The study of growth differentiation factor-15 in chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension following acute pulmonary thromboembolism

Objective To evaluate the incidence of chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) secondary to acute pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE) and the serum level of growth differentiation factor-15(GDF-15). Methods Ninety-six acute PTE patients were recruited in the study. Clinical data, Wells score, blood gas analysis, D-dimmer level, GDF-15 level, atrial and ventricular sizes, pulmonary arterial systolic pressure (PASP) and pulmonary artery CT (CTPA) data were collected. Patients were followed up to evaluate the cardiac function (WHO class), ultrasonic cardiogram and CTPA to confirm the incidence of CTEPH. Results Eighty-fivepatients were followed for 5 months to 58 months (average 26.5±14.7 months). The incidence of CTEPH was 12.9% (11/85). Between CTEPH patients and non-CTEPH patients, PASP, right atrial and ventricular sizes, and GDF-15in the acute stage were significantly different(P<0.05). According to binary logistic regression analysis, the incidence of CTEPH was correlated positively with acute PASP and the serum level of GDF-15. Conclusions The incidence of CTEPH in acute PTE patients was 12.9% in this study. Acute PASP and higher level of GDF-15 are predictive factors for CTEPH secondary to acute PTE. Key words: Growth differentiation factor-15; Chronic thromboembolic; Hypertension, pulmonary