The plasma proteome is linked with left ventricular and left atrial function parameters in patients with chronic heart failure

BACKGROUND

Examining the systemic biological processes in the heterogeneous syndrome of heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), as reflected by circulating proteins, in relation to echocardiographic characteristics, may provide insights into HF pathophysiology.

OBJECTIVE

We investigated the link of 4210 repeatedly measured circulating proteins with repeatedly measured echocardiographic parameters, as well as with elevated left atrial pressure (LAP), in HFrEF patients, to provide insights into underlying mechanisms.

METHODS

In 173 HFrEF patients, we performed six-monthly echocardiography and trimonthly blood sampling during a median follow-up of 2.7(IQR:2.5-2.8) years. We investigated circulating proteins in relation to echocardiographic parameters of left ventricular (left ventricular ejection fraction[LVEF], global longitudinal strain[GLS]), and left atrial function (left atrial reservoir strain[LASr]) and elevated LAP(E/e' ratio >15), and used gene enrichment analyses to identify underlying pathophysiological processes.

RESULTS

We found 723, 249, 792 and 427 repeatedly measured proteins, with significant associations with LVEF, GLS, LASr and E/e' ratio, respectively. Proteins associated with LASr reflected pathophysiological mechanisms mostly related to the extracellular matrix (ECM). Proteins associated with GLS reflected cardiovascular biological processes and diseases, whereas those associated with LVEF reflected processes involved in the sympathetic nervous system. Moreover, 49 proteins were associated with elevated LAP; after correction for LVEF, three proteins remained: Cystatin-D, Fibulin-5 and HSP40.

CONCLUSION

Circulating proteins show varying associations with different echocardiographic parameters in HFrEF patients. These findings suggest that pathways involved in atrial and ventricular dysfunction, as reflected by the plasma proteome, are distinct.

Temporal evolution of liver function parameters predicts clinical outcome in chronic heart failure patients (Bio-SHiFT study)

BACKGROUND

Liver dysfunction contributes to worse clinical outcomes in heart failure (HF) patients. However, studies exploring temporal evolutions of liver function parameters in chronic HF (CHF) pa- tients, and their associations with clinical outcome, are scarce. Detailed temporal patterns of alkaline phosphatase (ALP), gamma glutamyl transpeptidase (GGTP), total bilirubin (TBIL) and albumin (ALB) were investigated, and their relation with clinical outcome, in patients with stable CHF with reduced ejection fraction.

METHODS

Tri-monthly plasma samples were collected from 250 patients during 2.2 (1.4-2.5) years of follow-up. ALP, GGTP, ALB, and TBIL were measured in 749 selected samples and the relationship between repeatedly measured biomarker levels and the primary endpoint (PEP; composite of cardiovas- cular death, heart transplantation, left ventricular assist device implantation, and hospitalization for worsened HF) was evaluated by joint models.

RESULTS

Mean age was 66 ± 13 years; 74% were men, 25% in New York Heart Association class III-IV. 66 (26%) patients reached the PEP. Repeatedly measured levels of TBIL, ALP, GGTP, and ALB were associated with the PEP after adjustment for N-terminal prohormone B-type natriuretic peptide and high sensitivity troponin T (hazard ratio [95% confidence interval] per doubling of biomarker level: 1.98 [1.32; 2.95], p = 0.002; 1.84 [1.09; 3.05], p = 0.018, 1.33 [1.08; 1.63], p = 0.006 and 1.14 [1.09; 1.20], p < 0.001, respectively). Serial levels of ALP and GGTP, and slopes of the temporal evolutions of ALB and TBIL, adjusted for clinical variables, were also significantly associated with the PEP.

CONCLUSIONS

Changes in serum levels of TBIL, ALP, GGTP, and ALB precede adverse cardiovascular events in patients with CHF. These routine liver function parameters may provide additional prognostic information in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction patients in clinical practice.

Sex-specific cardiovascular protein levels and their link with clinical outcome in heart failure

AIMS

This study aims to provide insight into sex-specific cardiovascular protein profiles and their associations with adverse outcomes, which may contribute to a better understanding of heart failure (HF) pathophysiology and the optimal use of circulating proteins for prognostication in women and men.

