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.