The effect of medical treatment on the level of C-reactive protein and leukocyte count in patients with congestive heart failure

Abstract

Background: The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of standard heart failure treatment on the C-reactive protein (CRP) level. Method: During this study, 60 patients with heart failure were admitted to the Department of Cardiology at Ondokuz Mayis University Hospital for a period of over six months (November 2001-April 2002). Each patient was classified according to the New York Heart Association functional class at admission and at discharge. We determined the CRP levels in patients with heart failure at admission and compared them to the CRP levels at discharge. Results: As a result, we observed a decrease in the levels of CRP after treatment compared to the levels before treatment (before treatment, 40.37 ± 48.75 ng/mL; after treatment, 27.60 ± 39.50 ng/mL). This decrease was found to be statistically significant (p < 0.03). In parallel to the significant improvement in the left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) capacity and systolic function (LVEF before treatment, 28.7 ± 7.9%; after treatment, 32.2 ± 8.6%, p < 0.001), we also observed a decrease in the white blood cell count (WBCc) after treatment (before treatment, 9450 ± 5412/mm3, after treatment, 7976 ± 2455/mm3, p < 0.006). Conclusions: We can conclude that the CRP levels in patients with heart failure measured several times during hospitalization may predict, in an independent way, a response to standard medical treatment of heart failure, and we may use the CRP level as a criterion for follow-up and decision to discharge patients.