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Clinical Assistant Professor, Department of Pharmacy Practice, Lipid, Atherosclerosis, Metabolic and LDL Apheresis Center, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS
Professor and Vice-Chair, Department of Pharmacy Practice, School of Pharmacy, University of Kansas
Director, Lipid, Atherosclerosis, Metabolic and LDL Apheresis Center, University of Kansas Medical Center
Reprints: James M Backes PharmD, Pharmacy Practice Department, B801, University of Kansas Medical Center, 3901 Rainbow Blvd., Kansas City, KS 66160-7231, FAX 913/588-2355, jbackes{at}kumc.edu
OBJECTIVE: To discuss the role of C-reactive protein (CRP) in cardiovascular disease as a predictor of vascular events and identify key factors that increase or decrease this inflammatory marker.
DATA SOURCES: Articles were identified through searches of MEDLINE (1966–July 2003), International Pharmaceutical Abstracts (1970–June 2003), and bibliographies of selected articles. Search terms included C-reactive protein, HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors, fenofibrate, niacin, aspirin, estrogen, thiazolidinediones, and raloxifene.
DATA SELECTION AND DATA EXTRACTION: All studies relevant to CRP and cardiovascular disease or the effects of pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic interventions on CRP levels were evaluated. All information deemed relevant to this review was included.
DATA SYNTHESIS: Numerous studies have shown a strong association between CRP levels and future vascular events (i.e., coronary, cerebrovascular, peripheral vascular disease), with minimal correlation to low-density-lipoprotein cholesterol. Clinical guidelines have recently been published indicating that CRP levels of <1, 1–3, and >3 mg/L correspond to low, moderate, and high risk, respectively, for future vascular events. Drugs including statins, fibrates, niacin, thiazolidinediones, and antiplatelet agents, as well as weight loss and exercise, have demonstrated efficacy in lowering CRP levels.
CONCLUSIONS: CRP appears to be a valuable tool for predicting future vascular events in patients striving for primary or secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease. While several pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic interventions have been shown to lower CRP levels, the impact on clinical outcomes requires further study.
Key Words: C-reactive protein, cardiovascular disease, HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors, lipid-lowering therapy
Published Online, November 17, 2003. www.theannals.com, DOI 10.1345/aph.1D203
THIS ARTICLE IS APPROVED FOR CONTINUING EDUCATION CREDIT
ACPE UNIVERSAL PROGRAM NUMBER: 407-000-04-004-H01
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