The impact of kidney function on outcomes following high risk myocardial infarction: findings from 27 610 patients

Prognostic Impact of Non-Cardiac Comorbidities on Long-Term Prognosis in Patients with Reduced and Preserved Ejection Fraction following Acute Myocardial Infarction

BACKGROUND

We aimed to analyze the prevalence and long-term prognostic impact of non-cardiac comorbidities in patients with reduced and preserved left-ventricular ejection fraction (EF) following ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI).

METHOD

A total of 3033 STEMI patients undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention (pPCI) were divided in two groups: reduced EF < 50% and preserved EF ≥ 50%. The follow-up period was 8 years.

RESULTS

Preserved EF was present in 1726 (55.4%) patients and reduced EF was present in 1389 (44.5%) patients. Non-cardiac comorbidities were more frequent in patients with reduced EF compared with patients with preserved EF (38.9% vs. 27.4%, respectively, p < 0.001). Lethal outcome was registered in 240 (17.2%) patients with reduced EF and in 40 (2.3%) patients with preserved EF, p < 0.001. Diabetes and chronic kidney disease (CKD) were independent predictors for 8-year mortality in patients with preserved EF. In patients with reduced EF, CKD was independently associated with 8-year mortality.

CONCLUSION

In patients who had reduced EF, the prevalence of non-cardiac comorbidities was higher than in patients who had preserved EF after STEMI. Only diabetes mellitus and CKD were independently associated with 8-year mortality in analyzed patients.

Steroidal MRA Across the Spectrum of Renal Function: A Pooled Analysis of RCTs

BACKGROUND

Mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRAs) are underused in patients with kidney dysfunction, and their efficacy among patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) is uncertain.

OBJECTIVES

The goal of this study was to analyze the efficacy and safety of steroidal MRAs across the spectrum of estimated glomerular filtration rates (eGFRs) in randomized controlled trials. The study included patients with heart failure (HF) or myocardial infarction and advanced CKD who participated in the RALES (Randomized Aldactone Evaluation Study), EMPHASIS-HF (Eplerenone in Mild Patients Hospitalization and Survival Study in Heart Failure), TOPCAT (Treatment of Preserved Cardiac Function Heart Failure With an Aldosterone Antagonist) in the Americas, and EPHESUS (Eplerenone Post-AMI Heart Failure Efficacy and Survival Study) trials.

METHODS

This study used individual patient data meta-analysis using Cox models stratified by trial with treatment-by-eGFR interaction terms. eGFR was recalculated by using the Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration creatinine formula.

RESULTS

A total of 12,700 patients were included, of whom 331 (2.6%) had an eGFR ≤30 mL/min/1.73 m² (mean eGFR: 26.8 ± 3.2 mL/min/1.73 m²). Patients with advanced CKD had higher annualized event rates for all studied outcomes: placebo event rate for the composite of cardiovascular death or HF hospitalization was ∼3-fold higher in patients with eGFR ≤30 compared with those with eGFR >90 mL/min/1.73 m²: 41.6 vs 14.6 events per 100 person-years. MRAs (vs placebo) reduced the composite of cardiovascular death or HF hospitalization, but the effect was attenuated as eGFR decreased: the corresponding HRs by eGFR categories were: HR for >90 mL/min/1.73 m²: 0.62 (95% CI: 0.49-0.78); HR for 61-90 mL/min/1.73 m²: 0.69 (95% CI: 0.61-0.77); HR for 46-60 mL/min/1.73 m²: 0.84 (95% CI: 0.74-0.95); HR for 31-45 mL/min/1.73 m²: 0.79 (95% CI: 0.68-0.91); and HR for ≤30 mL/min/1.73 m²: 0.96 (95% CI: 0.70-1.32) (treatment-by-eGFR interaction P for trend = 0.033). Investigator-reported hyperkalemia and worsening renal function were more frequent (2- to 3-fold) among MRA users, and hyperkalemia was more frequent as eGFR decreased (treatment-by-eGFR interaction P for trend = 0.002).

CONCLUSIONS

Steroidal MRAs reduced HF hospitalizations and mortality across a wide range of eGFR. However, declining benefit and worsening safety may limit their use in patients with lower eGFR, particularly those with levels ≤30 mL/min/1.73 m².

