Prognostic value of C-reactive protein levels within 6 hours after the onset of acute anterior myocardial infarction with primary PCI

Background Increased levels of inflammatory markers have been documented in various settings of coronary artery disease. The vulnerability of coronary lesions in acute myocardial infarction(AMI) at the time of onset may be related to serum levels of C reactive protein(CRP) on admission, before CRP levels are affected by myocardial damage.Objective This study assessed the predictive value of CRP levels within six hours after the onset of acute anterior myocardial infarction with primary percutaneous coronary intervention(PCI).Methods The plasma CRP of 76 patients with first acute anterior myocardial infarction was measured within 6 hours after onset. They were divided into 2 groups: group 1( n =20) with elevated CRP( ≥0.3mg/dl ) on admission within 6 hours after onset and group 2( n =56) with normal CRP( <0.3mg/dl ) within 6 hours after onset. All patients were treated by primary PCI. The primary combined end points, including death due to cardiac causes, re MI related to the infarction artery(RIA) and repeat intervention of the RIA, and the restenosis rate were assessed in relation to CRP levels within 6 hours after onset. Left ventricular end diastolic volume index(EDVI),end systolic volume index(ESVI),and ejection fraction(EF) on admission and 6 month after the onset were assessed by left ventriculography. Changes in EDVI(ΔEDVI),ESVI(ΔESVI), and EF(ΔEF) were obtained by subtracting respective on admission values from corresponding 6 month follow up values. Results There were no significant differences in baseline characteristics between the two groups. The primary combined end points were significantly more frequent in group 1(20%) than those in group 2( 1.79% , P <0.01 ).In addition, restenosis rates were significantly higher in group 1 than in group 2(41.18% vs 16.07%, P<0.05). Group 1 showed greater increases in left ventricular volume and less improvement in EF compared with group 2(ΔEDVI 6.31 ±2.17 vs 3.29 ±9.46ml/m 2 , ΔESVI 5.92 ±2.31 vs 3.86 ±1.08ml/m 2 , ΔEF 1.92 ±0.47 vs 4.79 ±1.73% , P <0.05 , respectively).Conclusions CRP levels within 6 hours after the onset of AMI might predict adverse outcome after primary PCI and progressive ventricular remodeling within 6 month of AMI.

Predictive value of C-reactive protein/albumin ratio in acute pancreatitis

BACKGROUND:Serum C-reactive protein(CRP) increases and albumin decreases in patients with inflammation and infection.However,their role in patients with acute pancreatitis is not clear.The present study was to investigate the predictive significance of the CRP/albumin ratio for the prognosis and mortality in acute pancreatitis patients.METHODS:This study was performed retrospectively with 192 acute pancreatitis patients between January 2002 and June 2015.Ranson scores,Atlanta classification and CRP/albumin ratios of the patients were calculated.RESULTS:The CRP/albumin ratio was higher in deceased patients compared to survivors.The CRP/albumin ratio was positively correlated with Ranson score and Atlanta classification in particular and with important prognostic markers such as hospitalization time,CRP and erythrocyte sedimentation rate.In addition to the CRP/albumin ratio,necrotizing pancreatitis type,moderately severe and severe Atlanta classification,and total Ranson score were independent risk factors of mortality.It was found that an increase of 1 unit in the CRP/albumin ratio resulted in an increase of 1.52 times in mortality risk.A prediction value about CRP/albumin ratio >16.28 was found to be a significant marker in predicting mortality with 92.1% sensitivity and 58.0% specificity.It was seen that Ranson and Atlanta classification were higher in patients with CRP/albumin ratio >16.28 compared with those with CRP/albumin ratio ≤16.28.Patients with CRP/albumin ratio >16.28 had a 19.3 times higher chance of death.CONCLUSION:The CRP/albumin ratio is a novel but promising,easy-to-measure,repeatable,non-invasive inflammationbased prognostic score in acute pancreatitis.

