on demographics, clinical variables, and medications were collected.
  • Upper gastrointestinal lesion (UGIL) severity was assessed using the Lanza score, H. pylori status by histology, and CAD severity by the Gensini score.
  • Logistic regression analysis was used to test the correlation between hs-CRP and UGILs.

Main Results:

  • Patients with UGILs had significantly higher hs-CRP levels (8.14 mg/l) compared to those without (4.64 mg/l).
  • hs-CRP levels showed a positive correlation with UGIL severity (r=0.434, P<0.0001).
  • This correlation remained significant after adjusting for coronary risk factors, medications, CAD severity, and H. pylori status.

Conclusions:

  • Elevated hs-CRP levels in CAD patients may serve as a predictor for underlying UGILs.
  • Endoscopic evaluation is recommended for CAD patients with elevated hs-CRP, even in the absence of dyspeptic symptoms.
  • UGILs, by increasing hs-CRP levels, might contribute to increased cardiovascular risk in these patients.
Abstract

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