Prognostic Value of Myeloperoxidase in Patients with Chest Pain

Myeloperoxidase Research Background: Inflammation is linked to adverse outcomes in acute coronary syndromes. Myeloperoxidase , an abundant leukocyte enzyme , is elevated in culprit lesions that have fissured or ruptured in patients with sudden death from cardiac causes. Numerous lines of evidence suggest mechanistic links between myeloperoxidase and both inflammation and cardiovascular disease.

Conclusions A single initial measurement of plasma myeloperoxidase independently predicts the early risk of myocardial infarction , as well as the risk of major adverse cardiac events in the ensuing 30-day and 6-month periods. Myeloperoxidase levels, in contrast to troponin T , creatine kinase MB isoform , and C-reactive protein levels, identified patients at risk for cardiac events in the absence of myocardial necrosis, highlighting its potential usefulness for risk stratification among patients who present with chest pain. Source: Dr. Hazen at the Center for Cardiovascular Diagnostics and Prevention, Cleveland Clinic Foundation , 9500 Euclid Ave., NC10, Cleveland, OH 44195, published by The New England Journal of Medicine