Impact of Baseline Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate Using CKD-EPI Equation on Long-term Prognosis of STEMI Patients: A Matter of Small Increments!

BACKGROUND

Baseline biomarkers including glomerular filtration rate (GFR) guide the management of patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). GFR is a tool for prediction of adverse outcomes in these patients.

OBJECTIVES

We aimed to determine the prognostic utility of estimated GFR using Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration in a cohort of STEMI patients.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort was designed among 5953 patients with STEMI. Primary endpoint of the study was major adverse cardiovascular events. GFR was classified into 3 categories delineated as C1 (<60 mL/min), C2 (60-90), and C3 (≥ 90).

RESULTS

Mean age of the patients was 60.38 ± 5.54 years and men constituted 78.8% of the study participants. After a median of 22 months, Multivariate Cox-regression demonstrated that hazards of major averse cardiovascular event, all-cause mortality, cardiovascular mortality, and nonfatal myocardial infarction were significantly lower for subjects in C3 as compared with those in C1. Corresponding hazard ratios (HRs) for mentioned outcomes regarding C3 versus C1 were (95% confidence interval) were (HR = 0.852 [0.656-0.975]; P = 0.035), (HR = 0.425 [0.250-0.725]; P = 0.002), (HR = 0.425 [0.242-0.749]; P = 0.003), and (0.885 [0.742-0.949]; P = 0.003), respectively. Normal GFR was also associated with declined in-hospital mortality with HR of C3 versus C1: 0.299 (0.178-0.504; P < 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

Baseline GFR via Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration is associated with long-term cardiovascular outcomes following STEMI.

Predictive Effect of Renal Function on Clinical Outcomes in Older Adults With Acute Myocardial Infarction: Results From an Observational Cohort Study in China

Background: The impact of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) on the risk of death and cardiovascular events in individuals with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is less well established, particularly in the old Chinese population. The aim of this study was to investigate the association of eGFR with clinical outcomes among older subjects with AMI. We further developed a nomogram for the prediction of 1- and 3-year survival in this population.

Methods: A cohort of 2,366 AMI subjects aged over 60 years in 2013–2020 were enrolled in the Cardiovascular Center of Beijing Friendship Hospital Database (CBD) Bank. Outcomes including cardiovascular (CV) death, all-cause death, non-fatal myocardial infarction (MI), non-fatal stroke, revascularization, and cardiac rehospitalization were collected overall and by eGFR category at baseline. eGFR was estimated by the Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration equation (CKD-EPI). Subjects were categorized into four groups according to quartiles of eGFR: ≤ 63.02, 63.03–78.45, 78.46–91.50, >91.51 ml/min/1.73 m². Hazard ratios (HRs), corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) as well as the nomogram were assessed using Cox regression models. Validation of the nomogram was estimated by discrimination and calibration.

Results: Incidence rates and multivariable-adjusted hazard ratios of CV and all-cause death decreased significantly across quartiles of eGFR over a median follow-up time of 36.7 months. In adjusted analysis, compared with eGFR ≤ 63.02 ml/min/1.73 m², patients with eGFR of 63.03–78.45, 78.46–91.50, >91.51 ml/min/1.73 m² experienced decreased risks of CV death [respective HRs of 0.58 (95% CI, 0.38–0.90), 0.61 (95% CI, 0.38–0.99), and 0.48 (95% CI, 0.25–0.90); all p < 0.05] and all-cause death [respective HRs of 0.64 (95% CI, 0.47–0.88), 0.61 (95% CI, 0.42–0.88), and 0.54 (95% CI, 0.35–0.84); all p < 0.05]. Age, eGFR quartiles, BMI, glycated hemoglobin, LVEF, LM/multi-vessel disease, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs), or angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) prescribed at discharge were associated with all-cause death. The developed model predicted 1- and 3-year probability of survival, which performed well in both discrimination and calibration.

Conclusion: In older patients with AMI, early identification of eGFR reduced and cardiovascular risks management may prevent poor clinical outcomes.