METHODS AND RESULTS

In 250 stable patients with HF with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), we performed trimonthly blood sampling (median follow-up: 26 [17-30] months). We selected all baseline samples and two samples closest to the primary endpoint (PEP; composite of cardiovascular death, heart transplantation, left ventricular assist device implantation, and HF hospitalization) or one sample closest to censoring and applied the Olink Cardiovascular III panel. We used linear regression to study sex-based differences in baseline levels and joint models to study differences in the prognostic value of serially measured proteins. In 66 women and 184 men (mean age of 66 and 67 years, respectively), 21% and 28% reached the PEP, respectively. Mean baseline levels of fatty acid-binding protein 4, secretoglobin family 3A member 2, paraoxonase 3, and trefoil factor 3 were higher in women (Pinteraction : 0.001, 0.007, 0.018, and 0.049, respectively), while matrix metalloproteinase-3, interleukin 1 receptor-like 1, and myoglobin were higher in men (Pinteraction : <0.001, 0.001, and 0.049, respectively), independent of clinical characteristics. No significant differences between sexes were observed in the longitudinal associations of proteins with the PEP. Only peptidoglycan recognition protein 1 showed a suggestive interaction with sex for the primary outcome (Pinteraction  = 0.028), without multiple testing correction, and was more strongly associated with adverse outcome in women {hazard ratio [HR] 3.03 [95% confidence interval (CI), 1.42 to 6.68], P = 0.008} compared with men [HR 1.18 (95% CI, 0.84 to 1.66), P = 0.347].

CONCLUSIONS

Although multiple cardiovascular-related proteins show sex differences at baseline, temporal associations with the adverse outcome do not differ between women and men with HFrEF.

Targeted proteomics and metabolomics for biomarker discovery in abdominal aortic aneurysm and post-EVAR sac volume

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) patients undergo uniform surveillance programs both leading up to, and following surgery. Circulating biomarkers could play a pivotal role in individualizing surveillance. We applied a multi-omics approach to identify relevant biomarkers and gain pathophysiological insights.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this cross-sectional study, 108 AAA patients and 200 post-endovascular aneurysm repair (post-EVAR) patients were separately investigated. We performed partial least squares regression and ingenuity pathway analysis on circulating concentrations of 96 proteins (92 Olink Cardiovascular-III panel, 4 ELISA-assays) and 199 metabolites (measured by LC-TQMS), and their associations with CT-based AAA/sac volume.

RESULTS

The median (25th-75th percentile) maximal diameter was 50.0 mm (46.0, 53.0) in the AAA group, and 55.4 mm (45.0, 64.2) in the post-EVAR group. Correcting for clinical characteristics in AAA patients, the aneurysm volume Z-score differed 0.068 (95 %CI: (0.042, 0.093)), 0.066 (0.047, 0.085) and -0.051 (-0.064, -0.038) per Z-score valine, leucine and uPA, respectively. After correcting for clinical characteristics and orthogonalization in the post-EVAR group, the sac volume Z-score differed 0.049 (0.034, 0.063) per Z-score TIMP-4, -0.050 (-0.064, -0.037) per Z-score LDL-receptor, -0.051 (-0.062, -0.040) per Z-score 1-OG/2-OG and -0.056 (-0.066, -0.045) per Z-score 1-LG/2-LG.

CONCLUSIONS

The branched-chain amino acids and uPA were related to AAA volume. For post-EVAR patients, LDL-receptor, monoacylglycerols and TIMP-4 are potential biomarkers for sac volume. Additionally, distinct markers for sac change were identified.

Acute Coronary Syndrome Subphenotypes Based on Repeated Biomarker Measurements in Relation to Long-Term Mortality Risk

BACKGROUND

We aimed to identify patients with subphenotypes of postacute coronary syndrome (ACS) using repeated measurements of high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T, N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, and growth differentiation factor 15 in the year after the index admission, and to investigate their association with long-term mortality risk.

METHODS AND RESULTS

BIOMArCS (BIOMarker Study to Identify the Acute Risk of a Coronary Syndrome) was an observational study of patients with ACS, who underwent high-frequency blood sampling for 1 year. Biomarkers were measured in a median of 16 repeated samples per individual. Cluster analysis was performed to identify biomarker-based subphenotypes in 723 patients without a repeat ACS in the first year. Patients with a repeat ACS (N=36) were considered a separate cluster. Differences in all-cause death were evaluated using accelerated failure time models (median follow-up, 9.1 years; 141 deaths). Three biomarker-based clusters were identified: cluster 1 showed low and stable biomarker concentrations, cluster 2 had elevated concentrations that subsequently decreased, and cluster 3 showed persistently elevated concentrations. The temporal biomarker patterns of patients in cluster 3 were similar to those with a repeat ACS during the first year. Clusters 1 and 2 had a similar and favorable long-term mortality risk. Cluster 3 had the highest mortality risk. The adjusted survival time ratio was 0.64 (95% CI, 0.44-0.93; P=0.018) compared with cluster 1, and 0.71 (95% CI, 0.39-1.32; P=0.281) compared with patients with a repeat ACS.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with subphenotypes of post-ACS with different all-cause mortality risks during long-term follow-up can be identified on the basis of repeatedly measured cardiovascular biomarkers. Patients with persistently elevated biomarkers have the worst outcomes, regardless of whether they experienced a repeat ACS in the first year.

