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Growth differentiation factor-15 is a useful prognostic marker in patients with heart failure with preserved ejection

Yasuhiro Izumiya1, Shinsuke Hanatani1, Yuichi Kimura1

  • 1Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan.

The Canadian Journal of Cardiology
|February 4, 2014
PubMed

Insights

Growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF-15) shows promise as a prognostic biomarker for heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). Higher GDF-15 levels in HFpEF patients correlate with increased cardiovascular event risk.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Biomarker Discovery
  • Heart Failure Research

Background:

  • Elevated circulating growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF-15) is linked to cardiac mass and fibrosis.
  • The prognostic value of GDF-15 in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) remains largely unexplored.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the prognostic significance of serum GDF-15 levels in patients diagnosed with left ventricular diastolic dysfunction (LVDD) and normal ejection fraction.
  • To determine if GDF-15 can predict cardiovascular events in patients with HFpEF.

Main Methods:

  • Serum GDF-15 levels were measured in 149 consecutive patients with LVDD and normal LV ejection fraction (>50%).
  • Patients were monitored for cardiovascular events, with LVDD defined per European Society of Cardiology guidelines.
  • Statistical analyses included Kaplan-Meier curves and multivariate Cox hazard analysis.

Main Results:

  • Patients with higher GDF-15 levels exhibited increased New York Heart Association functional class and B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels.
  • Serum GDF-15 levels were significantly higher in the HFpEF group compared to the LVDD group (4215 pg/mL vs. 3091 pg/mL).
  • High GDF-15 levels were associated with a significantly higher probability of cardiovascular events in all patients and specifically in the HFpEF group.
  • Multivariate analysis identified GDF-15 (ln[GDF-15]) as an independent predictor of primary endpoints, alongside age, atrial fibrillation, and lnBNP.

Conclusions:

  • GDF-15 is a significant independent predictor of cardiovascular events in patients with HFpEF.
  • Serum GDF-15 is a potentially valuable prognostic biomarker for patients diagnosed with HFpEF.
Abstract

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