Serum C reactive protein and procalcitonin are valuable predictors of coronary heart disease and poor prognosis in the elderly.

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the potential of serum C-reactive protein (CRP) and procalcitonin (PCT) for predicting coronary heart disease (CHD) in elderly patients, as well as their impact on prognosis.

METHODS

This retrospective analysis included 120 elderly patients with CHD (CHD group) and 100 patients without cardiovascular disease (control group). CHD patients were followed up for 12 months after discharge. Patients with readmission due to adverse cardiovascular events were incorporated into a poor prognosis group, and the rest were considered a good prognosis group. Serum CRP and PCT were measured by Latex immunoturbidimetric assay and enzyme-linked fluorescent assay.

RESULTS

Serum CRP and PCT levels in the CHD group were considerably higher than those in the control group. Serum CRP and PCT were found to be predictive factors for CHD by logistic regression study, and the area under the curve (AUC) of the combination examination of CRP and PCT was greater than that of CRP or PCT alone, suggesting that the combination was most valuable for the prediction of CHD in the elderly. Furthermore, the levels of CRP and PCT in the poor prognosis group were substantially higher than those in the good prognosis group. Logistic regression found that serum CRP and PCT were independent factors affecting the prognosis of CHD. The AUR of the combined examination of CRP and PCT was greater than that of the CRP or PCT alone, suggesting that the combination had a better prognostic value.

CONCLUSIONS

Serum PCT and CRP levels are abnormally elevated in elderly patients with CHD, and higher levels of PCT and CRP are associated with higher risk of CHD and poor prognosis. The determination of PCT and CRP is of great significance in guiding clinical treatment.