[Inflammatory markers of atherosclerotic plaque stabilization after acute coronary event--temporal trends].
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the length of time required for atherosclerotic plaque stabilization in acute coronary syndromes (ACS), using inflammatory markers.


METHODS
In this prospective study, C-reactive protein (CRP), fibrinogen, factor VIIIc, interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) levels were measured on admission, at discharge, and three and six months post-discharge in 40 patients with non-ST-segment elevation ACS (NSTE-ACS) and 40 healthy subjects.


RESULTS
C-reactive protein levels were significantly higher on admission and at discharge, but not at three and six months post-discharge, compared with the control group. Fibrinogen levels remained unchanged, except at six months, when they were significantly lower than in the control group. Factor VIII-c did not differ from that of the control group on admission, but it was significantly higher at discharge, with no differences at three and six months. Interleukin-6 levels were significantly higher than in the control group in all time points. However, they declined significantly between discharge and three months. In no time point was TNF-alpha significantly different from that of the control group. Only IL-6 correlated significantly and independently with future cardiovascular events.


CONCLUSIONS
With respect to CRP and factor VIIIc, plaque stabilization is suggested in up to three months; IL-6 analysis suggests stabilization as from the third month, although it remained higher than that of the control group for up to six months. Only IL-6 showed prognostic value for further events within a year.
Mouco
Osana Maria Coelho Costa
OM
Hospital de Base da Faculdade, Instituto do Coração do Hospital das Clínicas, Faculdade de Medicina de São José do Rio Preto, FMUSP. ocoelho@cardiol.br
Nicolau
José Carlos
JC
Souza
Tatiana da Rocha E
Tda R
Maia
Lilia Nigro
LN
Ramires
José Antônio Franchini
JA
D017677:Age Distribution; D000789:Angina, Unstable / Q000097:blood* / Q000503:physiopathology; D050197:Atherosclerosis / Q000097:blood* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000097:blood; D002097:C-Reactive Protein / Q000032:analysis*; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D005169:Factor VIII / Q000032:analysis; D005260:Female; D006760:Hospitalization; D006801:Humans; D007249:Inflammation / Q000097:blood; D015850:Interleukin-6 / Q000097:blood; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009203:Myocardial Infarction / Q000097:blood* / Q000503:physiopathology; D011446:Prospective Studies; D017678:Sex Distribution; D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / Q000097:blood
D015415:Biomarkers; D015850:Interleukin-6; D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha; D005169:Factor VIII; D002097:C-Reactive Protein