Plasma CCN2 Levels and Right Ventricular Dysfunction in Neuroendocrine Tumors
Author Information
Author(s): Deidi Strickland Bergestuen, Jørgen Gravning, Kristina Hermann Haugaa, Laura G Sahakyan, Svend Aakhus, Espen Thiis-Evensen, Erik Øie, Pål Aukrust, Håvard Attramadal, Thor Edvardsen
Primary Institution: Oslo University Hospital, Rikshospitalet
Hypothesis
CCN2 could be involved in the pathogenesis of carcinoid heart disease.
Conclusion
Elevated plasma CCN2 levels are associated with RV dysfunction and valvular regurgitation in NET patients.
Supporting Evidence
- Patients with reduced RV function had higher plasma CCN2 levels than those with normal or mildly reduced RV function.
- Plasma CCN2 ≥ 77 μg/L was an independent predictor of reduced RV function.
- There was a significant inverse correlation between RV function and plasma CCN2 levels.
- Plasma CCN2 levels were significantly elevated in patients with mild or greater tricuspid/pulmonary regurgitation.
Takeaway
This study found that higher levels of a protein called CCN2 in the blood are linked to heart problems in patients with certain tumors.
Methodology
Echocardiography was performed to assess RV function and plasma CCN2 levels were analyzed using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.
Limitations
The small size of the control group and the inability to measure N-terminal CCN2 fragments may limit the findings.
Participant Demographics
Median age of patients was 63 years, with 48% being men.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Confidence Interval
95% CI 4.15;56.86
Statistical Significance
p<0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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