Role of plasma asymmetric dimethylarginine levels in diagnosis and follow-up of acute pulmonary thromboembolism

Abstract

Purpose: Nitric oxide is an important mediator that plays a major role in platelet adhesion/aggregation. Asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) is a competitive inhibitor of endothelial nitric oxide synthase. In this study, we aimed to examine the ADMA levels in diagnosis and follow-up of acute pulmonary thromboembolism.

Materials and Methods: The study was designed as a prospective study. Thirty consecutive patients with acute PTE and 20 healthy volunteers were enrolled into the study. Patients were followed 1 month. Plasma ADMA levels were measured on admission and following the first month.

Results: Ona dmision there was statistically significant difference between two groups. When we compared serum ADMA levels difference between patients group with resolution and without resolution, there was not any statistically significant difference. There was a significant difference between serum ADMA levels of massive group and the other 2 groups.

Conclusion: Plasma ADMA levels elevated in patients with pulmonary thromboembolism. This finding supports the idea ADMA levels correlated with thrombus burden.