Abstract
Objective To investigate the value of the PTX-3 test in evaluating the prognosis of acute pulmonary embolism (APE). Method 117 APE patients were selected and divided into two groups according to plasma PTX-3 levels, including the group in which PTX − 3 ≥ 3.0 ng/mL (n = 42) and the group in which PTX − 3 < 3.0 ng/mL (n = 75). Patients were stratified into high-risk, medium-risk, and low-risk groups according to the Wells scores, and the PTX-3 levels were compared among the groups. Patients had been followed-up as well. Results According to the Wells scores, 11 patients were classified as high-risk (9.4%) and 68 were medium-risk (58.1%), while 38 were low-risk (32.5%). The PTX-3 levels in different risk groups were statistically different (all P < 0.05). During the follow-up period, 6 deaths occurred in the group with elevated PTX-3 (≥3.0 ng/mL), while 2 deaths occurred in the group with nonelevated PTX-3 (<3.0 ng/mL). The difference between the two groups was statistically significant (P < 0.01). 13 patients were hospitalized due to recurrent pulmonary embolism, of which 12 were in the group with elevated PTX-3 (≥3.0 ng/mL), while 1 patient was in the group with nonelevated PTX-3 (<3.0 ng/mL). The difference was statistically significant (P < 0.01). Conclusion The plasma PTX-3 level in APE patients is correlated with PE risk stratification. There is a significant correlation between PTX-3 levels and PE-related cardiac deaths, as well as the prognosis of recurrent PE. PTX-3 can be used as a clinical indicator of PE prognosis.
Highlights
Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a clinical, pathological, and physiological syndrome, in which the pulmonary arteries are blocked by a variety of endogenous or exogenous emboli, which is manifested as pulmonary circulation dysfunction in most cases [1]
Patients were stratified into high-risk, medium-risk, and low-risk groups according to the Wells scores, and the PTX-3 levels were compared among the groups
In this study, 3.0 ng/mL of plasma PTX-3 was used as the threshold to divide the patients into two groups, including the group with elevated PTX-3 (n = 42) and group with nonelevated PTX-3 (n = 75)
Summary
Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a clinical, pathological, and physiological syndrome, in which the pulmonary arteries are blocked by a variety of endogenous or exogenous emboli, which is manifested as pulmonary circulation dysfunction in most cases [1]. In the US, PE is the third most common cardiovascular disease, with an incidence after coronary artery disease and high blood pressure. Studies indicate that 1 out of 1000 hospitalized patients suffers from PE, with a mortality rate as high as 25%-30% if left untreated [2]. It remains challenging in clinical practices to perform accurate PE diagnosis and risk stratification and to develop proper treatment plans in accordance with both [3]. Numerous studies have proved the importance and practical roles of various predicative scoring in PE diagnosis [4, 5], we continue to explore new biomarkers to facilitate PE diagnosis and treatment and to evaluate or predict the risk of PE
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