Plasma endothelin in congestive heart failure: a predictor of cardiac death?
BACKGROUND
Endothelin is a potent vasoconstrictor, with growth-promoting and possible cardiotoxic and arrhythmogenic properties. This study investigates the association between increased plasma endothelin in congestive heart failure and prognosis.


RESULTS
Forty-four patients with congestive heart failure showed increased plasma endothelin concentrations (mean +/- SD, 3.7 +/- 1.7 pg/mL; n = 44) compared with healthy volunteers (2.0 +/- 0.4 pg/mL, n = 21, P < .00003). Plasma endothelin increased with the severity of the disease. All patients were followed for an average of 17 months (range, 2-25 months). Cardiac mortality was 27% (8 of 30 patients) in the group with plasma endothelin concentrations above 3 pg/mL and 0% (0 of 14 patients) in the group with plasma endothelin concentrations below 3 pg/mL (P < .05). In contrast, separation of patients based on different New York Heart Association groups and ejection fractions revealed no significant difference regarding this endpoint.


CONCLUSIONS
Increased plasma endothelin concentrations in patients with congestive heart failure appears to serve as a predictor of cardiac death.
Galatius-Jensen
S
S
Department of Cardiology B, Frederiksborg Central County Hospital, Hillerød, Denmark.
Wroblewski
H
H
Emmeluth
C
C
Bie
P
P
Haunsø
S
S
Kastrup
J
J
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000097:blood*; D016232:Endothelins / Q000097:blood*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006333:Heart Failure / Q000097:blood* / Q000401:mortality*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011379:Prognosis; D011446:Prospective Studies; D015996:Survival Rate
D015415:Biomarkers; D016232:Endothelins