Diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers at idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension

Introduction. Idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension (IPAH) is a subtype of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). IPAH is characterized by a progressive increase in pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR), which can lead to right ventricular heart failure and even mortality. The aim was to study the levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), endothelin-1 (ET-1) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in patients with IPAH, as well as to assess their relationship with clinical and hemodynamic parameters.
Materials and methods. Expression of CRP, ET-1 and IL-6 in blood serum samples of patients with IPAH (n=53) and control group (n=52) of the appropriate age/gender was determined using enzyme immunoassay (ELISA). Demographic, clinical characteristics and hemodynamic parameters were studied in patients with IPAH according to catheterization of the right heart (CRH).
Result and discussion. The average age range of patients with IPAH was 35.0-51.0 years, there were 46 (86.8%) women in this group. The average age of the participants in the control group was 31.0-42.0 years, there were 46 (88.5%) women. The levels of ET-1 (p < .016) and IL-6 (p < .001) were higher in patients with IPAH compared to patients in the control group, whereas the level of CRP (p = .270) was no different. Meanwhile, the level of ET-1 positively correlated with the average pressure in the right atrium (r = .728, p < .001) and pulmonary vascular resistance (r = .360, p = .008), while IL-6 positively correlated with the functional class of heart failure according to the classification of the New York Heart Association (NYHA FC).
Conclusion. Levels of IL-6 and ET-1 can be included in the diagnostic algorithm for assessing the severity and prognosis of the disease.

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