Correlation between the serum procalcitonin level and the extension and severity of coronary artery disease in patients with non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction

Abstract

Objectives Research has shown correlations between some, but not all, inflammatory mediators and coronary atherosclerosis burden. Conflicting results have been reported on the correlation between the serum procalcitonin (PCT) level and the severity and extension of coronary artery disease (CAD). We evaluated the correlation between PCT and the severity and extension of CAD in patients with non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI). Patients and methods In this prospective cross-sectional study, the serum PCT level was measured 48 h after hospital admission in 131 patients with a diagnosis of NSTEMI. All the patients underwent selective coronary angiography, and the severity and extension of their CAD was evaluated with the Gensini score. The study population was assigned to two groups on the basis of the median of the Gensini score: those with a score higher than the median and those with a score lower than the median. Results There was no statistically significant difference with regard to the serum PCT level between the two groups (P = 0.511). In the multivariable logistic regression analysis, after adjustment for the potential confounders, the serum PCT level was not a determinant of the Gensini score (P = 0.502). Conclusion The second 24-h postadmission serum PCT level was not correlated with the severity and extension of CAD according to the Gensini score in our patients with NSTEMI.

Effects of atorvastatin doses on serum level of procalcitonin and predictors for major adverse cardiovascular events in patients with acute myocardial infarction: a pilot study and post hoc analysis

“…Before PCI, the administration of high-dose statins can effectively reduce the early inflammation of patients with AMI and reduce mortality [42,43], supporting this study. In addition, various studies showed associations between MACE and procalcitonin [37,44], hs-CRP [45,46], troponins [47,48] and the Gensini score [49], all supporting the present study. The inflammatory process of AMI is complex and involves numerous acute phase proteins and cell signaling molecules.…”

From Classic to Modern Prognostic Biomarkers in Patients with Acute Myocardial Infarction

“…In addition, Hashemipour et al assessed the association between the Gensini score as a measure of the severity and extent of CAD and PCT levels as a marker of inflammation in patients. They concluded that there was no statistical significance for the relationship between the two [ 43 ].…”

Procalcitonin Predicts Bacterial Infection, but Not Long-Term Occurrence of Adverse Events in Patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome

“…The main limitation of this study was related to the absence of data identifying the dosage of PCT at different time points. Secondly, the population analyzed, while larger than that of the previous study we consulted on the same issue [2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9], was still limited to 569 ACS patients. Moreover, there was a lack of correlation between PCT and imaging data (e.g., echocardiographic findings or cardiac magnetic resonance data).…”

“…Therefore, PCT has also been investigated to potentially diagnose inflammation as it relates to acute coronary syndromes (ACS), but its role remains controversial [3][4][5][6]. It has been shown that PCT 2 of 9 acutely increases in patients with myocardial infarction (MI), but mainly in patients with concomitant complications such as cardiogenic shock or pulmonary edema [7][8][9][10]. Indeed, patients with MI often present with fever and dyspnea, fatigue, and/or increased white blood cell counts in the acute phase.…”