Abstract
We determined serum concentrations of neopterin and beta 2-microglobulin, soluble markers of cellular immune activation, in 27 patients with either dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) or chronic myocarditis. Neopterin and beta 2-microglobulin concentrations were respectively increased in 2 and 5 of 11 patients with DCM and in 11 and 9 of 16 patients with chronic myocarditis. A higher cardiac functional class (according to the New York Heart Association) was associated with greater neopterin and beta 2-microglobulin concentrations. During follow-up of patients, both neopterin and beta 2-microglobulin concentrations in serum correlated with the course of disease. Additionally, correlations were significant between left ventricular functional tests (end-diastolic volume, end-systolic volume, and ejection fraction) and neopterin and beta 2-microglobulin concentrations. We conclude that measurement of neopterin and beta 2-microglobulin are useful to monitor disease development in patients with myocardial inflammation.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
