Predictive value of serum Hs-CRP levels for outcomes of pulmonary embolism

Background The diagnostic utility of novel biomarkers in patients with suspected pulmonary embolism (PE) is still under investigation. While many studies emphasize that high serum levels of high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein (Hs‐CRP) has a moderate relation with PE, few studies show that Hs‐CRP can be used to predict the outcome of the treatment. Aims In this study, we aimed to determine whether there is a relationship between serum levels of Hs‐CRP and reperfusion of pulmonary tissue. As a secondary objective, the correlation between Hs‐CRP and subgroups of PE was investigated. Methods A total of 85 patients with PE, 38 male (44.7%) and 47 female (55.3%) with an average age of 65.5 ± 13.4, were included in this prospective observational study. Samples of blood were collected before and 48 h after the inception of fibrinolytic therapy. Result The correlation of changes in serum Hs‐CRP levels with reperfusion duration was statistically significant (r = 0.548, P = 0.01). Second, we found that some subgroups of PE (massive PE: r = 0.719, P = 0.001, and minor PE: r = 0.529, P = 0.001) had a relation with changes in serum Hs‐CRP levels, whereas some had none (submassive PE: r = 0.136, P = 0.215). Conclusion Changes in serum Hs‐CRP levels can be a potential predictor of the outcomes for patients with PE. Additionally, this value of change can notify the presence of some subgroups of PE (massive and minor PE).