Machine learning-based biomarker profile derived from 4210 serially measured proteins predicts clinical outcome of patients with heart failure

Aims

Risk assessment tools are needed for timely identification of patients with heart failure (HF) with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) who are at high risk of adverse events. In this study, we aim to derive a small set out of 4210 repeatedly measured proteins, which, along with clinical characteristics and established biomarkers, carry optimal prognostic capacity for adverse events, in patients with HFrEF.

Methods and results

In 382 patients, we performed repeated blood sampling (median follow-up: 2.1 years) and applied an aptamer-based multiplex proteomic approach. We used machine learning to select the optimal set of predictors for the primary endpoint (PEP: composite of cardiovascular death, heart transplantation, left ventricular assist device implantation, and HF hospitalization). The association between repeated measures of selected proteins and PEP was investigated by multivariable joint models. Internal validation (cross-validated c-index) and external validation (Henry Ford HF PharmacoGenomic Registry cohort) were performed. Nine proteins were selected in addition to the MAGGIC risk score, N-terminal pro-hormone B-type natriuretic peptide, and troponin T: suppression of tumourigenicity 2, tryptophanyl-tRNA synthetase cytoplasmic, histone H2A Type 3, angiotensinogen, deltex-1, thrombospondin-4, ADAMTS-like protein 2, anthrax toxin receptor 1, and cathepsin D. N-terminal pro-hormone B-type natriuretic peptide and angiotensinogen showed the strongest associations [hazard ratio (95% confidence interval): 1.96 (1.17-3.40) and 0.66 (0.49-0.88), respectively]. The multivariable model yielded a c-index of 0.85 upon internal validation and c-indices up to 0.80 upon external validation. The c-index was higher than that of a model containing established risk factors (P = 0.021).

Conclusion

Nine serially measured proteins captured the most essential prognostic information for the occurrence of adverse events in patients with HFrEF, and provided incremental value for HF prognostication beyond established risk factors. These proteins could be used for dynamic, individual risk assessment in a prospective setting. These findings also illustrate the potential value of relatively 'novel' biomarkers for prognostication.

Clinical Trial Registration

https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01851538?term=nCT01851538&draw=2&rank=1 24.

Circulating biomarkers of cardiovascular disease are related to aneurysm volume in abdominal aortic aneurysm

BACKGROUND

Surveillance programs in abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) are mainly based on imaging and leave room for improvement to timely identify patients at risk for AAA growth. Many biomarkers are dysregulated in patients with AAA, which fuels interest in biomarkers as indicators of disease progression. We examined associations of 92 cardiovascular disease (CVD)-related circulating biomarkers with AAA and sac volume.

METHODS

In a cross-sectional analysis, we separately investigated (1) 110 watchful waiting (WW) patients (undergoing periodic surveillance imaging without planned intervention) and (2) 203 patients after endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR). The Cardiovascular Panel III (Olink Proteomics AB, Sweden) was used to measure 92 CVD-related circulating biomarkers. We used cluster analyses to investigate protein-based subphenotypes, and linear regression to examine associations of biomarkers with AAA and sac volume on CT scans.

RESULTS

Cluster analyses revealed two biomarker-based subgroups in both WW and EVAR patients, with higher levels of 76 and 74 proteins, respectively, in one subgroup versus the other. In WW patients, uPA showed a borderline significant association with AAA volume. Adjusting for clinical characteristics, there was a difference of -0.092 (-0.148, -0.036) loge mL in AAA volume per SD uPA. In EVAR patients, after multivariable adjustment, four biomarkers remained significantly associated with sac volume. The mean effects on sac volume per SD difference were: LDLR: -0.128 (-0.212, -0.044), TFPI: 0.139 (0.049, 0.229), TIMP4: 0.110 (0.023, 0.197), IGFBP-2: 0.103 (0.012, 0.194).

CONCLUSION

LDLR, TFPI, TIMP4, and IGFBP-2 were independently associated with sac volume after EVAR. Subgroups of patients with high levels of the majority of CVD-related biomarkers emphasize the intertwined relationship between AAA and CVD.ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03703947.

HFrEF subphenotypes based on 4210 repeatedly measured circulating proteins are driven by different biological mechanisms

BACKGROUND

HFrEF is a heterogenous condition with high mortality. We used serial assessments of 4210 circulating proteins to identify distinct novel protein-based HFrEF subphenotypes and to investigate underlying dynamic biological mechanisms. Herewith we aimed to gain pathophysiological insights and fuel opportunities for personalised treatment.

