Correlation of C-Reactive Protein and Serum Iron Levels with Syntax Score

Abstract

Cardiovascular disease is one of the most common causes of morbidity and mortality in the world. Atherosclerosis is an inflammatory process, and serum C-reactive protein (CRP) is an acute-phase protein rising in response to inflammation. Serum iron (Fe) is one of the essential metals for the human body. Inflammation and infection are characterized by changes in Fe metabolism. Since atherosclerosis is an inflammatory process, changes in CRP and serum Fe levels are expected. However, the distribution of the disease in the coronary arteries is important for mortality and morbidity. The distribution of the disease can be determined by the syntax score. This study included 407 patients with a mean age of 56.4±10.7 years. The majority of the patients were male (51.4%). In this study, 53 and 354 patients had critical and no critical lesions, respectively. According to the baseline coronary angiograms, the syntax score was calculated in all patients. The laboratory variables, including hemoglobin levels, blood glucose, creatinine, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides, Fe, and CRP were also evaluated in this study. Regarding the laboratory parameters of all groups, the mean CRP levels, Fe levels, and syntax score were estimated at 0.75±1.8 mg/dl, 80.4±27.5 mg/dl, and 1.5±4.8, respectively. Furthermore, a high syntax score correlated with Fe and CRP levels. Based on the findings of the present study, elevated serum Fe and CRP concentrations were associated with increased syntax score and atherosclerosis severity.

Keywords

• atherosclerosis
• c-reactive protein
• serum iron
• syntax score