Blood and Imaging Biomarkers in the Long-term Follow-up of Bicuspid Aortic Valve Patients

Zoë A. Keuning, Paul M. Hendriks, Anthonie L. Duijnhouwer, Frederike Meccanici, Hans Marc J. Siebelink, Allard T. van den Hoven, Laurie W. Geenen, Jannet A. Eindhoven, Vivan J.M. Baggen, Judith A.A.E. Cuypers, Robert M. Kauling, Jolien W. Roos-Hesselink*, Annemien E. van den Bosch*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

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Abstract

Background: 

Bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) is a common congenital heart defect. Patients with BAV are at risk for long-term complications such as valve stenosis and regurgitation. This study aimed to investigate sex differences in blood and imaging biomarkers and to describe the long-term prognostic value of blood and echocardiographic biomarkers. 

Methods:

Patients were included from 2 prospective observational cohort studies; they underwent venous blood sampling and transthoracic echocardiography including speckle tracking. Analyzed blood biomarkers were red-cell distribution width (RDW), creatinine, C-reactive protein (CRP), troponin T, N-terminal pro B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), and transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β). Sex differences were analyzed at baseline. Associations between biomarkers and arrhythmia-free and intervention-free survival were determined by Cox regression, adjusted for age and sex. 

Results:

A total of 182 patients with BAV were included: median age 34; interquartile range [IQR]: 23-46 years; 55.5% male. CRP, NT-proBNP, and RDW were higher in women, whereas creatinine, troponin T and TGF-β were higher among men. After a median follow-up time of 6.9 (IQR: 6.5-9.9) years, arrhythmia-free and intervention-free survival was, 81.0% and 73.1%, respectively. NT-proBNP was associated with both arrhythmia-free and intervention-free survival (hazard ratio [HR], 1.94, P = 0.005 and HR, 2.06, P = 0.002, respectively). On echocardiography higher left atrial (LA) size, left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVEDD), left ventricular (LV) mass index and E/e’ ratio were associated with lower arrhythmia-free survival, whereas higher LA size, LV mass index, aortic valve peak velocity, and aortic regurgitation were associated with lower intervention-free survival. 

Conclusions: 

Differences were observed in blood biomarkers between men and women with BAV. Besides LV systolic parameters, diastolic LV function and NT-proBNP should have a more prominent role as prognostic markers in clinical care.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1-10
Number of pages10
JournalCJC Open
Volume6
Issue number1
Early online date23 Sept 2023
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Jan 2024

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