METHODS

In 382 patients, we performed trimonthly blood sampling during a median follow-up of 2.1 [IQR:1.1-2.6] years. We selected all baseline samples and two samples closest to the primary endpoint (PEP; composite of cardiovascular mortality, HF hospitalization, LVAD implantation, and heart transplantation) or censoring, and applied an aptamer-based multiplex proteomic approach. Using unsupervised machine learning methods, we derived clusters from 4210 repeatedly measured proteomic biomarkers. Sets of proteins that drove cluster allocation were analysed via an enrichment analysis. Differences in clinical characteristics and PEP occurrence were evaluated.

FINDINGS

We identified four subphenotypes with different protein profiles, prognosis and clinical characteristics, including age (median [IQR] for subphenotypes 1-4, respectively:70 [64, 76], 68 [60, 79], 57 [47, 65], 59 [56, 66]years), EF (30 [26, 36], 26 [20, 38], 26 [22, 32], 33 [28, 37]%), and chronic renal failure (45%, 65%, 36%, 37%). Subphenotype allocation was driven by subsets of proteins associated with various biological functions, such as oxidative stress, inflammation and extracellular matrix organisation. Clinical characteristics of the subphenotypes were aligned with these associations. Subphenotypes 2 and 3 had the worst prognosis compared to subphenotype 1 (adjHR (95%CI):3.43 (1.76-6.69), and 2.88 (1.37-6.03), respectively).

INTERPRETATION

Four circulating-protein based subphenotypes are present in HFrEF, which are driven by varying combinations of protein subsets, and have different clinical characteristics and prognosis.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01851538https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01851538.

FUNDING

EU/EFPIA IMI2JU BigData@Heart grant n°116074, Jaap Schouten Foundation and Noordwest Academie.

Prognostic value of temporal patterns of left atrial reservoir strain in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction

BACKGROUND

We investigated whether repeatedly measured left atrial reservoir strain (LASr) in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) patients provides incremental prognostic value over a single baseline LASr value, and whether temporal patterns of LASr provide incremental prognostic value over temporal patterns of other echocardiographic markers and NT-proBNP.

METHODS

In this prospective observational study, 153 patients underwent 6-monthly echocardiography, during a median follow-up of 2.5 years. Speckle tracking echocardiography was used to measure LASr. Hazard ratios (HRs) were calculated for LASr from Cox models (baseline) and joint models (repeated measurements). The primary endpoint (PEP) comprised HF hospitalization, left ventricular assist device, heart transplantation, and cardiovascular death.

RESULTS

Mean age was 58 ± 11 years, 76% were men, 82% were in NYHA class I/II, mean LASr was 20.9% ± 11.3%, and mean LVEF was 29% ± 10%. PEP was reached by 50 patients. Baseline and repeated measurements of LASr (HR per SD change (95% CI) 0.20 (0.10-0.41) and (0.13 (0.10-0.29), respectively) were both significantly associated with the PEP, independent of both baseline and repeated measurements of other echo-parameters and NT-proBNP. Although LASr was persistently lower over time in patients with PEP, temporal trajectories did not diverge in patients with versus without the PEP as the PEP approached.

CONCLUSION

LASr was associated with adverse events in HFrEF patients, independent of baseline and repeated other echo-parameters and NT-proBNP. Temporal trajectories of LASr showed decreased but stable values in patients with the PEP, and do not provide incremental prognostic value for clinical practice compared to single measurements of LASr.

Sex-based differences in cardiovascular proteomic profiles and their associations with adverse outcomes in patients with chronic heart failure

BACKGROUND

Studies focusing on sex differences in circulating proteins in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) are scarce. Insight into sex-specific cardiovascular protein profiles and their associations with the risk of adverse outcomes may contribute to a better understanding of the pathophysiological processes involved in HFrEF. Moreover, it could provide a basis for the use of circulating protein measurements for prognostication in women and men, wherein the most relevant protein measurements are applied in each of the sexes.

METHODS

In 382 patients with HFrEF, we performed tri-monthly blood sampling (median follow-up: 25 [13-31] months). We selected all baseline samples and two samples closest to the primary endpoint (PEP: composite of cardiovascular death, heart transplantation, left ventricular assist device implantation, and HF hospitalization) or censoring. We then applied an aptamer-based multiplex proteomic assay identifying 1105 proteins previously associated with cardiovascular disease. We used linear regression models and gene-enrichment analysis to study sex-based differences in baseline levels. We used time-dependent Cox models to study differences in the prognostic value of serially measured proteins. All models were adjusted for the MAGGIC HF mortality risk score and p-values for multiple testing.

