STUDY OF C-REACTIVE PROTEIN IN THE SERA OF PATIENTS WITH ACUTE MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION

Abstract

Fifty patients with acute myocardial infarction were studied with serial blood determinations for C-reactive protein. This abnormal protein was found in 49 instances. The amount of C-reactive protein correlated roughly with other laboratory indices of infarction, such as fever, leukocytosis and elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate. In approximately 60% of these patients, C-reactive protein was initially present but disappeared after 1 to 2 weeks following the myocardial infarction. In 7 patients C-reactive protein was absent from the initial blood specimens but appeared within 1-2 days and then dissappeared in a manner similar to that of the preceding group. In 4 patients C-reactive protein persisted in the blood, and in 9 cases there was no discernible pattern. Twelve patients with coronary artery disease with protracted chest pain indicative of coronary insufficiency but without apparent myocardial infarction were studied in the same manner. In no instance was C-reactive protein present. The C-reactive protein test is suggested as an additional useful and sensitive laboratory aid in the diagnosis of myocardial infarction.