Serum Interleukin-6 and Highly Sensitive C-Reactive Protein as Inflammatory Biomarkers in Atrial Fibrillation Patients

Introduction: Atrial fibrillation is associated with increased C-reactive protein level and other acute phase reactant (fibrinogen level, interleukin 2, 6, 8, and others), which raise the question of the role of inflammation in this condition? Aim of the Work: To asses the relation between atrial fibrillation and serum inflammatory biomarkers (IL-6 & Hs CRP). Study Design: The study included thirty AF patients. They were subjected to laboratory analysis of their serum IL-6 and Hs CRP. According to AF duration they were subdivided into two subgroups: • Recent onset AF subgroup. • Long standing persistent AF subgroup (AF has lasted for I year). Results: There was a positive correlation of IL-6 & Hs CRP serum levels to the duration of AF (p<0.001 &p<0.001) respectively. There was a significantly higher level of serum interleukin 6 in the persistent AF subgroup denoting a statistically significant difference between this group and the recent onset subgroup (p=0.007). Meanwhile there was no significant difference regarding serum Hs CRP between the recent onset AF subgroup and the persistent AF subgroup (T0.245). There was a significant difference between the two subgroups as regarding left atrial diameter (p=0.031). In the recent onset subgroup left atrial diameter ranged from 41 to 47mm with mean 44.5mm, ±2.5. In the persistent subgroup left atrial diameter ranged from 44 to 71mm with mean 50.3mm, ±6.2mm. There was a significant relation as regarding the incidence of stroke and increased serum level of IL-6 (p=0.001). Serum IL-6 in patients without stroke ranged from 12 to 1010pg/ml, with mean 424.5pg/ml, ±313.2 while serum IL-6 in patients with stroke ranged from 980 to 1320pg/ml with mean 1156.7Pg, ±110.4. Conclusion: Interleukin 6 and highly sensitive CRP biomarkers, were found to be good prognostic factors for atrial fibrillation. Correspondence to: Dr. Hamdy Mohamed Saber, E-mail: Hamdysaber@hotmail com