Early cardiopulmonary resuscitation on serum levels of myeloperoxidase,soluble ST2,and hypersensitive C-reactive protein in acute myocardial infarction patients

BACKGROUND Prompt and effective cardiopulmonary resuscitation(CPR)can promote the recovery of spontaneous circulation to some extent and can save patients’lives.The minimum target of cardiac resuscitation is the restoration of spontaneous circulation(ROSC).However,owing to prolonged sudden cardiac arrest,there is relatively high mortality within 24 h after cardiac resuscitation.Moreover,severe cerebral anoxia can deteriorate the prognosis of patients.Therefore,it is important to adopt an effective clinical evaluation of acute myocardial infarct(AMI)patients’prognosis after cardiac resuscitation for the purpose of prevention and management.AIM To investigate early CPR effects on human myeloperoxidase(MPO),soluble ST2(sST2),and hypersensitive C-reactive protein(hs-CRP)levels in AMI patients.METHODS In total,54 patients with cardiac arrest caused by AMI in our hospital were selected as the observation group,and 50 other patients with AMI were selected as the control group.The differences in serum levels of MPO,sST2,and hs-CRP between the observation group and the control group were tested,and the differences in the serum levels of MPO,sST2,and hs-CRP in ROSC and non-ROSC patients,and in patients who died and in those who survived,were analyzed.RESULTS Serum levels of MPO,sST2,hs-CRP,lactic acid,creatine kinase isoenzyme(CKMB),and cardiac troponin I(cTnI)were significantly higher in the observation group than in the control group(P<0.05).Serum levels of MPO,sST2,hs-CRP,lactic acid,CK-MB,and cTnI in the observation group were lower after CPR than before CPR(P<0.05).In the observation group,MPO,sST2,hs-CRP,lactic acid,CK-MB,and cTnI serum levels were lower in ROSC patients than in non-ROSC patients(P<0.05).MPO,sST2,hs-CRP,and lactic acid serum levels of patients who died in the observation group were higher than those of patients who survived(P<0.05).The areas under receiver operating characteristic curve predicted by MPO,sST2,hs-CRP,lactic acid,CK-MB,and cTnI were 0.616,0.681,0.705,0.704,0.702,and 0.656,respectively(P<0.05).The areas under receiver operating characteristic curve for MPO,SST2,hs-CRP,and lactic acid to predict death were 0.724,0.800,0.689,and 0.691,respectively(P<0.05).Logistic regression analysis showed that MPO,sST2,and hs-CRP were the influencing factors of ROSC[odds ratios=1.667,1.589,and 1.409,P<0.05],while MPO,sST2,hs-CRP,and lactic acid were the influencing factors of death(odds ratios=1.624,1.525,1.451,and 1.365,P<0.05).CONCLUSION Serum levels of MPO,sST2,hs-CRP,and lactic acid have a certain value in predicting recovery and prognosis of patients with ROSC.

Comparative evaluation of acute phase proteins by C-reactive protein(CRP)and serum amyloid A(SAA)in nonhuman primates and feline carnivores

The feasibility of a commercially available assay for C-reactive protein(CRP,CRP for humans:hCRP,and CRP for dogs:vCRP)and a trial reagent of serum amyloid A(SAA,vSAA for animals)were applied to the measurement of acute phase proteins in zoo animals,particularly in nonhuman primates and feline carnivores was evaluate.Results showed that hCRP and vSAA methods were applicable to measure CRP and SAA in Haplorhini.There was a highly signifcant correlation between both parameters with remarkably high correlation coefcient.A higher proportion of Bonnet macaques in Haplorhini,and the linear regression with good correlation between hCRP and vSAA levels were observed.Reference values in healthy Bonnet macaques were hCRP(46.86±30.97 nmol/L)and vSAA(9.06±1.95μg/mL).Although Ring-tailed lemur,which belonging to Strepsirrhini,showed low vSAA concentrations(reference values:1.08±0.47μg/mL),vSAA in patients was apparently elevated.The vCRP and vSAA methods were applicable to measurements of CRP and SAA in feline carnivores for highly signifcant correlation between both parameters.Theses two methods were also been deteded in lions,tigers and cheetahs.vSAA assays can be applied to measure SAA levels in other carnivores and herbivores.In conclusion,vSAA systems have potential utility as diagnostic tools for health screening and prediction in zoo animals.

