In contrast, we have not found altered serum levels of miR-34a, a microRNA known to promote pro-apoptotic role in myocardial infarction during degenerative process of cardiac injuries thus indicating intrinsic differences in the nature of the mechanisms underlying the heart failure triggered by <i>Trypanosoma cruzi</i> infection.
Increased miRNA levels were strongly associated with increased risk of mortality or heart failure within six months for miR-208b (OR 17.91, 95% confidence interval=2.07-98.81, p=0.003), miR-34a (OR 4.18, 95% confidence interval=1.36-12.83, p=0.012) and combination of the two miRNAs (OR 18.73, 95% confidence interval=1.96-101.23, p=0.000).