Practical management of concomitant acute heart failure and worsening renal function in the emergency department

Worsening renal function (i.e. any increase in creatinine or decrease in the estimated glomerular filtration rate) is common in patients admitted for acute heart failure in the emergency department. Although worsening renal function (WRF) has been associated with the occurrence of dismal outcomes, this only appears to be the case when associated with clinical deterioration. However, if the clinical status of the patient is improving, a certain increase in serum creatinine may be acceptable. This WRF, which is not associated with clinical deterioration or adverse outcomes (e.g. during treatment up-titration), has been referred to as 'pseudo-WRF' and should not detract clinicians from targeting 'guideline-recommended' therapies. This is an important message for emergency physicians to pursue diuretics as long as signs of pulmonary congestion persist to improve the clinical status of the patient. In the present review, we aim to provide clinicians in acute settings with an integrative and comprehensive approach to cardiorenal interactions in acute heart failure.

Editor’s Choice- Impact of insulin-treated diabetes on cardiovascular outcomes following high-risk myocardial infarction

Background:

Diabetes is associated with poor cardiovascular outcomes, and insulin-treated patients usually have a worse prognosis than non-insulin-treated subjects. The relationship between insulin treatment and outcomes in high-risk myocardial infarction patients has not been described in a large dataset.

Methods:

To investigate the association between insulin-treated diabetes and long-term cardiovascular outcomes in patients with high-risk myocardial infarction, we used adjusted Cox models to compare cardiovascular mortality and hospitalisation among 28,771 patients grouped by diabetes status and insulin treatment from four randomised clinical trials (VALIANT, EPHESUS, OPTIMAAL, CAPRICORN) of acute myocardial infarction complicated by heart failure and/or left ventricular systolic dysfunction.

Results:

After an approximately 2-year follow-up, patients with no diabetes (21,386 subjects, 74.3%), non-insulin-treated diabetes (4977 patients, 17.3%) and insulin-treated diabetes (2409 subjects, 8.4%) had an incremental yearly mortality risk (15.8%, 21.3% and 28.1%, respectively). Insulin-treated diabetes patients presented with a higher cardiovascular burden and comorbidities. After adjustment for 18 baseline covariates, patients with non-insulin-treated and insulin-treated diabetes were at higher risk of cardiovascular death (hazard ratio (HR) 1.25, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.13–1.38 and HR 1.49, 95% CI 1.31–1.69, respectively; P for comparison of non-insulin-treated vs. insulin-treated diabetes =0.016) and cardiovascular hospitalisation (HR 1.33, 95% CI 1.25–1.41 and HR 1.16, 95% CI 1.11–1.22, respectively) compared to patients without diabetes. These results remained consistent after further adjustment for medications and left ventricular ejection fraction.

Conclusions:

Insulin-treated diabetes patients had higher event rates than diabetes patients taking oral treatments and patients without diabetes. However, insulin-treated diabetes patients had more comorbidities and atherosclerotic disease, precluding any causality suggestion between insulin treatment and outcomes. This high-risk population may require specific and/or more intense cardiovascular protective therapies.

Prognostic impact of renal dysfunction on long-term mortality in patients with preserved, moderately impaired, and severely impaired left ventricular systolic function following myocardial infarction

Objective:

The aim of this study was to investigate and compare the prognostic impact of renal dysfunction (RD) at admission in patients with preserved, moderately impaired and severely impaired left ventricular systolic function following ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI).

Methods:

We included 2436 patients with STEMI treated with primary percutaneous coronary intervention (pPCI). Patients presenting with cardiogenic shock and those on hemodyalisis were excluded. According to the left ventricular ejection fraction (EF), patients were divided in three groups: preserved left ventricular systolic function – EF >50%, moderately impaired – EF=40%-50% and severely impaired left ventricular systolic function-EF <40%. RD was defined as estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) <60 mL/min/1.73m² at admission. The follow-up period was 6 years.

Results:

Preserved, moderately impaired and severely impaired systolic function were found in 741 (30.5%), 1367 (56.1%) and 328 (13.4%) patients, respectively. RD was present in 105 (14.2%) patients with preserved systolic function, 247 (18.1%) patients with moderately impaired, and 120 (36.5%) patients with severely impaired systolic function.Regardless of the presence of RD, 6-year mortality rates in patients with preserved, moderately impaired, and severely impaired systolic function were 2.7%, 5.2% and 31.1% respectively. Within each LVEF group, patients with RD had a worse outcome, both in the short- and long-term. In the Mulivariate Cox Analysis, RD remained an independent predictor of 6-year mortality in patients with moderately (HR 2.52, 95% CI 1.54-3.78) and severely impaired systolic function (HR 2.84, 95% CI 1.68-5.34), but not in patients with preserved left ventricular systolic function (HR 0.59, 95% CI 0.14-1.41).