Diagnostic accuracy of C-reactive protein for bacterial infections in acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: A meta-analysis

Objective:The clinical diagnostic accuracy of C-reactive protein(CRP)for bacterial infections in acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(AECOPD)is still controversial.This study evaluated its accuracy through Meta-analysis.Methods:Studies on the diagnostic value of CRP for bacterial infections in AECOPD were searched form Web of Science,PubMed,Cochrane library,EMBASE,WANFANG DATA,CNKI and China Biology Medicine disc.The included studies were evaluated according to QUADAS-2 assessment tool.Stata 12.0 software was used for meta analyses to summarize the sensitivity and the specificity of the included studies,and the heterogeneity test was conducted.The symmetric receiver operating characteristic curves(SROC)was drawn and the area under the curve(AUC)was calculated,and the funnel plot was drawn to determine publication bias.Results:664 studies were initially identified,20 of which met the inclusion criteria(9 in English and 11 in Chinese).Meta-analysis results showed that the summary sensitivity and specificity of CRP in diagnosing bacterial infections in AECOPD were 0.84,95%CI(0.77-0.90)and 0.76,95%CI(0.67-0.82),respectively.The AUC of SROC was 0.87,95%CI(0.83-0.89).Conclusion:CRP has high accuracy,sensitivity and specificity in distinguishing AECOPD bacterial infections from non-bacterial infection.

Monitoring the changes in plasm C-reactive protein,fibrinogen and blood white cell in patients with primary hypertension combined with acute cerebral infarction

BACKGROUND： Inflammatory reaction and the increased level of its accompanying active protein play an important role in the occurrence and development of cerebral infarction. C-reactive protein, fibrinogen and white blood cell, as the monitoring index of inflammatory reaction, are very important in the occurrence and development of acute cerebral infarction. OBJECTIVE： To make a comparison between patients with primary hypertension accompanied with acute cerebral infarction and with simple primary hypertension by observing the changes in plasma C-reactive protein and fibrinogen levels as well as white blood cell and differential counts and analyzing their significances. DESIGN ： Controlled observation SETTING ： Ward Building for VIP, Shenzhen Hospital, Peking University. PARTICIPANTS： Totally 133 patients with primary hypertension were selected from Ward Building for VIP, Shenzhen Hospital, Peking University during September 2003 to September 2005, The diagnostic criteria were based on the hypertension diagnosis criteria formulated by the 7^th World Health Organization-International Society of Hypertension Guidelines （WHO-ISH） in 1998. The informed consents were obtained from all the participants. The involved patients were assigned into two groups： primary hypertension group, in which, there were 65 patients with primary hypertension （ degree 2）, including 42 males and 23 females, with mean age of （61 ±14）years and mean blood pressure of （162.7±6.8）/（94.2±8.4） mm Hg （1 mm Hg =0.133 kPa）, and primary hypertension combined with cerebral infarction group, in which, there were 68 patients with primary hypertension combined with cerebral infarction （ meeting the diagnostic criteria formulated in the 4^th National Cerebrovascular Diseases Meeting in 1995 and diagnosed by skull CT or MRI to exclude the patients with lacunar infarction）, including 42 males and 26 females, with mean age of （56±15） years and mean blood pressure of （176.4±9.2）/（96.3±9.7） mm Hg. METHODS： Plasm C-reactive protein and fibrinogen levels, and white blood cell and differential counts of patients in the two groups were examined 24 hours after stroke. The above indexes were re-examined in the primary hypertension combined with cerebral infarction group 72 hours after stroke. White blood cell and differential counts were performed with laser method （East Asia FE-95001 RAM-1, Japan）. The level of C-reactive protein was measured with turbidimetry （BNII Automatic Systems For Analysis, USA）. The level of fibrinogen was measured with algorithm method when prothrombin time was normal and with Clauss method when prothrombin time was abnormal （ACL Automatic Coagulation Analyzer, USA）. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： The plasm C-reactive protein and flbrinogen levels, and white blood cell and differential counts 24 hours after stroke in two groups and 72 hours after stroke in primary hypertension combined with cerebral infarction group. RESULTS： All the 133 involved patients participated in the result analysis. The plasm C-reactive protein and fibrinogen levels, and white blood cell and neutrophil counts in patients with primary hypertension were all within the normal range. The plasm C-reactive protein and fibrinogen levels, and white blood cell and neu- trophil counts in patients with primary hypertension combined with cerebral infarction were significantly higher than those in patients with primary hypertension 24 hours after stroke and 72 hours after stroke respectively[24 hours after stroke：（32.12±11.76） mg/L vs. （5.02±3.21 ） mg/L;（4.64±0.75） g/L vs. （3.12±0.49） g/L; （9.32±81）×10^9 L^- 1 vs. （5.78±1.32）×10^9L^- 1 （7.85±2.38）×10^9 L^- 1 vs.（3.49±1.28）×10^9 L^-1,t =7.094, 5.759,4.106,5.491, respectively,all P〈 0.01; 72 hours after stroke： （47.62±18.43） mg/L vs. （32.12±11.76） mg/L; （5.08±0.82） g/L vs. （4.64±0.75） g/L, t =2.864,2.220, respectively, both P 〈 0.05]. CONCLUSION： The increase in fibrinogen level and white blood cell count are the important index in monitoring primary hypertension combined with acute cerebral infarction. The increase in plasm C-reactive protein and fibrinogen levels 72 hours after stroke indicates that plasma C-reactive protein and fibrinogen are very important in the development of disease.

