The effect of treatment with steroid-eluting stents on systemic inflammatory response was investigated in patients with unstable angina pectoris or recent myocardial infarction who underwent percutaneous intervention. Compared with controls, dexamethasone-eluting stents significantly reduced C-reactive protein peak levels 48 hours after the procedure; this effect persisted for 7 days and was particularly evident in patients with elevated >>/=3 mg/L) preprocedural C-reactive protein values. Patients receiving a dexamethasone-eluting stent had lower adverse events during follow-up.