Prognostic value of serum biomarkers in patients with severe tricuspid regurgitation

Abstract

Abstract Background Significant tricuspid regurgitation (TR) is related to significant morbimortality. Given the lack of strong evidence, optimal timing for intervention remains controversial. Surgery is often performed late mainly because symptoms might go unnoticed until advance stages of the disease. The clinical impact of serum biomarkers evaluation in the serial evaluation of patients with significant TR is unknown. Purpose This study was aimed to evaluate the prognostic value of brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) and serum hepatic enzymes assessment in stable patients with significant tricuspid regurgitation Methods Consecutive patients in stable clinical status with significant TR (severe, massive or torrential TR) evaluated in the Heart Valve Clinic were included. Patients with previous episodes of heart failure were excluded. BNP levels and liver function enzymes were measured in all patients in their first visit. A combined endpoint of hospital admission due to right heart failure and cardiovascular (CV) mortality was defined. Results A total of 163 patients were included (mean age was 75±17 years, 69% females, 93% in NYHA I/II). According to etiology, 14% were primary TR and 86% were functional (49% due to corrected left valve disease and 37% due to tricuspid annulus dilatation). During a median follow up of 28 months (IQR: 15–49 months), n=59 patients (36%) reached the combined endpoint (n=12 patients died). Differences in BNP and liver function enzymes values in patients with or without events are shown in figure 1. BNP values and both cholestasis enzymes (alkaline phosphatase and gamma-glutamyl transferase) were independent predictors of the combined endpoints (Figure 2). In a multivariable Cox analysis (forward selection) in a model including BNP, alkaline phosphatase and gamma-glutamyl transferase, alkaline phosphatase remained as the sole independent predictor of outcome (HR: 1.01, [1.004–1.014], p<0.001). Conclusion Serum biomarkers held prognostic value in patients with significant TR. BNP values and colestasis enzymes are predictive of heart failure and CV death in stable patients with TR. Given the low clinical expression of the disease, these serum biomarkers should be considered in the serial evaluation of these patients. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: None. Comparison of serum biomarkersCox regression analysis