01/12/2008
Should everyone have a blood test for C reactive protein (CRP) and be taking Rosuvastatin (Crestor, AstraZeneca) ?
Dr Edward Leatham
,
Dr Tim Wang
Who this applies to: People who have risk factors for heart disease Patients taking statins Patients attending
In a study of individuals with low LDL cholesterol but elevated C-reactive-protein (CRP) levels, investigators showed that rosuvastatin (Crestor, AstraZeneca) 20 mg significantly reduced the primary end point--a composite of nonfatal MI, nonfatal stroke, hospitalization for unstable angina, revascularization, and confirmed death from cardiovascular causes--by 44% compared with individuals treated with placebo
SCVC comment
This trial is of major scientific interest since it reinforces the idea that coronary artery disease is an inflammatory condition. The level of CRP used to get into the trial is lower than most pathology labs will routinely measure (elevated CRP of 2 mg/dl or greater.) Analysis of the data shows that 120 individuals who fulfil the entry criteria would have to be treated with the drug for two years in order to prevent one heart attack. (Hlatky M. Editorial NEJM, November 20, 2008) The trial has helped confirm rosuvastatin’s position as a potent statin that we use in selected patients. The trial does not mean we will be switching all our patients to rosuvastatin (Crestor, AstraZeneca)!
Links
http://heartdiseasediabetes.suite101.com/article.cfm/crestor_crp_and_inflammation
http://heartscanblog.blogspot.com/2008/11/crp-and-jupiter.html
http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/583269
http://www.theheart.org/article/852735.do?