The Role of C-Reactive Protein, Granulocyte Colony Stimulating Factor and Total Antioxidant Capacity in Diagnosis of Acute Appendicitis

Background and Aim: Despite the fact that acute appendicitis is the most common surgical emergency all around the world, its diagnosis is still based on clinical evaluation and accuracy of the diagnosis depending on experience. The aim of this study is to evaluate the role of inflammatory markers in diagnosis of acute appendicitis. Material and Method: The study includes 77 cases with histopathologically proven acute appendicitis and 17 control cases. Blood samples were obtained from all cases and C-reactive protein (CRP), Granulocyte Colony Stimulating Factor (G-CSF) and Total Antioxidant Capacity (TAC) were measured. Findings: In cases with acute appendicitis, CRP and G-CSF levels were found to be related to acute appendicitis;however, TAC was not affected by the disease process. Moreover, CRP and G-CSF levels were correlated with the disease severity. Conclusion: Both CRP and G-CSF can be used in diagnosis of acute appendicitis. Furthermore, increased CRP level can be a marker to show advanced cases. However, G-CSF is not an effective marker to show disease severity.

Myeloperoxidase and High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein for Predicting Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events in Patients with Coronary Heart Disease

Background: Research has shown that high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) is a major inflammatory marker for prediction of acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Myeloperoxidase (MPO) also plays an important role in atherosclerosis initiation and development. In present study, the major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) of patients with coronary heart disease (CHD) were investigated. Methods: MPO, hs-CRP and ACS-related risk factors from 201 ACS (78 AMI and 123 UAP) and 210 non-ACS (84 SAP and 126 non-CHD) patients confirmed by coronary angiography were detected, and the data were analyzed with receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and Spearman’s correlation coefficients. MACEs of 285 CHD patients were investigated during the 4-year period follow-up from March 2010 to May 2014. Results: The areas under ROC curve for diagnosing ACS were 0.888 (95% CI 0.843 - 0.933) for MPO, and 0.862 (95% CI 0.815-0.910) for hs-CRP, respectively. There were significantly correlations between MPO and hs-CRP in both ACS and non-ACS groups. Regarding to ACS patients, both MPO and hs-CRP were positively correlated with BMI, TC, TG, LDL-C and Hcy. Prospective study demonstrated that the incidences of MACEs associated significantly with elevated MPO baseline level (yes vs no, OR 7.383, 95% CI 4.095 - 13.309) and high hs-CRP baseline level (yes vs no, OR 4.186, 95% CI 2.469 - 7.097) in CHD patients. Conclusions: The present study provides the epidemiological evidence that elevated baseline MPO and hs-CRP levels are both valuable predictors of MACEs in CHD patients. MPO and hs-CRP would prompt the progression of atherosclerosis and development from SAP to ACS.

Prediction of the severity of acute pancreatitis on admission by urinary trypsinogen activation peptide: A meta-analysis

AIM: To undertake a meta-analysis on the value of urinary trypsinogen activation peptide (uTAP) in predicting severity of acute pancreatitis on admission. METHODS: Major databases including Medline, Embase, Science Citation Index Expanded and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials in the Cochrane Library were searched to identify all relevant studies from January 1990 to January 2013. Pooled sensitivity, specificity and the diagnostic odds ratios (DORs) with 95%CI were calculated for each study and were compared to other systems/biomarkers if mentioned within the same study. Summary receiver-operating curves were conducted and the area under the curve (AUC) was evaluated. RESULTS: In total, six studies of uTAP with a cut-off value of 35 nmol/L were included in this meta-analysis. Overall, the pooled sensitivity and specificity of uTAP for predicting severity of acute pancreatitis, at time of admission, was 71% and 75%, respectively (AUC = 0.83, DOR = 8.67, 95%CI: 3.70-20.33). When uTAP was compared with plasma C-reactive protein, the pooled sensitivity, specificity, AUC and DOR were 0.64 vs 0.67, 0.77 vs 0.75, 0.82 vs 0.79 and 6.27 vs 6.32, respectively. Similarly, the pooled sensitivity, specificity, AUC and DOR of uTAPvs Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation Ⅱ within the first 48 h of admission were found to be 0.64 vs 0.69, 0.77 vs 0.61, 0.82 vs 0.73 and 6.27vs 4.61, respectively. CONCLUSION: uTAP has the potential to act as a stratification marker on admission for differentiating disease severity of acute pancreatitis.

