Higher fibrinogen levels predict progression of coronary artery calcification in adults with type 1 diabetes

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 >or=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.