Prevalence and clinical characteristics of patients with hsCRP testing and test-confirmed systemic inflammation among individuals with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease with or without chronic kidney disease in the United States (PLUTUS).
Publication Title
Am J Prev Cardiol
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
3-1-2025
Keywords
Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease; Chronic kidney disease; oregon; cards; cards publication Systemic inflammation
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Systemic inflammation (SI) is a risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) and is most commonly assessed by measuring levels of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP).
OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to determine hsCRP testing rates and SI prevalence in patients with ASCVD and in a subset of patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD).
METHODS: This was a retrospective, cross-sectional analysis using US-based data from the Optum® de-identified Electronic Health Record data set (Optum® EHR; 1/1/2017-12/31/2021). hsCRP testing rates and SI prevalence (hsCRP ≥2 to < 10 mg/L) were evaluated by calendar year. Demographics, comorbidities, and treatment patterns were compared between patients with ASCVD, ASCVD + CKD, and ASCVD + stage 3/4 CKD, with and without SI.
RESULTS: 1,658,476 patients with ASCVD were eligible for study inclusion. Per calendar year, 44.9 %-68.8 % and 14.9 %-18.9 % of patients had any CKD and stage 3/4 CKD, respectively. hsCRP testing was performed in 0.87 %-0.98 % (ASCVD), 0.90 %-1.17 % (ASCVD + CKD), and 0.99 %-1.41 % (ASCVD + stage 3/4 CKD) of patients. SI was present in 37.16 %-38.62 % (ASCVD), 40.61 %-44.44 % (ASCVD + CKD), and 49.44 %-53.92 % (ASCVD + stage 3/4 CKD) of tested patients. Among those with SI, patients with CKD had a greater comorbidity burden than those without.
CONCLUSION: While rates of hsCRP testing were low in patients with ASCVD, the prevalence of SI was high in hsCRP-tested patients with ASCVD, irrespective of CKD presence or severity. Given the low rate of testing, patients with SI may not be identified and treated.
Area of Special Interest
Cardiovascular (Heart)
Area of Special Interest
Kidney & Diabetes
Specialty/Research Institute
Cardiology
Specialty/Research Institute
Nephrology
Specialty/Research Institute
Endocrinology
DOI
10.1016/j.ajpc.2025.100950
