EVALUATION OF PLASMA LEVELS OF C-REACTIVE PROTEIN AS A PREDICTOR OF RESTENOSIS AFTER PERCUTANEOUS CORONARY INTERVENTION

Abstract

Background- Restenosis after percutaneous revascularization is a troublesome endpoint, and the role of inflammation is well-accepted in the restenosis process. To predict this untoward result, an investigation of acute phase reactants has been applied. In this study, we tried to find the predictive role of pre- and post-intervention C-reactive protein (CRP) levels for clinical restenosis rates in a 6 month follow-up.<br />Methods-Having been selected in a non-ranhaomized double-blind clinical trial,seventy-four patients underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for a single non-occlusive coronary stenosis.The plasma CRP level was measured just before the procedur and 24 hours afterwards.Patients with acute MI, multi-vessel PCI, previous PCI or CABG and some other situations that could affect acute phase reactants were excluded. <br />Results- There was no significant relation between the pre-intervention CRP level and the restenosis rate or the clinical signs of restenosis (MI, angina pectoris and ECG changes). It was the same for 24 hours post-PCI CRP level; however, the restenosis rate was significantly related to the ratio of CRP levels at pre- and post-PCI (P: 0.004).<br />Conclusion- The ratio of pre- and post-PCI CRP levels could have a predictive role for restenosis after PCI