High and low dose atorvastatin effects on high sensivity C-reactive protein in patient with acute coronary syndrome

Introduction: The effect of statins in reducing the risk of acute cardiovascular events is not only due to their effect on serum cholesterol level but also from their antiinflammatory effects, particularly those resulting from reducing of C - reactive protein (CRP), is important. Atorvastatin dose and duration of treatment display different effects. This study compared the effects of high and low doses atorvastatin in reducing serum level of high sensitivity C reactive protein (hs-CRP). Methods: One hundred patients with unstable angina or Non ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction (NSTEMI) randomized into two groups. Group 1 (n=50) received atorvastatin 80, 20 and 20 mg in three days but group 2 (n=50) received atorvastatin 80 mg/day for three days. High sensitivity C-Reactive protein was measured at admission time and after three dose atorvastatin therapy. Results: Hs-CRP significantly decreased from baseline to end of three doses treatment in both groups (P=0.0001). However, the reduced level was greater in the group2 than group1 (-39.5% vs -31.2%, P=0.0185). Conclusion: We found that both treatment methods have significantly effect on hs-CRP in short term but high dose (80 mg/day) atorvastatin being associated with significantly greater reductions in hs-CRP concentration.