OBJECTIVES: Intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) plays a pivotal role in the treatment of cardiogenic shock (CS) complicating acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). However, the influence of IABP on the inflammatory response has not been well evaluated. We sought to assess the effects of IABP support upon C-reactive protein (CRP) levels in patients with STEMI complicated by CS undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). METHODS: This was a prospective study and a total of 91 patients with STEMI complicated by CS receiving emergency PCI were enrolled, 43 cases of which received IABP support, and the remaining cases without IABP therapy were the control group. CRP levels were determined at admission, and on days 3 and 7. Troponin I peak, left ventricular function and major adverse cardiovascular events were compared following PCI. RESULTS: The IABP group had lower CRP levels at days 3 and 7, greater improvement in left ventricular function and lower troponin peak following PCI. Significant differences were also observed in the incidence of mortality at 6-month follow-up, both in hospital and after 30 days. CONCLUSIONS: IABP support improves clinical prognosis and attenuates the CRP level in patients with CS complicating STEMI after PCI.
OBJECTIVES: Intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) plays a pivotal role in the treatment of cardiogenic shock (CS) complicating acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). However, the influence of IABP on the inflammatory response has not been well evaluated. We sought to assess the effects of IABP support upon C-reactive protein (CRP) levels in patients with STEMI complicated by CS undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). METHODS: This was a prospective study and a total of 91 patients with STEMI complicated by CS receiving emergency PCI were enrolled, 43 cases of which received IABP support, and the remaining cases without IABP therapy were the control group. CRP levels were determined at admission, and on days 3 and 7. Troponin I peak, left ventricular function and major adverse cardiovascular events were compared following PCI. RESULTS: The IABP group had lower CRP levels at days 3 and 7, greater improvement in left ventricular function and lower troponin peak following PCI. Significant differences were also observed in the incidence of mortality at 6-month follow-up, both in hospital and after 30 days. CONCLUSIONS: IABP support improves clinical prognosis and attenuates the CRP level in patients with CS complicating STEMI after PCI.