Role of C-reactive Protein and Leukocyte Count in Prediction of Cardiac Events in Patients with Unstable Angina

Background: Unstable angina is a critical phase of coronary heart disease with widely variable symptoms and prognosis. In recent years, the pathophysiological roles of platelet activation and inflammation in unstable angina have been elucidated. The main aim of this study was to evaluate the role of C-reactive protein (CRP) and neutrophil count as predictive factors for future events (in a six-month follow up) in unstable angina patients. Materials and Methods: In this cohort study subjects were 100 patients with unstable angina (class IIIB Braunwald) who were admitted to coronary care unit. At the time of admission blood sample was obtained for CRP and leukocyte count. Patients were followed up for 6 months and coronary events such as readmission, myocardial infarction, coronary angiography and coronary revascularization were investigated. To determine relation between exposure and outcome relative risk was used. Results: Fifty percent of patients were males and 50% were females. Twenty percent of the patients had readmission. Myocardial infarction occurred in 4%, coronary angiography was performed in 28%, coronary revascularization was carried out in 23% and 4% of patients died. There was a significant relation between positive CRP and coronary events (P=0.009, RR=1.8). Patients with neutrophil count higher than 70% also had significant cardiac events (P=0.007, RR= 1.95). Conclusion: This study revealed a positive relation between CRP and leukocyte count with coronary events in unstable angina patients. Thus, these factor had prognostic risk index importance. More research with higher sample number is recommended.

Role of C-reactive Protein and Leukocyte Count in Prediction of Cardiac Events in Patients with Unstable Angina Keywords:

Unstable angina , Coronary event , C- reactive protein , Leukocyte count