LPS In Patients With Left Ventricular Dysfunction Of Ischemic And Non-Ischemic Origin

Background: We decided to examine whether there are differences in the levels of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in various groups of patients suffering from left ventricular dysfunction, requiring no intravenous therapy. Materials and methods: We studied 37 patients (ranging from 39 to 80 years, mean age of 59.8 years, SD 9.5) with left ventricular dysfunction caused by dilated cardiomyopathy, valvular heart disease or chronic ischemic cardiomyopathy. These patients were compared to 29 healthy subjects and 7 acute myocardial infarction (AMI) patients. The LPS levels were analyzed and correlated to the echocardiographic index of left ventricular impairment and to the clinical parameters. Results: The plasma levels of LPS were lower in patients with a chronic LV dysfunction than in the control group but without reaching any statistical significance (chronic LV dysfunction patients 6.33±5.03 pg/ml, AMI patients 13.58±19.14 pg/ml, healthy controls 11.12±12.97 pg/ml). The values observed in AMI patients were similar to those of the control group, without any significant differences. No significant correlation of the LPS levels was obseved either with the echocardiographic index of left ventricular impairment or with the clinical parameters. Conclusions: It is probable that LPS does not play any major role in the progression of LV dysfunction. The possible role of LPS in critical heart failure should therefore be better evaluated.