C-Reactive Protein (CRP) and complement proteins in Acute Myocardial Infarction

Blood specimens were obtained from 20 Acute Myocardial Infarction (AMI) patients and 20 non-AMI controls. Specimens were collected at admission, 6 hours and 12 hours later. Serum C-Reactive Proteins (CRP) levels were estimated by a latex agglutination test and Complement proteins were quantified by radial immunodiffusion. CRP and Complement protein levels were higher in AMI patients than in controls. Eleven of the 20 AMI patients attained body temperatures higher than 38degreesC as compared to controls whose body temperatures did not exceed 37degreesC. The results indicated that an acute phase response had occurred in AMI patients. Possible reasons for the increased levels of Complement proteins are suggested.