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Review
. 2023 Oct 31;64(5):362-373.
doi: 10.3325/cmj.2023.64.362.

Markers of cardiac injury in patients with liver cirrhosis

Stjepan Šimić, Tomo Svaguša  1 , Ivica Grgurević, Sanda Mustapić, Marko Žarak, Ingrid Prkačin
Affiliations
Review

Markers of cardiac injury in patients with liver cirrhosis

Stjepan Šimić et al. Croat Med J. .

Abstract

Liver cirrhosis is an increasing public health problem and a major cause of morbidity and mortality. Accordingly, cirrhotic cardiomyopathy, a frequently underdiagnosed condition, is becoming a growing health problem. In the last 20 years, cardioselective biomarkers have been investigated for their diagnostic and prognostic properties for numerous conditions. The aim of this article is to review the literature on the relationship between the most commonly used cardioselective biomarkers (cardiac troponins I and T, N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide, brain natriuretic peptide, and heart-type fatty-acid binding protein) and the presence, functional stage, and clinical outcomes of liver cirrhosis. Elevated plasma levels of these biomarkers have been reported in patients with liver cirrhosis, and there is mounting evidence on their predictive value for clinical outcomes in this disease. In addition, elevated plasma levels of these biomarkers have been reported in patients before, during, and after liver transplantation, but in fewer studies. Due to their predictive value for clinical outcomes, we advocate the use of these markers in patients with liver cirrhosis and cirrhotic cardiomyopathy, as well as in candidates for liver transplant.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Proposed mechanism of cardiac troponin levels elevation in liver cirrhosis. cTn – cardiac troponin T.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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