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Perceptions of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein testing (hsCRP) in atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease: a US
Lei Lv1, Ty J Gluckman2, Matthew Strum1
1Novo Nordisk Inc., Plainsboro, NJ, USA.
Insights
Clinician surveys reveal limited evidence of improved cardiovascular outcomes hinders high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) testing for systemic inflammation (SI) in atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) management.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Clinical Pathology
- Preventive Medicine
Background:
- High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) is a biomarker for systemic inflammation (SI).
- Elevated hsCRP is a risk-enhancing factor for cardiovascular disease in primary prevention.
- Understanding clinician perspectives on hsCRP testing in atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate US clinicians' opinions on using hsCRP testing in managing ASCVD patients.
- To identify drivers and barriers influencing hsCRP testing adoption.
- To assess post-hsCRP testing actions and their impact on clinical decision-making.
Main Methods:
- Survey of clinicians who ordered hsCRP testing with patient data evaluation.
- Data collected between June 2023 and August 2023.
- Endpoints included perceived drivers, barriers, and post-test actions related to SI recognition.
Main Results:
- Lack of evidence for improved cardiovascular outcomes (50%) and unproven efficacy (33%) were key barriers to hsCRP testing.
- Cost, insurance, and patient refusal also presented challenges.
- Clinicians often believed SI management wouldn't alter ASCVD treatment decisions.
Conclusions:
- Perceived insufficient evidence linking hsCRP testing to improved cardiovascular outcomes limits its use in ASCVD patients.
- Further research is needed to demonstrate the clinical utility of hsCRP in improving patient outcomes.
- Addressing clinician concerns regarding evidence and efficacy is essential for wider hsCRP adoption.
Introduction:
High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) is a biomarker of systemic inflammation (SI) and its elevated level is considered a risk-enhancing factor for cardiovascular disease in primary prevention. This study aimed to understand opinions of US clinicians using hsCRP testing in the management of patients with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) with or without chronic kidney disease (CKD).
Materials & Methods:
Clinicians who ordered hsCRP testing with evaluation of patient-level data were surveyed, between June 2023-August 2023. Endpoints included self-identified drivers and barriers to hsCRP testing and assessment of posttest actions following SI recognition.
Results:
Common factors perceived to prevent hsCRP testing were a lack of evidence showing improvements in patient cardiovascular outcomes after addressing SI in ASCVD and CKD (50%), and lack of proven efficacy of hsCRP testing (33%). Barriers to hsCRP testing included cost, insurance coverage and patient refusal. The most common reason for not considering SI in clinical decision-making was that it would not affect management of ASCVD. After the first hsCRP testing, an average reduction of hsCRP level is observed, but not lower than 2 mg/L.
Conclusions:
In this limited study sample, perceived limitations of hsCRP testing included insufficient evidence of improved cardiovascular outcomes in patients with ASCVD.
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