RESULTS

In 104 women and 278 men (mean age 62 and 64 years, respectively) cumulative PEP incidence at 30 months was 25% and 35%, respectively. At baseline, 55 (5%) out of the 1105 proteins were significantly different between women and men. The female protein profile was most strongly associated with extracellular matrix organization, while the male profile was dominated by regulation of cell death. The association of endothelin-1 (P_interaction < 0.001) and somatostatin (P_interaction = 0.040) with the PEP was modified by sex, independent of clinical characteristics. Endothelin-1 was more strongly associated with the PEP in men (HR 2.62 [95%CI, 1.98, 3.46], p < 0.001) compared to women (1.14 [1.01, 1.29], p = 0.036). Somatostatin was positively associated with the PEP in men (1.23 [1.10, 1.38], p < 0.001), but inversely associated in women (0.33 [0.12, 0.93], p = 0.036).

CONCLUSION

Baseline cardiovascular protein levels differ between women and men. However, the predictive value of repeatedly measured circulating proteins does not seem to differ except for endothelin-1 and somatostatin.

Serially Measured hs-cTnT, NT-proBNP, hs-CRP and GDF-15 for Risk Assessment After Acute Coronary Syndrome: the BIOMArCS Cohort

AIMS

Evidence regarding the role of serial measurements of biomarkers for risk assessment in post-acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients is limited. The aim was to explore the prognostic value of four, serially measured biomarkers in a large, real-world cohort of post-ACS patients.

METHODS AND RESULTS

BIOMArCS is a prospective, multicentre, observational study in 844 post-ACS patients in whom 12,218 blood samples (median 17/patient) were obtained during one year follow-up. The longitudinal patterns of hs-cTnT, NT-proBNP, hs-CRP and GDF-15 were analysed in relation to the primary endpoint (PE) of CV mortality and recurrent ACS using multivariable joint models. Median age was 63 years, 78% were men and the PE was reached by 45 patients. The average biomarker levels were systematically higher in PE compared to PE-free patients. After adjustment for 6-months post-discharge GRACE score, 1 standard deviation increase in log[hs-cTnT] was associated with a 61% increased risk of the PE (hazard ratio[HR] 1.61, 95% confidence interval[CI] 1.02-2.44, P = 0.045) while for log[GDF-15] this was 81% (HR 1.81, 95% CI 1.28-2.70, P = 0.001). These associations remained significant after multivariable adjustment, while NT-proBNP and hs-CRP were not. Furthermore, GDF-15 level showed an increasing trend prior to the PE. (Structured Graphical Abstract).

CONCLUSIONS

Longitudinally measured hs-cTnT and GDF-15 concentrations provide prognostic value in the risk assessment of clinically stabilized patients post-ACS.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

The Netherlands Trial Register. Currently available at URL https://trialsearch.who.int/; Unique Identifiers: NTR1698 and NTR1106.

Longitudinal profile of circulating endothelial cells in post-acute coronary syndrome patients

IntroductionPatients who have experienced an acute coronary syndrome (ACS) are at risk of a recurrent event, but their level of risk varies. Because of their close temporal relationship with vascular injury, longitudinal measurements of circulating endothelial cells (CECs) carry potential to improve individual risk assessment.MethodsWe conducted an explorative nested case-control study within our multicenter, prospective, observational biomarker study (BIOMArCS) of 844 ACS patients. Following an index ACS, high-frequency blood sampling was performed during 1-year follow-up. CECs were identified using flow cytometric analyses in 15 cases with recurrent event, and 30 matched controls.ResultsCases and controls had a median (25^th-75^thpercentile) age of 64.1 (58.1-75.1) years and 80% were men. During the months preceding the endpoint, the mean (95%CI) CEC concentration in cases was persistently higher than in controls (12.8 [8.2-20.0] versus 10.0 [7.0-14.4] cells/ml), although this difference was non-significant (P = 0.339). In controls, the mean cell concentration was significantly (P = 0.030) lower in post 30-day samples compared to samples collected within one day after index ACS: 10.1 (7.5-13.6) versus 17.0 (10.8-26.6) cells/ml. Similar results were observed for CEC subsets co-expressing CD133 and CD309 (VEGFR-2) or CD106 (VCAM-1).ConclusionDespite their close relation to vascular damage, no increase in cell concentrations were found prior to the occurrence of a secondary adverse cardiac event.