Conclusion:

Although patients with RD had higher 6-year mortallity following STEMI regardless of LVEF, RD at admission remained a strong independent predictor for 6-year mortality only in patients with moderately and severely impaired left ventricular systolic function.

The quest for equilibrium: exploring the thin red line between bleeding and ischaemic risks in the management of acute coronary syndromes in chronic kidney disease patients

Coronary artery disease and acute coronary syndrome (ACS) are both common in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). CKD patients have higher risks of bleeding and thrombosis. However, they remain under-represented in major randomized clinical trials (RCTs), and there is no medical evidence-based foundation on which to issue specific recommendations about the management of ACS in CKD. CKD patients with ACS frequently are diagnosed later, receive fewer acute interventions and are at increased risk of over-dosage of medications and under-prescription/under-performance of interventional treatments than CKD patients without ACS. The lack of RCTs should not discourage reliance on clinical common sense, while clearer decisional algorithms with better outcomes are a priority for urgent development. Future guidelines should further refine the assessment of CKD with ACS while placing much greater emphasis on the correct dosing of medications based on contemporaneous renal function. Until a strategy is designed with specific measures translated into the actual decrease of bleeding risk, providers will be forced to balance the equilibrium on a thin red line that is not clearly established.

The dose-response association between estimated glomerular filtration rate and prognosis of patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction from rural areas of China's Liaoning province

We aimed to investigate the dose-response associations between chronic kidney disease (CKD), and short and long-term cardiovascular outcomes, to characterize these associations by drawing dose-response curves based on a Chinese rural ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) population.In all, 1067 patients with STEMI were consecutively enrolled from 12 secondary hospitals of China's Liaoning province (from June 2009 to June 2010 and January 2015 to December 2015). The follow-up was regularly performed by telephone. Patients were grouped by estimated glomerular filter rate (eGFR): normal, eGFR ≥90 mL/min/1.73 m; mild CKD, 60 to 90 mL/min/1.73 m; CKD, <60 mL/min/1.73 m. Adjusted logistic or Cox regression models were employed to compare short and long-term cardiovascular outcomes across different eGFR groups. Dose-response curves were plotted using restricted cubic spline functions.About 18.46% of the STEMI patients had CKD. Patients with CKD were more likely to suffer from other comorbidities, but less likely to receive evidence-based therapies. CKD was independently associated with in-hospital mortality and major adverse cardiac events (MACE) as compared with patients with normal renal function (for in-hospital mortality, adjusted odds ratio [OR] 2.39, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.18-4.85, P = .02; for in-hospital MACE, adjusted OR 2.01, 95% CI 1.09-3.70, P < .01). Likewise, CKD was significantly associated with long-term mortality as well (CKD vs normal, adjusted hazard ratio 2.55, 95% CI 1.17-5.57, P = .02). The dose-response associations between eGFR, and short and long-term cardiovascular outcomes were found to be linear (all with P values for nonlinear associations >.05).CKD is an independent predictor of worse in-hospital and long-term clinical outcomes. The assessment of eGFR is essential to enable risk stratification, tailored therapy, and early and aggressive management.

Serum neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin has an advantage over serum cystatin C and glomerular filtration rate in prediction of adverse cardiovascular outcome in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction

Background

The aim of this study was to assess significance of serum neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (sNGAL) and cystatin C (sCC) in prediction of adverse cardiovascular outcome after ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI).

Methods

We recruited 357 consecutive patients who were admitted to the hospital within 24 h after onset of STEMI. On the 1st and 12th-14th day after hospital admission, we measured levels of sNGAL and sCC. We also determined presence of renal dysfunction (RD), defined as glomerular filtration rate < 60 mL/min/1.73 m². After 3 years of follow-up, we performed a logistic regression and assessed the value of RD, sNGAL, and sCC in prediction of combined endpoint, defined as cardiovascular death or any cardiovascular complication.

