Cytokine-Based Validation of the Inflammation-Based Risk Score in Patients with ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction

This study aimed to validate an inflammation-based risk score in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) by examining their cytokine profiles. Upon admission, patients were evaluated for systemic inflammation using a risk score that assigned points based on specific biomarkers: 1 point for leukocyte count ≥9.3 × 10³ cells/μL, 2 points for high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) ≥13.0 mg/L, and 3 points for serum albumin ≤3.6 g/dL. Patients were categorized into three groups: no inflammation (0 points, n = 13), mild inflammation (1-2 points, n = 35), and severe inflammation (3-6 points, n = 26). Serum levels of 16 key cytokines were measured. Patients with higher risk scores showed elevated interleukin (IL)-6 levels (19.6 vs. 8.5 vs. 6.8 pg/mL; P = 0.021) and decreased interferon-γ-induced protein-10 (IP-10) levels (73.4 vs. 68.8 vs. 112.2 pg/mL; P = 0.011). IL-6 was positively correlated with hsCRP (ρ 0.307) and negatively correlated with albumin (ρ -0.298), while IP-10 was negatively correlated with leukocyte count (ρ -0.301). No other cytokines showed significant association with the risk score. Higher inflammation scores were also associated with an increased incidence of major adverse cardiovascular events, particularly acute heart failure. This study underscores the association between the inflammation-based risk score and cytokine levels, specifically IL-6 and IP-10, in patients with STEMI.