Relationship between Carotid Atherosclerosis and High-sensitivity C-reactive Protein in Patients with Acute Cerebral Infarction

Objective To explore the relationship between high-sensitivity C-reactive protein(hs-CRP)and carotid atherosclerosis in patients with acute cerebral infarction.Methods The serum concentrations of hs-CRP were measured in 106patients with acute cerebral infarction and 60 healthy subjects.A color Doppler ultrasound system was used to determine carotid intima-media thickness(IMT)and carotid artery plaque.Results The levels of hs-CRP in healthy subjects were significantly lower than those in patients with normal IMT,increased IMT or plaque formation(P0.05).In addition,hs-CRP levels were significantly different among normal IMT group(n=14),increased IMT group(n=21)and plaque formation group(n=71)(P0.05).In addition,hs-CRP levels in patients with unstable plaque(n=29)were significantly higher than those in patients with stable plaque(n=42)(P0.05).Conclusion As an inflammatory indicator,hsCRP may promote the occurrence and development of atherosclerosis.It can reflect the severity of carotid atherosclerosis and the risk and prognosis of cerebral infarction.