Coronary calcium score, albuminuria and inflammatory markers in type 2 diabetic patients: Associations and prognostic implications

Abstract

Aims: To investigate the relationship of coronary artery calcium (CAC) scores with common carotid artery intima media thickness (CCA-IMT), albuminuria and inflammatory factors in type 2 diabetes. Methods and results: 128 asymptomatic type 2 diabetic patients, with at least one cardiovascular risk factor in addition to diabetes, were included in the study. CAC scores, carotid arteries plaque formation and CCA-IMT were assessed. The patients were followed for a mean period of 36.6 +/- 3.3 months. Linear regression analysis identified the logarithmically transformed (Ln) albuminuria (beta = 0.32, P = 0.007), age (beta = 0.04, P = 0.001) and the uric acid (beta = 0.13, P = 0.04) as independent determinants of the CAC score. During follow-up period, cardiovascular events occurred in 18 out of 46 patients with CAC score >= 100 compared with 5 out of 82 patients with CAC score <100 (log rank, P < 0.0001). Multivariate Cox proportional hazards analysis identified LnCAC score (P < 0.0001), LnAlbuminuria (P = 0.01) and uric acid (P = 0.03) as independent predictors for cardiovascular events. Conclusions: There was a significant relationship between CAC score, albuminuria and inflammation in patients with type 2 diabetes. LnCAC score together with LnAlbuminuria and uric acid were identified as independent predictors of cardiovascular events in these patients.