Results

RD, sCC level ≥ 1.9 mg/L, and sNGAL level ≥ 1.25 ng/mL on the 12th-14th day of hospitalization were associated with a 1.6-fold, 1.9-fold, and 2.9-fold higher risk of adverse cardiovascular outcome, respectively. Area under the ROC curve was the highest for the model based on sNGAL level compared to the models based on sCC level or RD presence.

Conclusions

Measurement of sNGAL level in patients with STEMI on the 12th-14th day after hospital admission may improve prediction of adverse cardiovascular outcome.

Prognostic Value of the Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction Risk Score in ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction Patients With Left Ventricular Dysfunction (from the EPHESUS Trial)

The Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) risk score remains a robust prediction tool for short-term and midterm outcome in the patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). However, the validity of this risk score in patients with STEMI with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) remains unclear. A total of 2,854 patients with STEMI with early coronary revascularization participating in the randomized EPHESUS (Epleronone Post-Acute Myocardial Infarction Heart Failure Efficacy and Survival Study) trial were analyzed. TIMI risk score was calculated at baseline, and its predictive value was evaluated using C-indexes from Cox models. The increase in reclassification of other variables in addition to TIMI score was assessed using the net reclassification index. TIMI risk score had a poor predictive accuracy for all-cause mortality (C-index values at 30 days and 1 year ≤0.67) and recurrent myocardial infarction (MI; C-index values ≤0.60). Among TIMI score items, diabetes/hypertension/angina, heart rate >100 beats/min, and systolic blood pressure <100 mm Hg were inconsistently associated with survival, whereas none of the TIMI score items, aside from age, were significantly associated with MI recurrence. Using a constructed predictive model, lower LVEF, lower estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), and previous MI were significantly associated with all-cause mortality. The predictive accuracy of this model, which included LVEF and eGFR, was fair for both 30-day and 1-year all-cause mortality (C-index values ranging from 0.71 to 0.75). In conclusion, TIMI risk score demonstrates poor discrimination in predicting mortality or recurrent MI in patients with STEMI with reduced LVEF. LVEF and eGFR are major factors that should not be ignored by predictive risk scores in this population.

Renal function estimation and Cockroft-Gault formulas for predicting cardiovascular mortality in population-based, cardiovascular risk, heart failure and post-myocardial infarction cohorts: The Heart 'OMics' in AGEing (HOMAGE) and the high-risk myocardial infarction database initiatives

BACKGROUND

Renal impairment is a major risk factor for mortality in various populations. Three formulas are frequently used to assess both glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) or creatinine clearance (CrCl) and mortality prediction: body surface area adjusted-Cockcroft-Gault (CG-BSA), Modification of Diet in Renal Disease Study (MDRD4), and the Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration (CKD-EPI) equation. The CKD-EPI is the most accurate eGFR estimator as compared to a "gold-standard"; however, which of the latter is the best formula to assess prognosis remains to be clarified. This study aimed to compare the prognostic value of these formulas in predicting the risk of cardiovascular mortality (CVM) in population-based, cardiovascular risk, heart failure (HF) and post-myocardial infarction (MI) cohorts.

METHODS

Two previously published cohorts of pooled patient data derived from the partners involved in the HOMAGE-consortium and from four clinical trials - CAPRICORN, EPHESUS, OPTIMAAL and VALIANT - the high risk MI initiative, were used. A total of 54,111 patients were included in the present analysis: 2644 from population-based cohorts; 20,895 from cardiovascular risk cohorts; 1801 from heart failure cohorts; and 28,771 from post-myocardial infarction cohorts. Participants were patients enrolled in the respective cohorts and trials. The primary outcome was CVM.

RESULTS

All formulas were strongly and independently associated with CVM. Lower eGFR/CrCl was associated with increasing CVM rates for values below 60 mL/min/m². Categorical renal function stages diverged in a more pronounced manner with the CG-BSA formula in all populations (higher χ² values), with lower stages showing stronger associations. The discriminative improvement driven by the CG-BSA formula was superior to that of MDRD4 and CKD-EPI, but remained low overall (increase in C-index ranging from 0.5 to 2 %) while not statistically significant in population-based cohorts. The integrated discrimination improvement and net reclassification improvement were higher (P < 0.05) for the CG-BSA formula compared to MDRD4 and CKD-EPI in CV risk, HF and post-MI cohorts, but not in population-based cohorts. The CKD-EPI formula was superior overall to MDRD4.

