Correlation between β2-microglobulin level and risk of cardiovascular events and prognosis in hemodialysis patients

This study aims to investigate the effect of β2-microgolobulin (β2-MG) on the occurrence of cardiovascular events (CVE) in hemodialysis patients and its relationship with prognosis.

In this retrospective study, we included 102 hemodialysis patients treated at Jinan People's Hospital Affiliated with Shandong First Medical University from September 2020 to January 2023. Clinical and follow-up data were collected. Logistic regression was used to evaluate the relationship between β2-MG and CVEs, while Cox proportional hazards regression analysis was used to assess the possible correlation between β2-MG and prognosis.

CVEs occurred in 41 of the 102 patients (40.20%). Of the patients, 72 patients survived, and 30 patients died, with an average survival time of 22.47±7.41 months (range: 7-38 months). Univariate analysis revealed no significant differences in age, albumin, serum soluble growth stimulating expression gene 2 protein (ST2), β2-MG, or urea clearance index (Kt/V) between the CVE group and the non-CVE group, nor between the death and survival groups (P>0.05). However, logistic regression analysis showed that elevated serum ST2 and β2-MG levels >30.1 mg/L were independent risk factors for CVE in hemodialysis patients (P<0.05). Cox regression analysis revealed that an increase in β2-MG level was an independent risk factor for mortality in these patients (OR=3.385, P<0.05). Survival analysis demonstrated a significant difference in survival among patients with different β2-MG levels (Log-rank²=18.230, P<0.001).

Elevated β2-MG level is an independent risk factor for CVEs and mortality in hemodialysis patients, serving as an effective indicator for predicting the occurrence and prognosis of these outcomes.