Prognostic value of temporal patterns of global longitudinal strain in patients with chronic heart failure

Background

We investigated whether repeatedly measured global longitudinal strain (GLS) has incremental prognostic value over repeatedly measured left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and N-terminal pro B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), and a single "baseline" GLS value, in chronic heart failure (HF) patients.

Methods

In this prospective observational study, echocardiography was performed in 173 clinically stable chronic HF patients every six months during follow up. During a median follow-up of 2.7 years, a median of 3 (25th-75th percentile:2-4) echocardiograms were obtained per patient. The endpoint was a composite of HF hospitalization, left ventricular assist device, heart transplantation, cardiovascular death. We compared hazard ratios (HRs) for the endpoint from Cox models (used to analyze the first available GLS measurements) with HRs from joint models (which links repeated measurements to the time-to-event data).

Results

Mean age was 58 ± 11 years, 76% were men, 81% were in New York Heart Association functional class I/II, and all had LVEF < 50% (mean ± SD: 27 ± 9%). The endpoint was reached by 53 patients. GLS was persistently decreased over time in patients with the endpoint. However, temporal GLS trajectories did not further diverge in patients with versus without the endpoint and remained stable during follow-up. Both single measurements and temporal trajectories of GLS were significantly associated with the endpoint [HR per SD change (95%CI): 2.15(1.34-3.46), 3.54 (2.01-6.20)]. In a multivariable model, repeatedly measured GLS maintained its prognostic value while repeatedly measured LVEF did not [HR per SD change (95%CI): GLS:4.38 (1.49-14.70), LVEF:1.14 (0.41-3.23)]. The association disappeared when correcting for repeatedly measured NT-proBNP.

Conclusion

Temporal evolution of GLS was associated with adverse events, independent of LVEF but not independent of NT-proBNP. Since GLS showed decreased but stable values in patients with adverse prognosis, single measurements of GLS provide sufficient information for determining prognosis in clinical practice compared to repeated measurements, and temporal GLS patterns do not add prognostic information to NT-proBNP.

Multimarker Analysis of Serially Measured GDF-15, NT-proBNP, ST2, GAL-3, cTnI, Creatinine, and Prognosis in Acute Heart Failure

BACKGROUND

Studies on serially measured GDF-15 (growth differentiation factor 15) in acute heart failure (HF) are limited. Moreover, several pathophysiological pathways contribute to HF. Therefore, we aimed to explore the (additional) prognostic value of serially measured GDF-15 using a multi-marker approach to more accurately predict HF risk.

METHODS

TRIUMPH (Translational Initiative on Unique and Novel Strategies for Management of Patients With Heart Failure) is a prospective cohort of 496 patients with acute HF who were enrolled in 14 hospitals in the Netherlands between 2009 and 2014. Blood sampling was scheduled at 7 moments during 1-year follow-up. GDF-15, NT-proBNP (N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide), ST2 (suppression of tumorigenicity 2), galectin-3, troponin I, and creatinine were measured in a central laboratory. We associated repeated measurements of these biomarkers with the composite primary end point of all-cause mortality and HF rehospitalization, using multivariable joint modeling.

RESULTS

Median age was 74 years, and 37% were women. Median baseline GDF-15 was 4632 pg/mL. The primary end point was reached in 188 (40%) patients. The average estimated GDF-15 level increased weeks before the primary end point was reached. The hazard ratio per 1 SD difference in log-GDF-15 was 2.14 (95% CI, 1.78-2.57) unadjusted, 1.96 (1.49-2.53) after adjustment for clinical confounders and 1.44 (1.05-1.91) when jointly modeled with all biomarkers. The adjusted HRs for NT-proBNP were 2.38 (1.78-3.33) and 1.52 (1.15-2.08), respectively. The multimarker model combining GDF-15, NT-proBNP, and troponin I provided a favorable risk discrimination (area under the curve=0.785).

CONCLUSIONS

Sequentially measured GDF-15 independently and dynamically predicts risk of adverse outcomes during 1-year follow-up after index admission for acute HF. NT-proBNP remains a robust predictor among potential candidates. Multiple biomarkers should be considered for stratification in clinical practice.

REGISTRATION

URL: https://www.trialregister.nl/trial/1783; Unique Identifier: NTR1893. (The trial can be found temporarily at https://trialsearch.who.int/Trial2.aspx?TrialID=NTR1893.).

