P-391: High sensitivity C-reactive protein as a marker of changes in microcirculation

Introduction: C-reactive protein (CRP) has behaved as a marker of the insulin resistance (IR) syndrome and of endothelial dysfunction (ED) as well as a good predictor of acute events, all of which are related to “atherosclerosis”. However, it is not known if it could also be an indicator of abnormal elasticity and/or dysfunction at the microcirculatory level. AIMS: 1. To determine the prevalence of stiffness in small arteries. 2. To evaluate the forearm microcirculatory function. 3. To correlate the dysfunction and vascular stiffness with serum CRPhs levels. Methods: N=69, aged 31–81 (61,29+-1,57), 36 males, 33 females, 49 hypertensive, 41 with hyperglycemia and 10 smokers. CRPhs (mg/L) assessed by ELISA DRG Instruments. Endothelial and non-endothelial vasodilation: evaluation of antebrachial microcirculatory function using laser Doppler (Moor, DRT4). Peak-flow relative variation. Small artery elasticity index (C2)(ml/mmHgx100), systemic vascular resistance (dyne.sec.cm5), total vascular impedance (dyne.sec.cm5), estimated stroke volume (ml/beat), and cardiac output (L/min) and index (ESVI: ml/beat/m2 and ECOI: L/min/m2): HDI/PulseWave CR-2000. Normal values according to age and sex (standard tables by Hypertension Diagnostics Inc. CVProfilor). Statistical analysis: t-Student and Mann-Whitney U test. Pearson correlation, One-way ANOVA and multivariate linear regression. Results: 1. Small artery elasticity index was abnormal in 31 patients (44,9%). There was a correlation with age: 67,93+-1,76 vs 55,87+-2,10; p