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The ontogeny of biochemical markers of cardiac dysfunction
James C Huhta1, Alfred Asante-Korang, Maria Serrano
1Department of Pediatrics, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida 33701, USA. huhfam@aol.com
Insights
Biochemical markers like natriuretic peptides and cardiac enzymes signal heart strain in pediatric patients. Early detection aids in diagnosing cardiac involvement and maladaptation during development.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Pediatric Cardiology
- Developmental Biology
Background:
- Cardiac involvement is a concern in various pediatric diseases.
- Biochemical markers can indicate cardiac stress and maladaptation.
- Understanding these markers' expression across development is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review biochemical markers for detecting cardiac involvement in pediatric disease.
- To summarize markers identified in fetal and pediatric practice.
- To trace marker expression from embryonic development through adulthood.
Main Methods:
- Review of scientific literature on biochemical markers in pediatric cardiology.
- Analysis of available diagnostic markers in clinical laboratories.
- Tracing the developmental expression of cardiac markers.
Main Results:
- Three key biochemical markers are readily available for improved diagnosis.
- Increased cardiac workload triggers the release of natriuretic peptides and cardiac enzymes.
- These markers indicate activated genetic programs and maladaptation in the heart.
Conclusions:
- Biochemical markers are valuable tools for detecting cardiac involvement in pediatric conditions.
- The expression of these markers changes throughout development, offering insights into cardiac health.
- Consideration of these markers is recommended for comprehensive pediatric cardiac assessment.
Purpose Of Review:
Biochemical markers are available to detect cardiac involvement in many pediatric disease states and should be considered.
Recent Findings:
Analyses of three markers are readily available in clinical laboratories for improved diagnosis.
Summary:
Increased workload of the heart has been associated with the release of biochemical markers (natriuretic peptides and cardiac enzymes) that indicate that a new genetic program has been activated and maladaptation is occurring in the atria, ventricles, or both. This review summarizes those that have been identified in fetal and pediatric practice. The expression of such markers is traced from early embryonic development to fetal life, to the neonate, to childhood, and then to adult life.
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