Marked decrease in the levels of two inflammatory markers, hs-C-reactive protein and fibrinogen in patients with severe carotid atherosclerosis after eversion carotid endarterectomy.
OBJECTIVE
To study changes in the levels of two acute phase proteins, plasma fibrinogen and serum C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) in patients with severe carotid stenosis after eversion endarterectomy.


METHODS
A total of 117 consecutive patients who underwent eversion endarterectomy were included in the study. Blood samples for acute phase protein measurement were taken before operation as well as 5.7 weeks and 13.8 months (median) post-surgery. Plasma fibrinogen and serum hs-CRP concentrations were promptly determined.


RESULTS
During the follow-up period sharp, highly significant (p < 0.0001) drop occurred in the serum concentrations of both acute phase proteins. The drop in the hs-CRP levels during the follow up period was mainly due to decrease in patients with highest baseline CRP levels.


CONCLUSIONS
Our present findings indicate that removal of atherosclerotic plaques from the carotid arteries markedly decreases the production of two acute phase proteins due to the decrease of the inflammatory burden or the removal of the advanced plaques able to produce these proteins.
Dósa
E
E
Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary.
Rugonfalvi-Kiss
S
S
Prohászka
Z
Z
Szabó
A
A
Karádi
I
I
Selmeci
L
L
Romics
L
L
Füst
G
G
Acsády
G
G
Entz
L
L
D001167:Arteritis / Q000097:blood; D002097:C-Reactive Protein / Q000032:analysis* / Q000378:metabolism; D016893:Carotid Stenosis / Q000097:blood* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000601:surgery*; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D016894:Endarterectomy, Carotid / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D005340:Fibrinogen / Q000032:analysis* / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012008:Recurrence; D013997:Time Factors
D005340:Fibrinogen; D002097:C-Reactive Protein