Introduction and objectives: C-reactive protein (CRP), whose synthesis in the liver is regulated by interleukin 6 (IL-6), is related with the prognosis for ischemic heart disease. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of early administration of pravastatin on plasma levels of CRP and IL-6 in patients with acute myocardial infarction and ST segment elevation.
Patients and method: 71 patients were randomized during the first 10 hours from the onset of symptoms to receive 40 mg of pravastatin once a day or not. CRP and IL-6 were measured on admission, 48 hours and 7 days later. CRP was also measured 2 months later.
Results: On admission, levels of CRP and IL-6 were similar in both groups. After 7 days of treatment the administration of pravastatin was associated with a lower level of CRP (P=.002). Mean and median CRP levels decreased from 48 hours to day 7 by 48.4% and 51.9% respectively in the pravastatin group, and by 32.5% and 15.9% respectively in the control group. In contrast, no significant differences in IL-6 levels were observed between the two groups. After 2 months of follow-up, 50% of the treated patients and 25% of the control patients had CRP levels lower than 6.6 mg/L (P=.039).
Conclusions: Early administration of pravastatin in the acute phase of myocardial infarction with ST segment elevation was associated with a lower level of CRP after 7 days of treatment, with no concomitant changes in IL-6 levels.