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γ-Glutamyltransferase rather than total bilirubin predicts outcome in chronic heart failure

Michael Ess1, Christine Mussner-Seeber, Siegfried Mariacher

  • 1Clinical Division of Cardiology, Innsbruck Medical University, Innsbruck, Austria.

Journal of Cardiac Failure
|June 28, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT) and total bilirubin (T-Bil) are elevated in chronic heart failure (CHF). Only GGT independently predicts adverse outcomes, highlighting its clinical importance in cardiovascular disease.

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Cardiology
  • Clinical Medicine

Background:

  • Gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT) and total bilirubin (T-Bil) are known to be elevated in patients with chronic heart failure (CHF).
  • These biomarkers have demonstrated prognostic significance in CHF, prompting further investigation into their roles.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare the prognostic value of GGT and T-Bil as novel cardiovascular risk markers in patients with CHF.
  • To assess the association of GGT and T-Bil with disease severity and long-term outcomes in CHF.

Main Methods:

  • Evaluation of 1,087 ambulatory patients within a heart failure program.
  • Long-term follow-up data for 1,056 patients, with a combined endpoint of all-cause death or heart transplantation.
  • Bivariate and multivariate analyses to determine the independent predictive value of GGT and T-Bil.

Main Results:

  • Elevated GGT prevalence was 43% in men and 48% in women; T-Bil prevalence was 17% in men and 8% in women.
  • Both GGT and T-Bil correlated significantly with CHF severity and were associated with transplant-free survival in bivariate analysis.
  • GGT, but not T-Bil, remained an independent predictor of adverse outcomes in the multivariate model (HR 1.28). Elevated GGT levels and combined elevation of GGT and T-Bil further increased risk.

Conclusions:

  • GGT and T-Bil are associated with increased disease severity in CHF.
  • GGT independently predicts adverse outcomes in CHF patients, underscoring its clinical significance.
  • The findings emphasize the importance of GGT as a key biomarker in managing cardiovascular disease.
Abstract

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