The course of D-dimer, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein and pro-B-type natriuretic peptide in patients with non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction.
BACKGROUND
Elevated levels of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP), and D-dimer each are associated with higher rates of death and recurrent ischemic events in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI). The aim of this study was to examine the dynamic course of D-dimer, hs-CRP, and pro-BNP in patients with Non-ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction (NSTEMI).


METHODS
The study group consisted of 82 patients presenting with symptoms suggestive of acute coronary syndrome (ACS). 40 of the patients were diagnosed as NSTEMI and for the rest AMI was ruled out. Blood was drawn at the time of admission, 6 and 12 hours after that. The samples were tested for hs-CRP, pro-BNP and fibrin D-dimer by a quantitative, point-of-care instrument system (Stratus CS).


RESULTS
D-dimer and pro-BNP did not change between admission and 6 and 12 hours after admission in patients with acute NSTEMI, whereas hs-CRP went down 12 hours after admission compared to the admission value (14.9 +/- 19.4 (mg/mL) v 10.1 +/- 13.5 (mg/mL), p = 0.04).


CONCLUSIONS
There was no dynamic change of D-dimer or pro-BNP during the first 12 hours after admission in patients with acute NSTEMI, whereas hs-CRP decreased 12 hours after admission in these patients.
Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Oslo University Hospital Aker, Oslo University, Oslo, Norway.
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Ghanavatian
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Stein
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Atar
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Hole
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Agewall
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002097:C-Reactive Protein / Q000032:analysis*; D002637:Chest Pain / Q000097:blood / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology; D005260:Female; D005338:Fibrin Fibrinogen Degradation Products / Q000032:analysis*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009203:Myocardial Infarction / Q000097:blood / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis*; D020097:Natriuretic Peptide, Brain / Q000097:blood*; D019210:Troponin I / Q000097:blood
D005338:Fibrin Fibrinogen Degradation Products; D019210:Troponin I; C036309:fibrin fragment D; D020097:Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; D002097:C-Reactive Protein