Value of increased CRP/albumin ratio in predicting embolic events in patients with infective endocarditis

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Inflammation markers

Background:

• The CRP/albumin ratio (CAR) is an emerging inflammatory marker linked to adverse outcomes in cardiovascular diseases.
• Its predictive value for embolic events in infective endocarditis (IE) requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of the CAR in predicting embolic events in patients diagnosed with IE.
• To determine if CAR is an independent predictor of embolic events in this population.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of clinical, laboratory, and echocardiographic data from 145 IE patients.
• Patients were divided into two groups based on the presence or absence of embolic events.
• Multivariate analysis was employed to identify independent predictors.

Main Results:

• Patients with embolic events exhibited significantly higher CRP and CAR values compared to those without.
• A high CAR value (OR: 1.030; 95% CI: 1.000-1.060; p=0.041) was identified as an independent predictor of embolic events.
• CRP levels were also significantly elevated in patients with embolic events (p < 0.001).

Conclusions:

• The CAR is a valuable, accessible, and cost-effective marker for predicting embolic events in IE patients.
• Elevated CAR levels are associated with an increased risk of embolic complications in infective endocarditis.
• This finding supports the clinical utility of CAR in managing IE patients.