Prognostic value of syntax score, intravascular ultrasound and near-infrared spectroscopy to identify low-risk patients with coronary artery disease 5-year results from the ATHEROREMO and IBIS-3 cohorts

The prognostic value of SYNTAX score (SS), intravascular ultrasound (IVUS)-derived plaque burden (PB) and near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS)-derived lipid core burden index(LCBI) for identification of high-risk patients for major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) has been proven in previous studies. The majority of patients presenting in the cathlab however do not endure MACE over time, and identification of low-risk groups has remained underexposed. This study evaluates the combined prognostic value of SS, PB and LCBI in identifying patients with low MACE risk. This post-hoc analysis combines the ATHEROREMO and IBIS-3 studies and included 798 patients undergoing coronary angiography. Anatomical SS was calculated (N = 617) and ≥40mm non-stenotic segment of a non-target vessel was investigated with IVUS (N = 645) and NIRS (N = 273) to determine PB and maximum 4mm LCBI (LCBI_4mm). During five-year follow-up, 191 MACE were observed. Patients with PB ≤70%, LCBI_4mm ≤227 (median), or SS ≤8 (median) had lower MACE incidence than their counterparts with higher values. Combined into one model, LCBI_4mm ≤227 (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 0.49, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.30–0.78; p-value = 0.003) and SS ≤8 (aHR 0.67, 95%CI 0.48–0.96, p-value = 0.027) were independently associated with (lower) MACE rate, but PB was not. Additionally, negative predictive value (NPV) of this model was high (SS<8: 0.80, PB<70%: 0.77, LCBI_4mm<227: 0.79). In this cohort, SS and LCBI_4mm proved to be independent predictors of MACE-free survival during five-year follow-up. Combination of SS and LCBI_4mm is useful to identify a low-risk population. Furthermore, NPV of SS, PB and LCBI_4mm for prediction of MACE is high.

Temporal evolution of liver function parameters predicts clinical outcome in chronic heart failure patients (Bio-SHiFT Study)

Background

Liver dysfunction contributes to worse clinical outcome in heart failure (HF) patients, and cholestatic enzymes are associated with mortality in the setting of chronic HF (CHF). However, the temporal evolutions of liver function parameters in stable CHF patients, and their associations with clinical outcome, have not yet been investigated.

Purpose

We aimed to investigate in detail the temporal patterns of alkaline phosphatase (ALP), gamma glutamyl transpeptidase (GGTP), total bilirubin (TBIL) and albumin (ALB), and their relation with clinical outcome, in patients with stable CHF with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF).

Methods

During 2.2 (1.4–2.5) years of follow-up, we collected 1984 tri-monthly plasma samples in 263 patients. We selected 749 samples in the 250 HFrEF patients included in the study - all baseline samples, the last two samples before censoring in event-free patients, and the last two samples preceding the primary endpoint (PEP; composite of cardiac death, heart transplantation, LVAD implantation, and hospitalization for the management of acute or worsened HF). In these samples ALP, GGTP, and ALB were measured using colorimetric assays, TBIL using diazomethod, all by Roche/Hitachi Cobas c analyser. The relationship between repeatedly measured biomarker levels and the PEP was evaluated by joint models.

Results

Mean age was 68±18 years; 74% were men, 25% in NYHA class III or IV. 66 patients (26%) reached the PEP.

Repeatedly measured levels of TBIL, ALP, GGTP and ALB were associated with the PEP in a model adjusted for NT-proBNP and hs-TnT (hazard ratio (HR) [95% confidence interval] per doubling of biomarker level: 1.98 [1.32; 2.95], p=0.002; 1.84 [1.09; 3.05], p=0.018, 1.33 [1.08; 1.63], p=0.006 and 1.14 [1.09; 1.20], p&lt;0.001, respectively). Serially measured ALP and GGTP remained significantly associated with the PEP after adjustment for clinical covariates (HR [95% CI]: 1.13 [1.07; 1.19], p=0.018; 1.03 [1.01; 1.06], p=0.006, respectively).

The levels of ALP and GGTP were higher in patients who experienced the PEP than in event-free patients long before the PEP occurred (&gt;2 years), and as the PEP approached, levels diverged slightly between those with and without the PEP (Figure 1). Conversely, levels of ALB were higher in those with subsequent PEP, &gt;2 years before the PEP, and subsequently fell; while TBIL levels rose less than 1 year before the PEP in those with subsequent PEP. The slopes of the temporal evolution of ALB and TBIL, adjusted for clinical variables, were also significantly associated with the PEP (HR [95% CI] per 20% decrease in the slope for albumin and increase in the slope of TBIL per year: 1.61 [1.43; 1.84], p&lt;0.001 and 1.72 [1.28; 2.55], p&lt;0.001, respectively).

