High serum levels of procollagen type III N-terminal amino peptide in patients with congenital heart disease

Abstract

The increased serum PIIIP levels in proportion to the severity of ventricular load or cyanosis suggest enhanced myocardial synthesis of collagen type III in patients with CHD. Suppression of the PIIIP level by ACEI suggests the involvement of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system in myocardial fibrosis. These data provide the basis for the development of new diagnostic and therapeutic strategies in patients with CHD.