Can ultrasound predict the severity of acute pancreatitis early by observing acute fluid collection?

INTRODUCTIONThe spectrum of acute pancreatitis (AP) ranges from a mild spontaneously resolved disorder to severe disease with mortality up to 20%-48.4%[1-3]. sAP is defined as the AP with organ failure and /or local complications which developed form acute fluid collection (AFC) including necrosis ,abscess , pseudocyst formation into or around the pancreas [4].

Presepsin as a biomarker for risk stratification for acute cholangitis in emergency department: A single-center study

BACKGROUND Acute cholangitis is caused by bacterial infection and has high morbidity and mortality risk.The grade of cholangitis can guide clinical treatment from single antibiotic treatment to biliary drainage.With the introduction of white blood cell(WBC)count,C-reactive protein(CRP),and total bilirubin(T-Bil)into the diagnostic criteria and severity grading for acute cholangitis,the diagnosis rate and grading have significantly improved.However,early risk stratification assessments are challenging in the emergency department.Therefore,we hope to find an ideal predictive biomarker for cholangitis grade.Presepsin is a promising biomarker for the early diagnosis,severity,and prognosis of acute bacterial infections.AIM To assess the grading value of presepsin in patients with acute cholangitis.METHODS This clinical study was conducted at the Beijing Friendship Hospital,a 2000-bed teaching hospital with approximately 200000 emergency admissions per year.In this prospective observational study,336 patients with acute cholangitis meeting the Tokyo Guidelines 2018 diagnostic criteria in the emergency department from May 2019 to December 2020 were analyzed.WBC count,CRP,procalcitonin(PCT),presepsin,T-Bil,and blood culture results were collected.The values were compared using the Pearsonχ2 test,Fisher’s exact test,or Mann-Whitney U test.The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve(AUC)of the value was examined using the Delong test.The correlations among the key research indicators were determined using Pearson correlation.RESULTS In total,336 patients were examined,which included 107,106,and 123 patients classified as having mild,moderate,and severe cholangitis,respectively.WBC count,CRP,PCT,presepsin,T-Bil,direct bilirubin,and sequential organ failure assessment scores of moderate and severe cholangitis patients were higher than those of mild cholangitis patients(P=0.000).The AUC of presepsin in predicting moderate acute cholangitis was 0.728,which was higher than that of CRP(0.631,P=0.043)and PCT(0.585,P=0.002),and same as that of WBC count(0.746,P=0.713)and T-Bil(0.686,P=0.361).The AUC of presepsin in predicting severe acute cholangitis was 0.715,which was higher than that of WBC count(0.571,P=0.008),CRP(0.590,P=0.009),PCT(0.618,P=0.024),and T-Bil(0.559,P=0.006).The presepsin levels in the positive blood culture group were higher(2830.8pg/mLvs1987.8pg/mL,P=0.000),and the AUC of presepsin(0.688)proved that it was a good biomarker for predicting positive bacterial culture.CONCLUSION Presepsin can predict positive blood culture in patients with acute cholangitis.It is superior to WBC count,CRP,PCT,and T-Bil for the risk stratification of acute cholangitis.

Extrapancreatic necrosis volume:A new tool in acute pancreatitis severity assessment?

