Prognostic value of baseline C-reactive protein levels in patients undergoing coronary revascularization

Background C-reactive protein (CRP) is a lowly expressed marker for inflammatory response. This study aimed toevaluate the prognostic value of baseline CRP levels in patients undergoing coronary revascularization in the context ofmodern medical treatment.Methods This was a retrospective study in a single center. Four hundred and fourteen patients were enrolled, whounderwent coronary revascularization and received adequate medication for secondary prevention of coronary heartdisease. The study compared the follow-up clinical outcomes between high level CRP group (CRP >5 mg/L) and lowlevel one. The median follow-up time was 551 days.Results Compared with low CRP group, the relative risk (RR) of the major adverse cardiovascular and cerebral events(MACCE) in high CRP group was 5.131 (95% CI: 1.864-14.123, P=0.002). There were no significant differences in death,myocardial infarction and stroke during the follow-up between two groups, but a higher risk of re-revascularization wasfound in high CRP group (RR 6.008, 95% CI: 1.667-21.665, P=0.006). Cox regression analysis showed that only CRPlevel could contribute to MACCE during the follow-up. MACCE-free rate was much lower in high CRP group(Kaplan-Meier log-rank P<0.001).Conclusion In the context of modern medical treatment, the baseline level of CRP is an independent predictor forlong-term prognosis in patients with coronary revascularization.