Prospective observational study evaluating serum GDF-15 levels in patients with acute pulmonary embolism.

Prospective observational study evaluating serum GDF-15 levels in patients with acute pulmonary embolism (APE).

In APE right ventricle failure developing due to ischemia and myocarditis is considered the primary cause of death, however, its pathomechanism has not been fully established yet. Growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF-15) is a chemokine secreted by activated macrophages in response to oxidative stress. It has now been shown that ischemic injury, mechanical stretch, and pro-inflammatory cytokines also stimulate the expression of GDF-15 in cardiac myocytes. The objective of this project is to describe the role of GDF-15 in the pathomechanism of acute right ventricle failure in the setting of acute pulmonary embolism and to verify the hypothesis that higher serum concentrations of GDF-15 are associated with more advanced right ventricle dysfunction and failure.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Adult patients with APE hospitalized who give written consent.

Exclusion Criteria:

• lack of informed consent
• APE with symptoms lasting above 14 days before the admission
• acute coronary syndrome, diagnosed pulmonary hypertension
• severe valve disease
• sepsis
• active malignancy
• diagnosed mitochondrial diseases
• chronic kidney disease at least stage 4 (KDIGO)
• pregnancy.

The study will recruit 270 patients.