Value of D-dimer and HDL cholesterol concentrations in predicting the occurrence of acute pulmonary embolism.

UNLABELLED: Pulmonary embolism (PE) usually is a clinical manifestation of venous thromboembolism. The lack of simple and safe laboratory test to confirm or exclude PE is a problem that slows down the diagnosis.

AIM: The aim of the study was the assessment the usefulness of D-dimer and HDL cholesterol concentration in predicting the occurrence of acute pulmonary embolism.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

The study group comprised 86 patients. High-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels were measured by catalase HDL-C and LDLC assay. The D-dimer level was assessed using immunoenzymatic method with high sensitivity test (VIDAS D-Dimer Exclusion). Pulmonary embolism was diagnosed using contrast-enhanced multidetector computer tomography (16-row GE Light Speed Pro and 64-row Toshiba Aquilion Systems).

RESULTS

In all patients with PE, higher D-dimer concentration was found. Odds ratio (OR) calculated for the D-dimer indicates that the concentration of D-dimer ≥859,5 ng/ml increases the risk of PE 612 times, compared with those with levels below 859,5 ng/ml. HDL cholesterol level in patients with PE was significantly lower compared with the control group (p < 0,05). Odds ratio (OR) calculated for the HDL cholesterol indicates that the risk of PE in subjects with the concentration of HDL-C ≤44 mg/dl is 26,89 times higher, compared with individuals with HDL-C >44 mg/dl.

CONCLUSIONS

According the studies, increase D-dimer and decrease HDL levels are an independent risk factors for occurrence of acute pulmonary embolism.