BACKGROUND Many scores have been suggested to assess the severity of acute pancreatitis upon onset.The extrapancreatic necrosis volume is a novel,promising score that appears to be superior to other scores investigated so far.AIM To evaluate the discriminatory power of extrapancreatic necrosis volume to identify severe cases of acute pancreatitis.METHODS A total of 123 patients diagnosed with acute pancreatitis at Institute of Gastroenterology and Hepatology,St Spiridon Hospital between January 1,2017 and December 31,2019 were analyzed retrospectively.Pancreatitis was classified according to the revised Atlanta classification(rAC)as mild,moderate,or severe.Severity was also evaluated by computed tomography and classified according to the computed tomography severity index(CTSI)and the modified CTSI(mCTSI).The results were compared with the extrapancreatic volume necrosis to establish the sensitivity and specificity of each method.RESULTS The CTSI and mCTSI imaging scores and the extrapancreatic necrosis volume were highly correlated with the severity of pancreatitis estimated by the rAC(r=0.926,P<0.001 and r=0.950,P<0.001;r=0.784,P<0.001,respectively).The correlation of C-reactive protein with severity was positive but not as strong,and was not significant(r=0.133,P=0.154).The best predictor for the assessment of severe pancreatitis was the extrapancreatic necrosis volume[area under the curve(AUC)=0.993;95%confidence interval(CI):0.981-1.005],with a 99.5%sensitivity and 99.0%specificity at a cutoff value of 167 mL,followed by the mCTSI 2007 score(AUC=0.972;95%CI:0.946-0.999),with a 98.0%sensitivity and 96.5%specificity,and the CTSI 1990 score(AUC=0.969;95%CI:0.941-0.998),with a 97.0%sensitivity and 95.0%specificity.CONCLUSION Radiological severity scores correlate strongly and positively with disease activity.Extrapancreatic necrosis volume shows the best diagnostic accuracy for severe cases.

Daclizumab prevents acute renal allograft rejection: 1 year analysis

Objective：To investigate the clinical effect of Daclizumab on preventing acute rejection in renal transplant recipients. Methods：71 patients were randomly divided into two groups：Daclizumab group （n =26） and control group （n = 45）. Baseline regimen of mycophenolate mofetil （MMF）, cyclosporin （CsA）, methylprednisolone （MPD） and prednisone （Pred） were administered to all patients. The treatment of Daclizumab was based on baseline regimen. The Daclizumab group received Daclizumab twice before and after renal transplant. The occurrence of post-transplantation acute rejection, renal function and T lymphocyte subtypes were sequentially monitored; meanwhile adverse events, infection episode, and patient and graft survival were observed. All of patients received a follow-up of 12 months at least. Results：The occurrence of acute rejection in Daclizumab group in 1, 3, 6 and 12 months after renal transplantation was 7.7%, 19.2%, 23.1% and 30.8%, respectively,while it was 15.6% ,28.9%, 35.6% and 46.7% in the control group. There was significant difference between the two group（P 〈 0.05）. There was no difference in infection episodes and adverse events between the Daclizumab group and control group. One year patient survival was 92.3% in Daclizumab group, 91.1% in control group （P 〉 0.05）, compared with graft survival of 96.2 % and 93.3 % for Daclizumab and control group, respectively （P 〉 0. 05）. The renal function in Daclizumab group in 1, 6 and 12 months after renal transplantation was better than that in control group （P 〈 0,05）. The CD3＋ and CD4＋ subtypes decreased in both two groups after operation but no significant difference （P 〉 0.05）. Conclusion：Daclizumab combined with MMF,CsA,MPD and Pred therapeutic regimen was effective to reduce the occurrence of acute rejection in renal transplant recipients and have no influence on T lymphocyte subtypes.

Effects of Suhuang Zhike Capsule on Pulmonary Function, Blood Gas Analysis Index, Serum PCT and CRP Expression in Patients with Acute Exacerbation of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effects of Suhuang Zhike Capsule on pulmonary function, blood gas analysis index, serum PCT and CRP expression in patients with acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. METHODS: A total of 88 patients with acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease admitted to the Department of Respiratory Medicine, Xuancheng People's Hospital of Anhui Province from December 2014 to December 2016 were randomly divided into the observation group and the control group, with 44 cases in each group. The control group was given routine clinical treatment, and the observation group was given Suhuang Zhike Capsule on the basis of the treatment method of the control group. After 7 days' treatment, the improvement of lung function indexes were observed and evaluated before and after treatment(forced expiratory volume in one second(FEV_1), forced expiratory volume occupancy in the 1^(st) second percentage of vital capacity(FEVl/FVC), peak expiatory flow(PEF)), blood gas analysis index(Arterial oxygen partial pressure(PaO_2) and arterial blood carbon dioxide partial pressure(PaCO_2), oxygenation index(OI)) and serum cytokine levels(procalcitonin(PCT) and C reactive protein(CRP). RESULTS: The total effective rate of the observation group was significantly higher than that of the control group(P < 0.05). The FEV_1, FEV_1/FVC and PEF in 2 groups were significantly increased after the treatment(P < 0.05), and the above lung function indexes in the observation group were significantly higher than the control group(P < 0.05). PaO_2 and OI were significantly increased after the treatment(P < 0.05), PaCO_2 was significantly decreased after the treatment(P < 0.05), and the improvement of above blood gas analysis indexes were significantly superior of the observation group than the control group(P < 0.05). The serum PCT and CRP levels in 2 groups were significantly decreased after the treatment(P < 0.05), and the improvement in the observation group were more significant than that in the control group(P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Suhuang Zhike Capsule can inhibit serum inflammatory cytokine levels in patients with acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, improve blood gas analysis indicators, and improve lung functions.

