Serum levels of the soluble IL-1 receptor family member ST2 and right ventricular dysfunction

Aims: We aimed to assess the relationship between right ventricle (RV) dysfunction parameters and the soluble IL-1 receptor family member (sST2) in patients with secondary pulmonary hypertension owing to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Materials & methods: A total of 36 patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and secondary pulmonary hypertension (mean age: 59 +/- 7 years) and 36 healthy volunteers (mean age: 59 +/- 8 years) were enrolled in the study. sST2 and NT-proBNP levels, as well as specific echocardiographic parameters were measured. Results: Both sST2 and NT-proBNP levels were greater in the test group. The sST2 levels were inversely associated with RV fractional area change (r = -0.762; p < 0.001), as well as with the RV ejection fraction (r = -0.799; p < 0.001), tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (r = -0.773; p < 0.001) and increased pulmonary artery systolic pressure (r = 0.603; p < 0.001). Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis revealed that sST2 had lower sensitivity for identifying RV dysfunction when compared with NT-proBNP (71.4 vs 100%), despite having the same specificity (84%). Conclusion: The current study reveals correlations between sST2 levels and echocardiographic parameters of RV dysfunction, suggesting that use of sST2 and NT-proBNP may improve diagnosis and risk stratification in patients with secondary pulmonary hypertension owing to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.