Socioeconomic and racial/ethnic differentials of C-reactive protein levels: a systematic review of population-based studies.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Socioeconomic and racial/ethnic factors strongly influence cardiovascular disease outcomes and risk factors. C-reactive protein (CRP), a non-specific marker of inflammation, is associated with cardiovascular risk, and knowledge about its distribution in the population may help direct preventive efforts. A systematic review was undertaken to critically assess CRP levels according to socioeconomic and racial/ethnic factors.

Methods

Medline was searched through December 2006 for population-based studies examining CRP levels among adults with respect to indicators of socioeconomic position (SEP) and/or race/ethnicity. Bibliographies from located studies were scanned and 26 experts in the field were contacted for unpublished work.

Results

Thirty-two relevant art

SUBMITTER: Nazmi A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2018719 | biostudies-literature | 2007 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature