Vol 15, No 4 (2008)
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Published online: 2008-05-21
New methods in laboratory diagnostics of dilated cardiomyopathy
Cardiol J 2008;15(4):388-395.
Abstract
Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a multifactorial heart disease in which there is enlargement
and systolic dysfunction of one or both ventricles. The exhaustion of compensatory mechanisms
leads to symptoms of congestive heart failure, which is a significant problem in contemporary
cardiology. DCM is still diagnosed using clinical assessment; echocardiography is necessary,
and in some clinical situations we need hemodynamic assessment in order to identify the
etiology and progression of heart disease. These tests are necessary for choice of treatment and
qualification for heart transplant. Investigators are looking for new, valuable, additional
parameters which could be of use in screening and heart disease progression assessment, and
which may be helpful in the management and risk stratification of patients with DCM. These
monitoring and prognostic tools in patients with chronic heart failure can be biomarkers, such
as natriuretic peptides: BNP and NT-proBNP, cardiac troponins or inflammatory cytokines
and their receptors. Moreover, there are ongoing research projects concerning persistently
elevated uric acid, Ca-125 and osteopontin concentrations for the identification of patients
with DCM, as well as adverse prognoses.
Keywords: dilated cardiomyopathynatriuretic peptidescardiac troponinsinflammatory cytokines