Inflammatory biomarkers as predictors of prognosis in patients after transcatheter aortic valve implantation

Vitez, Luka (author), Mihailović, Peter Marko (author), Božič Mijovski, Mojca (author), Jug, Borut (author), Bunc, Matjaž (author)

Background: The expanding role of transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) highlights the need to identify factors influencing long-term outcomes. Systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) is a frequent post-procedural event that may adversely affect prognosis. Measurement of inflammatory biomarkers may improve the understanding of underlying mechanisms and refine patient risk stratification. Methods: This single-center, prospective cohort study, enrolled 62 consecutive patients undergoing TAVI, who were followed for up to 5 years. Blood samples were collected before TAVI, at 24 h and 3–6 months post-procedure. Changes in biomarker levels, predictors of SIRS, and inflammatory predictors of long-term outcomes were analyzed. Results: SIRS developed in 45% of patients. Significant temporal changes were observed in hs-CRP, TNF-α, sST2/IL-33, IL-10, and IL-2 levels, irrespective of baseline or procedural characteristics. The development of SIRS was associated with a higher risk of all-cause mortality or unplanned hospitalization at 5 years (HR 3.07, 95% CI 1.57–6.00; p = 0.001). Baseline hs-CRP (HR 1.21, 95% CI 1.09-1.35; p < 0.001) and IFN-γ (HR 1.22; 95% CI 1.09–1.36; p < 0.001) levels were predictive of adverse outcomes. In multivariable Cox analysis, these associations remained, though findings should be interpreted cautiously given the limited sample size. Conclusions: SIRS is a common post-TAVI phenomenon and may be linked to long-term outcomes. Elevated pre-procedural hs-CRP and IFN-γ levels were associated with higher risk for adverse events, suggesting they may serve as exploratory biomarkers for risk stratification in this population.

• Language: English
• Keywords: systemic inflammatory response syndrome, SIRS, transcatheter aortic valve implantation, high sensitivity CRP, hs-CRP, interferon gamma, IFN-γ, inflammatory biomarkers
• Work type: Abstract or summary
• Typology: 1.01 - Original Scientific Article
• Organization: MF - Faculty of Medicine
• Publication status: Published
• Publication version: Version of Record
• Year: 2026
• Number of pages: 11 str.
• Numbering: Vol. 12, art. 1722293
• PID: 20.500.12556/RUL-185264
• UDC: 616.1
• ISSN on article: 2297-055X
• DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2025.1722293
• COBISS.SI-ID: 266429443
• Publication date in RUL: 30.07.2026

Record is a part of a journal

• Title: Frontiers in cardiovascular medicine
• Shortened title: Front. cardiovasc. med.
• Publisher: Frontiers Media
• ISSN: 2297-055X
• COBISS.SI-ID: 523093273

Licences

• License: CC BY 4.0, Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International
• Link: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
• Description: This is the standard Creative Commons license that gives others maximum freedom to do what they want with the work as long as they credit the author.

Projects

• Funder: University Medical Centre of Ljubljana
• Project number: 20230198