Plasma biomarkers that reflect determinants of matrix composition identify the presence of left ventricular hypertrophy and diastolic heart failure.

BACKGROUND: Chronic pressure overload (such as arterial hypertension) may cause left ventricular (LV) remodeling, alterations in cardiac function, and the development of diastolic heart failure. Changes in the composition of the myocardial extracellular matrix may contribute to the development of pressure-overload-induced LV remodeling. We hypothesized that a specific pattern of plasma biomarker expression that reflected changes in these pathophysiological mechanisms would have diagnostic application to identify (1) patients who have development of LV hypertrophy (LVH) and (2) patients with LVH who have development of diastolic heart failure. METHODS AND RESULTS: Plasma concentration of 17 biomarkers (matrix metalloproteinase [MMP]-1, -2, -3, -7, -8, and -9; tissue inhibitors -1, -2, -3, and -4; N-terminal propeptide of brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP); cardiotrophin; osteopontin; soluble receptor for advanced glycation end products; collagen I teleopeptide; collagen I NT-proBNP; and collagen III N-terminal propetide [PIIINP]), an echocardiogram, and 6-minute hall walk were performed on 241 referent control subjects, 144 patients with LVH but no evidence of heart failure, and 61 patients with LVH and diastolic heart failure (DHF). A plasma multibiomarker panel consisting of increased MMP-7, MMP-9, TIMP-1, PIIINP, and NT-proBNP predicted the presence of LVH with an area under the curve of 0.80. A plasma multibiomarker panel consisting of increased MMP-2, TIMP-4, PIIINP, and decreased MMP-8 predicted the presence of DHF with an area under the curve of 0.79. These multibiomarker panels performed better than any single biomarker including NT-proBNP and better than using clinical covariates alone (area under the curve, 0.73 for LVH and 0.68 for DHF). CONCLUSIONS: Plasma biomarkers reflecting changes in extracellular matrix fibrillar collagen homeostasis, combined into a multibiomarker panel, have discriminative value in identifying the presence of structural remodeling (LVH) and clinical disease (DHF).

Development of a pathway to facilitate gastrostomy insertion for patients with MND.

A pathway has been developed using a multidisciplinary group from within specialist palliative care to ensure a comprehensive approach to the insertion of gastromy tubes for patients with motor neurone disease (MND) with swallowing difficulties. The pathway has ensured that there is a coordinated approach and the professionals involved are clear as to their responsibilities in the discussion and planning of the insertion, ensuring the best support for the patient and family.