High hsCRP levels have been found to be associated with poor cardiovascular outcomes in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). There are however few data and some conflicting data with regards to ST elevation MI, the full spectrum of ACS, specific subgroups of patients with ACS, and the timing of measurement of CRP.

The purpose of the present nested case-cohort study within OPUS-TIMI 16 was to evaluate hsCRP across the spectrum of ACS. hsCRP levels were measured in 3225 patients with ACS, and compared between patients who suffered an adverse cardiac outcome within 10 months of study entry and those who did not.

Increased baseline concentrations of hsCRP were found to be strongly associated with mortality and heart failure across the ACS spectrum. The study also provides valuable information toward the formulation of guidelines for implementation of hsCRP testing in ACS, relating to index diagnosis-specific cutpoints and optimal timing of measurement.

Copyright © 2008 E-MedHosting.com Inc.

After viewing this presentation the participant will be able to discuss:

- Short- and long-term mortality and heart failure risks in relation to baseline hsCRP levels in patients with ACS
- Evidence for index diagnosis-specific cutpoints and optimal timing of measurement of hsCRP in ACS

Benjamin M. Scirica, David A. Morrow, Christopher P. Cannon, James A. de Lemos, Sabina Murphy, Marc S. Sabatine, Stephen D. Wiviott, Nader Rifai, Carolyn H. McCabe, Eugene Braunwald for the Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) Study Group. Clinical Application of C-Reactive Protein Across the Spectrum of Acute Coronary SyndromesClinical Chemistry. 2007;53:1800-1807.