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Serum beta2-microglobulin level is a significant predictor of mortality in maintenance haemodialysis patients

Senji Okuno1, Eiji Ishimura, Kaori Kohno

  • 1Kidney Center, Shirasagi Hospital, Japan.

Nephrology, Dialysis, Transplantation : Official Publication of the European Dialysis and Transplant Association - European Renal Association
|September 19, 2008
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

High beta(2)-microglobulin (beta(2)-M) levels predict increased mortality in hemodialysis patients. Lowering beta(2)-M may improve survival for individuals undergoing dialysis.

Area of Science:

  • Nephrology
  • Clinical Biochemistry

Background:

  • Beta(2)-microglobulin (beta(2)-M) is a marker for middle-molecule uremic toxins.
  • It plays a role in dialysis-associated amyloidosis.
  • Limited data exist on beta(2)-M and clinical outcomes in dialysis patients.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the prognostic significance of serum beta(2)-M levels on survival in hemodialysis patients.

Main Methods:

  • Examined 490 prevalent hemodialysis patients.
  • Grouped patients into lower (<32.2 mg/L) and higher (>=32.2 mg/L) serum beta(2)-M groups.
  • Utilized Kaplan-Meier analysis and multivariate Cox proportional hazards models.

Main Results:

  • Higher beta(2)-M levels were associated with significantly higher all-cause mortality (P < 0.001).
  • Serum beta(2)-M independently predicted all-cause mortality (HR, 1.05; P = 0.005).
  • It also predicted non-cardiovascular mortality (HR, 1.06; P = 0.006) after adjustments.

Conclusions:

  • Serum beta(2)-M level is a significant predictor of mortality in hemodialysis patients.
  • This association is independent of duration, diabetes, malnutrition, and inflammation.
  • Lowering serum beta(2)-M is clinically important for this patient group.

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