C-Reactive Protein Risk Prediction: Low Specificity, High Sensitivity
Authors: Wolfgang Koenig, Mark B. Pepys
Journal: Annals of Internal Medicine (2002)

Editorials2 April 2002C-Reactive Protein Risk Prediction: Low Specificity, High SensitivityWolfgang Koenig, MD and Mark B. Pepys, MD, PhDWolfgang Koenig, MDFrom the University of Ulm Medical Center, Ulm, Germany; and the Royal Free and University College Medical School, London, United Kingdom and Mark B. Pepys, MD, PhDFrom the University of Ulm Medical Center, Ulm, Germany; and the Royal Free and University College Medical School, London, United KingdomAuthor, Article, and Disclosure Informationhttps://doi.org/10.7326/0003-4819-136-7-200204020-00014 SectionsAboutFull TextPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissions ShareFacebookTwitterLinkedInRedditEmail Convincing evidence indicates that both local inflammation in the arterial wall and systemic signs of inflammation are important in atherogenesis and in complications of atherosclerotic disease. Consistent results from more than 15 well-conducted prospective studies in initially healthy persons (1) have shown a strong and independent association between the circulating concentration of C-reactive protein (CRP)—the classic acute-phase reactant, measured by high-sensitivity assays—and cardiovascular end points, including acute myocardial infarction, stroke, and progression of peripheral arterial occlusive disease. This strong association is seen for both primary and secondary prevention (patients with manifest atherosclerotic disease). Increased CRP levels predict recurrent instability in ...References1. Danesh J, Whincup P, Walker M, Lennon L, Thomson A, Appleby P, et al . Low grade inflammation and coronary heart disease: prospective study and updated meta-analyses. BMJ. 2000;321:199-204. [PMID: 10903648] CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar2. Ridker PM, Glynn RJ, Hennekens CH. 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C-reactive protein, interleukin 6, and risk of developing type 2 diabetes mellitus. JAMA. 2001;286:327-34. [PMID: 11466099] CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar19. Barzilay JI, Abraham L, Heckbert SR, Cushman M, Kuller LH, Resnick HE, et al . The relation of markers of inflammation to the development of glucose disorders in the elderly: the Cardiovascular Health Study. Diabetes. 2001;50:2384-9. [PMID: 11574423] CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar Author, Article, and Disclosure InformationAffiliations: From the University of Ulm Medical Center, Ulm, Germany; and the Royal Free and University College Medical School, London, United KingdomDisclosures: Dr. Koenig has received fees for speaking about CRP from Dade–Behring and Instrumentation Laboratory and has been reimbursed for lectures on inflammation and cardiovascular disease by Bristol–Myers Squibb, Merck Sharp and Dohme, and Sankyo. Dr. Pepys has received fees for speaking and consulting about CRP from Abbott Laboratories, Dade–Behring, and Roche Diagnostics.Corresponding Author: Wolfgang Koenig, MD, Department of Internal Medicine II—Cardiology, University of Ulm Medical Center, Robert-Koch Strasse 8, D–89081 Ulm, Germany; e-mail, wolfgang.[email protected]uni-ulm.de.Current Author Addresses: Dr. Koenig: Department of Internal Medicine II—Cardiology, University of Ulm Medical Center, Robert-Koch Strasse 8, D–89081 Ulm, Germany.Dr. Pepys: Centre for Amyloidosis and Acute Phase Proteins, Department of Medicine, Royal Free and University College Medical School, Rowland Hill Street, London NW3 2PF, United Kingdom. PreviousarticleNextarticle Advertisement FiguresReferencesRelatedDetailsSee AlsoIs C-Reactive Protein Specific for Vascular Disease in Women? Nader Rifai , Julie E. Buring , I-Min Lee , JoAnn E. 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