Differences in Acute Phase Reactants between Gout and Pseudogout

Objectives: To define clinical differences in the acute phase response and serum acute phase reactants between gout, pseudogout and crystal-induced arthritis in the presence of non-articular infections (CAI). Patients and Methods: Eleven patients with definite gout, 12 patients with pseudogout and 5 patients with CIA were included in the study. Results: The erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) was significantly different between gout (68.2 ± 49.9 mm/Hr) and CIA (113.8 ± 37.2 mm/Hr) but not between gout and pseudogout (83.9 ± 45.6 mm/Hr) or between pseudogout and CIA. The C-reactive protein (CRP) was significantly increased between gout (10.1 ± 7.9 mg/dL) and pseudogout (18.9 ± 9.8 mg/dL), gout and CIA (36.5 ± 12.4 mg/dL) as well as between pseudogout and CIA. The peripheral white cell count was significantly different between gout (9.27 ± 3.7 k/μL) and CIA (16.5 ± 6.8 k/μL), and between pseudogout (8.9 ± 3.2 k/μL) and CIA. Conclusions: Measurement of ESR and CRP are helpful in crystal-induced arthritis. The CRP has more discriminating utility than the ESR in distinguishing between gout, pseudogout and CIA. Peripheral wbc is most useful for differentiating crystal-induced arthritis from CIA.

Association between Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection and acute coronary syndrome

Objective: To investigate the association between Mycoplasma pneumoniae (MP) infection and the occurrence of acute coronary syndromes (ACS), and its associated mechanism in ACS development. Methods: A total of 134 patients with confirmed ACS were selected as the ACS group, and another 102 healthy subjects were enrolled as the control group. Serum triglycerides (TG), cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), apolipoprotein A1 (ApoA1), and apolipoprotein B (ApoB) were detected using immuno-transmission turbidimetry in the ACS and control groups. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to detect MP-specific IgG antibodies in the serum. Results:The MP infection rate in the ACS group was significantly higher than that in of the healthy control group. Although there were significant differences in the expression of TC, HDL, LDL, and ApoB between the ACS and control groups, there were no significant differences between the MP IgG-positive and negative groups for any the six serum lipid indexes in the ACS patients. The level of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) expression in ACS patients was significantly higher in the MP IgG-positive group compared with the negative group. Conclusions: MP infection is associated with ACS and may be a risk factor for ACS. MP infection may not affect blood lipid levels but rather induce the development of ACS by affecting the long-term inflammatory environment.

Study on Related Factors of Aspirin Resistance in Acute Ischemic Stroke

Objective:To study the related factors of aspirin resistance(AR)in acute ischemic stroke.Methods:A total of 138 patients with acute ischemic stroke treated in hospital affiliated to Xuzhou medical university from August 2016 to August 2018 were the study subjects,examine his medical data from the past.They were divided into the AR group(40 cases)and the non-AR group(98 cases)according to whether AR appears.Gender,disease history,biochemical indicators and etc.were compared between the two groups.The independent risk factors of AR were investigated using univariate analysis and logistic regression analysis.Results:40 cases of AR occurred in 138 patients,with an incidence rate of 28.99%.Diabetes,platelet count(PLT),microRNA-19a(m iR-19a)expression,smoking,high-sensitivity C-reactive protein(hs-CRP),Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL-C),fibrinogen(FIB)and age difference between the AR group and non-AR group was statistically significant(P<0.05).Gender,hypertension,uric acid(UA),high-density lipoprotein cholesterol(HDL-C),triglycerides(TG),homocysteine(Hcy),total cholesterol(TC),and alanine aminotransferase(ALT)between the two groups were not significantly different(P>0.05).Logistic regression analysis showed that the independent risk factors for AR in acute ischemic stroke were diabetes(OR=2.773,95%CI:1.102~5.065,P=0.025),miR-19a(OR=3.021,95%CI:1.322~6.545,P=0.021),hs-CRP(OR=2.719,95%CI:1.301~5.022,P=0.028)and smoking(OR=1.983,95%CI:1.114~3.887,P=0.040).Conclusion:The incidence of AR is higher in acute ischemic stroke.Risk factors include diabetes,miR-19a expression,hs-CRP,smoking,etc.Clinical intervention measures can be taken to reduce the risk of AR and improve acute ischemic stroke prognosis.

