Eosinophil cationic protein and clinical outcome after bare metal stent implantation

Objectivewe assessed the association between baseline eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) levels, a sensitive marker of eosinophil activation, and clinical outcome in patients undergoing bare metal stent (BMS) implantation.Methodsbasal ECP levels were measured in 110 patients (69 ± 11 years, 88 men) undergoing BMS implantation. Major adverse cardiac events (MACEs), defined as cardiac death, non-fatal myocardial infarction, or clinically-driven target lesion revascularization, were registered at 24-month follow-up.Resultseighteen (16.4%) patients had MACEs and showed higher ECP levels compared with those without MACEs [20.1 (9.8–47.3) vs. 9.5 (5.0–27.2) g/L, p = 0.02]. At follow-up, ECP level >11 g/L was the only significant predictor of MACEs (HR 3.5, 95% CI 1.1–10.4, p = 0.03).Conclusionbasal ECP levels are associated with MACEs after BMS implantation, suggesting that an allergic-mediated inflammation against the metal could explain some adverse reactions occurring after coronary stenting.