Association of Serum Fetuin-A with Valvular Calcium Concentration in Rheumatic Mitral Valve Disease

Abstract

Background and aim of the study: Fetuin-A is an acute-phase glycoprotein that inhibits ectopic calcification. The study aim was to assess serum fetuin-A levels in patients with rheumatic mitral valve disease (RMVD), and to evaluate the association of fetuin-A with the extent of mitral valve calcification, determined either echocardiographically or by the measurement of calcium and phosphorus concentrations in the resected valve tissues.