title: Fever in myocardial infarction: is it still common, is it still predictive?
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Before introduction of reperfusion therapy, fever was frequently observed in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Little is known about this symptom during the widespread use of primary percutaneous coronary intervention (pPCI). The aim of this study was to assess, whether body temperature is a predictor of impaired left ventricular systolic function in patients with AMI.
  
  
  METHODS
  Our cohort included 171 patients (48 women) aged 57 (51-67) years, admitted due to the first AMI with ST elevation treated with successful pPCI. Standard body temperature measurements were performed twice a day. Left ventricular function was assessed by echocardiography using the wall motion score index (WMSI) and ejection fraction (EF). The following inflammatory response markers were determined on admission: C-reactive protein, fibrinogen and white blood cell count.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Within 48 h of observation the median (1(st); 3(rd) quartiles) peak body temperature was 37.0°C (36.7-37.2°C). A temperature above 37.5°C was observed only in 17 (10%) patients. There was no significant correlation between peak body temperature and any of the determined inflammatory response markers. WMSI was assessed at 1.3 (1.1-1.6), whereas EF at 56% (49-62%). There was no significant correlation between the left ventricular function and peak body temperature or determined markers of inflammation.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  In the era of pPCI and aggressive antiplatelet treatment, fever is not a common symptom associated with uncomplicated AMI and thus not correlated with left ventricular function and markers of inflammation.
authors: Department of Intensive Cardiac Therapy, Medical University of Lodz, Poland. michal.kacprzak@umed.lodz.pl
authors: Michał
authors: M
authors: Kacprzak
authors: Michał
authors: M
authors: Kidawa
authors: Marzenna
authors: M
authors: Zielińska
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000097:blood; D001833:Body Temperature Regulation; D002097:C-Reactive Protein / Q000378:metabolism; D005260:Female; D005334:Fever / Q000097:blood / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D005340:Fibrinogen / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D018836:Inflammation Mediators / Q000097:blood; D007958:Leukocyte Count; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009203:Myocardial Infarction / Q000097:blood / Q000150:complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D062645:Percutaneous Coronary Intervention / Q000009:adverse effects; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012307:Risk Factors; D013318:Stroke Volume; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014463:Ultrasonography; D018487:Ventricular Dysfunction, Left / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D016277:Ventricular Function, Left
chemical_list: D015415:Biomarkers; D018836:Inflammation Mediators; D005340:Fibrinogen; D002097:C-Reactive Protein