Association between excess catecholamine synthesis and polymorphic premature ventricular contraction

The reasons for the etiology of premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) are not specifically known. Many patients are resistant to medical treatment, and a factor that would predict response to medical treatment cannot be identified. This study aims to investigate if a high catecholamine level results in polymorphic PVC.

This study was obtained by prospective data registry analysis. A total of 100 patients, 50 from the PVC group, and 50 from the control group have been evaluated. The participants who were included in the patient group had a polymorphic PVC of 5% or more in their 24-h Holter evaluations. Metanephrine showing the level of adrenaline and normetanephrine, showing the level of noradrenaline levels have been measured from these urine samples.

There was no difference between the two groups in terms of biochemical and essential characteristics. Normetanephrine level has been significantly higher in the PVC group compared to the control group (323.9 ± 208.9 μg to 129.25 ± 67.88 μg; p < 0.001). Similarly, metanephrine level has also been higher in the PVC group (124.75 ± 82.43 μg to 52.615 ± 36,54 μg; p < 0.001). A positive and moderate correlation has been identified between the number and ratio of PVC and the metanephrine and normetanephrine levels.

In this study, we found that the catecholamine levels were higher in the polymorphic PVC group than in the healthy volunteers. Also, an increase in the number and rate of PVC has been observed as the catecholamine levels increased.

Urine Levels of Metanephrine and Normetanephrine in Patients With Frequent PVC; ClinicalTrials.gov number NCT03447002.