Diagnostic value of circulating microRNA-208a in differentiation of preserved from reduced ejection fraction heart failure

Abstract Background There is no satisfactory answer on the specific biomarker that might be used in differentiating heart failure with reduced EF (HFrEF), allowing for inadequacy of N-terminal prohormone brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP). Objectives We aim to evaluate the value of microRNA-208a in diagnosing HFrEF patients. Methods We included 120 HF patients and 60 healthy volunteers. Diagnostic values of NT-proBNP and miR-208a for HF patients versus controls and HFrEF versus HFpEF were described by area under curve (AUC), sensitivity and specificity. Results HFrEF patients had significantly higher miR-208a level (p Conclusion Use of miR-208a in combination with NT-proBNP may allow a more reliable method in diagnosing HFrEF patients.