Role of plasma C-reactive protein and white blood cell count in predicting in-hospital clinical events of acute type A aortic dissection

Background A few recent studies have reported that inflammation is associated with the prognosis of acute aortic dissection （AD）. There is, however, no systemic investigation regarding the role of plasma C-reactive protein （CRP） and white blood cell （WBC） levels in predicting in-hospital clinical events of acute type AAD. Methods The levels of high-sensitivity CRP and WBC counts were systemically determined after admission in 36 patients with acute type A AD. The variations of plasma CRP and WBC levels in different time windows （admission, 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8 days） in patients with acute type AAD were analyzed between patients with events and without events. Results During hospitalization, five patients died, and increased levels of CRP and WBC were found in patients died with acute type A AD compared with patients survived （P 〈0.01, respectively）. Medical treatment may significantly decrease inflammatory response in survived patients with acute type A AD. Additionally, patients with complication of pleural effusion showed higher CRP and WBC levers （P=0.046, P=-0.018, respectively）. Lower WBC levels were found in survived patients treated medically （P=-0.001）. Moreover, mean CRP and WBC levels had positive correlations with aortic diameter （r=0.364, P--0.000; r=0.333, P=0.000, respectively） and age （r=0.270, P=0.000, respectively）, while negative correlations with the time from onset of symptoms to hospital admission （r= -0.229, P=0.000, r= -0.200, P=0.002, respectively）. Univariate analysis showed that age 〉65 years, CRP zl 2.05 rag/L, WBC 〉12.16×10^9/L, aortic diameter 〉48 mm, pleural effusion and diastolic blood pressure 〉105 mmHg were associated with hospital mortality. While CRP 〉12.05 mg/L, WBC ≥12.16×10^9/L, aortic diameter 〉48 mm were strongly associated with hospital mortality in multiple Logistic regression analysis. Conclusions The results suggested that CRP and WBC were preferred markers for predicting the clinical events in patients with acute type A AD, especially death during hospitalization. Therefore, further study enrolling larger cohort, prospective study would be warranted.

Elevated plasma apolipoprotein AV in acute coronary syndrome is positively correlated with triglyceride and C-reactive protein

Background Increased triglyceride （TG） occurs in patients with acute coronary syndrome （ACS）, and apolipoprotein AV （apoAV） has been shown to lower TG levels. In the present study, we investigated plasma apoAV level and its relationship with TG and C-reactive protein （CRP） in ACS patients. Methods A total of 459 subjects were recruited and categorized into control group （n=-116）, stable angina （SA） group （n=115）, unstable angina group （n=116） and acute myocardial infarction group （n=112）. Plasma apoAV level was measured by a sandwich ELISA assay. Results Compared with controls （（100.27±22.44） ng/ml）, plasma apoAV was decreased in SA patients （（76.54±16.91） ng/ml） but increased in patients with unstable angina （（330.89±66.48） ng/ml, P 〈0.05） or acute myocardial infarction （（368.66±60.53） ng/ml, P 〈0.05）. Inverse correlations between apoAV and TG were observed in the control or stable angina groups （r= -0.573 or-0.603, respectively, P 〈0.001）, whereas positive correlations were observed in the patients with unstable angina or acute myocardial infarction （r=0.696 or 0.690, respectively, P 〈0.001）. Furthermore, a positive relationship between apoAV and CRP was observed in the ACS patients but not in the non-ACS subjects. Conclusion The plasma apoAV concentration is increased and positively correlates with TG and CRP in ACS patients.

Inflammation: Complexity and significance of cellular and molecular responses

Inflammation is a multifaceted cellular and molecular response triggered by injury,infection,or various pathological conditions.Serving as a protective defense mechanism,the inflammatory response involves clinical signs like redness,swelling,pain,and increased body temperature.Immune cells,notably neutrophils and macrophages,play key roles in orchestrating this response.The delicate balance between proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory mediators,including cytokines and chemokines,regulates the inflammatory cascade.While acute inflammation is crucial for tissue repair,chronic inflammation may indicate an imbalance,contributing to conditions like autoimmune diseases.Understanding these mechanisms is vital for developing therapeutic strategies and managing chronic diseases.