Higher Fibrinogen Levels Predict Progression of Coronary Artery Calcification in Adults with Type 1 Diabetes

• Published in: Atherosclerosis 2010-06, Vol.210 (2), p.671-673
• Main Authors: Rodrigues, T.C, Snell-Bergeon, J.K, Maahs, D.M, Kinney, G.L, Rewers, M
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adult; Atherosclerosis (general aspects, experimental research); Biological and medical sciences; Blood and lymphatic vessels; Calcinosis - blood; Calcinosis - pathology; Cardiology. Vascular system; Cardiovascular; Cohort Studies; coronary artery calcification; Coronary Artery Disease - blood; Coronary Artery Disease - pathology; Coronary heart disease; Diabetes Complications - blood; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1 - blood; Disease Progression; Female; fibrinogen; Fibrinogen - biosynthesis; Heart; Humans; Male; Medical sciences; Middle Aged; Prospective Studies; Risk Factors; type 1 diabetes
• ISSN: 0021-9150; 1879-1484
• DOI: 10.1016/j.atherosclerosis.2009.12.034

Abstract Aim To determine whether fibrinogen levels predict independently progression of coronary artery calcification (CAC) in adults with type 1 diabetes. Methods Data from a prospective cohort - the Coronary Artery Calcification in Type 1 Diabetes Study - were evaluated. Fibrinogen levels at baseline were separated into quartiles. CAC was measured twice and averaged at baseline and at follow-up 2.4 ± 0.4 years later. CAC progressors were defined as participants whose square-root transformed CAC volume increased by ≥2.5 mm3 or development of clinical coronary artery disease during the follow-up period. Results Fibrinogen levels were higher in progressors than in non-progressors (276 ± 61 mg/dl versus 259 ± 61 mg/dl, p = 0.0003). CAC progression, adjusted for known cardiovascular risk factors, increased in the highest quartile. Conclusions Higher fibrinogen levels predict CAC progression in type 1 diabetes subjects, independent of standard cardiovascular risk factors.