Effect of the early administration of pravastatin on C-reactive protein and interieukin-6 levels in the acute phase of myocardial infarction with ST segment elevation

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, witti ST segment elevation was associated with a lower level of CRP after 7 days of treatment, with no concomitant changes in IL-6 levels.