CONCLUSIONS

The CG-BSA formula was slightly more accurate in predicting CVM in CV risk, HF, and post-MI cohorts (but not in population-based cohorts). However, the CG-BSA discriminative improvement was globally low compared to MDRD4 and especially CKD-EPI, the latter offering the best compromise between renal function estimation and CVM prediction.

Relationship between red blood cell distribution width and early-stage renal function damage in patients with essential hypertension

BACKGROUND

Red cell distribution (RDW) has been suggested to be associated with cardiovascular mortality and mortality. However, few studies have yet investigated the possible association between RDW and early-stage renal function damage in patients with primary hypertension without receiving drug treatment. Accordingly, the aim of the present study was to evaluate early-stage renal function status in patients with RDW levels.

RESULTS

The study included 513 primary hypertension patients (319 men and 194 women) without receiving drug treatment. Significant positive correlation was observed between albumin-to-creatinine ratio (ACR) and RDW in hypertensive patients (r = 0.531, P < 0.001). In multivariate line regression analysis, night-time SBP (B = 0.042, P < 0.001), ACR (B = 0.005, P < 0.001), and uric acid (B = 0.001, P = 0.022) were positive predictors of RDW independent of age, sex, hemoglobin, and other indexes, whereas daytime SBP (B = -0.019, P < 0.001) was inversely associated with RDW. The receiver operating characteristics curves (ROC) explored the relationship between renal function status and RDW, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), serum creatinine, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein. The area under the curve was 0.81 (95% CI: 0.77-0.85; P < 0.001), 0.45 (95% CI: 0.39-0.50; P = 0.049), 0.49 (95% CI: 0.43-0.54; P = 0.583), and 0.49 (95% CI: 0.44-0.55; P = 0.811), respectively. Using a cutoff point of 12.8, the RDW predicted renal function status (ACR) with a sensitivity of 76% and a specificity of 70%.

CONCLUSION

RDW, as an easy and quick measurable index, can predict early-stage renal function damage in essential hypertensive patients without receiving drug treatment.

Serum uric acid is associated with mortality and heart failure hospitalizations in patients with complicated myocardial infarction: findings from the High-Risk Myocardial Infarction Database Initiative

AIMS

Serum uric acid (SUA) levels are associated with poorer outcomes in healthy cohorts and patients with stable and unstable coronary heart disease. We investigated the relationship between SUA and clinical outcomes in subjects with acute myocardial infarction (MI) complicated by reduced left ventricular (LV) function, heart failure (HF), or both.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Univariable and multivariable Cox proportional hazards modelling was performed to study the association of baseline SUA and all-cause mortality, cardiovascular (CV) mortality, and HF hospitalization in an individual patient meta-analysis of four merged large randomized trials (CAPRICORN, EPHESUS, OPTIMAAL, and VALIANT). Three trials (excluding VALIANT) reported SUA, which was available in a total of 12 677 subjects. The ranges of SUA for quartiles I-IV were 45-280, 281-344, 345-420, and 420-1640 mmol/L, respectively. While almost 90% of patients in the lowest SUA quartile were alive after a mean follow-up of 23 ± 11 months, <70% were alive in the highest SUA quartile. Compared with the lowest SUA quartile as reference, hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of SUA quartiles III and IV showed an increase in all-cause mortality [HR 1.18, 95% CI 0.95-1.46, and HR 1.36, 95% CI 1.11-1.67) and CV mortality (HR 1.27, 95% 1.01-1.61, and HR 1.47, 95% CI 1.17-1.83). SUA quartiles III and IV also exhibited increased HF hospitalization (HR 1.22, 95% CI 1.09-1.36, and HR 1.28, 95% CI 1.14-1.43; P < 0.001 for all comparisons) in multivariable analyses. The addition of SUA was associated with a significant improvement in reclassification to predict CV mortality (net reclassification improvement 17.6%, 95% CI 14.9-20.5%, P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Elevated SUA is associated with poor outcomes in patients after MI complicated by reduced LV function, HF, or both. The quantification of SUA, a low-cost routinely available biomarker, could improve risk stratification of patients with complicated MI.