Diagnostic Utility of Inflammatory and Cardiac Biomarkers (IL-1, IL-6, TNF-α, CRP, ProBNP, BNP) in Obstructive Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (OHCM): Study Protocol

Abstract

Background: Obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (OHCM) is a genetic cardiac disorder characterized by asymmetric left ventricular hypertrophy and dynamic obstruction of the left ventricular outflow tract. The disease manifests with dyspnea, chest pain, and syncope, but diagnosis can be challenging when imaging findings are equivocal. Biomarkers reflecting myocardial stress, inflammation, and fibrosis may enhance diagnostic accuracy and prognostication.

Objective: This study aims to evaluate the diagnostic utility of inflammatory biomarkers (IL-1, IL-6, TNF-α, CRP) and cardiac biomarkers (BNP, NT-proBNP) in patients with OHCM, and to explore their role in differentiating obstructive from non-obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

Material and Methods: This cross-sectional observational study will be conducted in the Department of Biochemistry and Cardiology, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Wardha. Adults aged 18–75 years with confirmed HCM will be recruited and stratified into obstructive and non-obstructive groups, alongside healthy controls. Serum IL-1, IL-6, TNF-α, CRP, BNP, and NT-proBNP levels will be measured and correlated with echocardiographic parameters and clinical severity (NYHA functional class). Exclusion criteria include ischemic heart disease, valvular disease, chronic kidney disease, active inflammatory conditions, or use of biomarker-modifying drugs. Statistical analyses will assess diagnostic accuracy and associations with clinical outcomes.

Expected Result: It is anticipated that OHCM patients will show significantly elevated biomarker levels compared to non-obstructive and control groups. Combined biomarker panels may improve sensitivity and specificity for diagnosing OHCM and provide prognostic insights.

Conclusion: Biochemical markers hold promise as adjunctive tools for early detection, differential diagnosis, and monitoring of therapy response in OHCM, potentially reducing reliance on invasive or costly tests.