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Article Type

Original Study

Abstract

Objectives The aim of the present study was to measure plasma urotensin II concentrations in patients with rheumatic mitral regurgitation, and to examine its correlation with severity of valve impairment, function [New York Heart Association (NYHA)] class, and pulmonary artery pressure (PAP). Background Urotensin II is mainly regarded as a cardiovascular autacoid/hormone; it is associated with different cardiovascular diseases. It might have a pathophysiological role in heart valve disease. Patients and methods A total of 35 patients with moderate-to-severe rheumatic mitral valve regurgitation and 20 healthy controls were selected after performing the echocardiography. Plasma urotensin II level was measured for all participants. Results Urotensin II level was highly significant in patients with mitral valve regurgitation (1.83 ± 0.92 ng/ml) versus the controls (0.48 ± 0.13 ng/ml, P < 0.001). In addition, there was a significant positive correlation between urotensin II level and left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVEDD) (r = 0.318, P = 0.03) and PAP (r = 0.706, P < 0.001), but there was no significant correlation between urotensin II level and left ventricular end-systolic diameter (r = 0.271, P = 0.115). Linear regression analysis of LVEDD (r2 linear = 0.101, P < 0.05) and PAP (r2 linear = 0.498, P < 0.001), two among the multiple echocardiographic parameters that predict elevated urotensin II level, was carried out. Conclusion Urotensin II was found to be elevated in patients with rheumatic mitral regurgitation, and positively correlated with increased LVEDD and PAP. Elevation of LVEDD and PAP was found to have a strong prediction for the elevated level of urotensin II. Therefore, urotensin II level may be used as a diagnostic and prognostic marker for severity in patients with rheumatic mitral valvular diseases.

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