Conclusions

Changes in serum levels of TBIL, ALP, GGTP and ALB precede adverse cardiovascular events in patients with CHF. These routine liver function parameters may provide additional prognostic information in HFrEF patients in clinical practice.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: Other. Main funding source(s): Jaap Schouten Foundation (Rotterdam, the Netherlands)Noordwest Academie (Alkmaar, the Netherlands)

Heart failure subphenotypes based on repeated biomarker measurements are associated with clinical characteristics and adverse events (Bio-SHiFT study)

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to identify heart failure (HF) subphenotypes using 92 repeatedly measured circulating proteins in 250 patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction, and to investigate their clinical characteristics and prognosis.

METHODS

Clinical data and blood samples were collected tri-monthly until the primary endpoint (PEP) or censoring occurred, with a maximum of 11 visits. The Olink Cardiovascular III panel was measured in baseline samples and the last two samples before the PEP (in 66 PEP cases), or the last sample before censoring (in 184 PEP-free patients). The PEP comprised cardiovascular death, heart transplantation, Left Ventricular Assist Device implantation, and hospitalization for HF. Cluster analysis was performed on individual biomarker trajectories to identify subphenotypes. Then biomarker profiles and clinical characteristics were investigated, and survival analysis was conducted.

RESULTS

Clustering revealed three clinically diverse subphenotypes. Cluster 3 was older, with a longer duration of, and more advanced HF, and most comorbidities. Cluster 2 showed increasing levels over time of most biomarkers. In cluster 3, there were elevated baseline levels and increasing levels over time of 16 remaining biomarkers. Median follow-up was 2.2 (1.4-2.5) years. Cluster 3 had a significantly poorer prognosis compared to cluster 1 (adjusted event-free survival time ratio 0.25 (95%CI:0.12-0.50), p < 0.001). Repeated measurements clusters showed incremental prognostic value compared to clusters using single measurements, or clinical characteristics only.

CONCLUSIONS

Clustering based on repeated biomarker measurements revealed three clinically diverse subphenotypes, of which one has a significantly worse prognosis, therefore contributing to improved (individualized) prognostication.

Relation of Iron Status to Prognosis After Acute Coronary Syndrome

Iron deficiency has been extensively researched and is associated with adverse outcomes in heart failure. However, to our knowledge, the temporal evolution of iron status has not been previously investigated in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Therefore, we aimed to explore the temporal pattern of repeatedly measured iron, ferritin, transferrin, and transferrin saturation (TSAT) in relation to prognosis post-ACS. BIOMArCS (BIOMarker study to identify the Acute risk of a Coronary Syndrome) is a prospective, multicenter, observational cohort study conducted in The Netherlands between 2008 and 2015. A total of 844 patients with post-ACS were enrolled and underwent high-frequency (median 17) blood sampling during 1 year follow-up. Biomarkers of iron status were measured batchwise in a central laboratory. We analyzed 3 patient subsets, including the case-cohort (n = 187). The primary endpoint (PE) was a composite of cardiovascular mortality and repeat nonfatal ACS, including unstable angina pectoris requiring revascularization. The association between iron status and the PE was analyzed using multivariable joint models. Mean age was 63 years; 78% were men, and >50% had iron deficiency at first sample in the case-cohort. After adjustment for a broad range of clinical variables, 1 SD decrease in log-iron was associated with a 2.2-fold greater risk of the PE (hazard ratio 2.19, 95% confidence interval 1.34 to 3.54, p = 0.002). Similarly, 1 SD decrease in log-TSAT was associated with a 78% increased risk of the PE (hazard ratio 1.78, 95% confidence interval 1.17 to 2.65, p = 0.006). Ferritin and transferrin were not associated with the PE. Repeated measurements of iron and TSAT predict risk of adverse outcomes in patients with post-ACS during 1 year follow-up. Trial Registration: The Netherlands Trial Register. Unique identifiers: NTR1698 and NTR1106. Registered at https://www.trialregister.nl/trial/1614 and https://www.trialregister.nl/trial/1073.

Dynamic personalized risk prediction in chronic heart failure patients: a longitudinal, clinical investigation of 92 biomarkers (Bio-SHiFT study)

The aim of our observational study was to derive a small set out of 92 repeatedly measured biomarkers with optimal predictive capacity for adverse clinical events in heart failure, which could be used for dynamic, individual risk assessment in clinical practice. In 250 chronic HFrEF (CHF) patients, we collected trimonthly blood samples during a median of 2.2 years. We selected 537 samples for repeated measurement of 92 biomarkers with the Cardiovascular Panel III (Olink Proteomics AB). We applied Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO) penalization to select the optimal set of predictors of the primary endpoint (PE). The association between repeatedly measured levels of selected biomarkers and the PE was evaluated by multivariable joint models (mvJM) with stratified fivefold cross validation of the area under the curve (cvAUC). The PE occurred in 66(27%) patients. The optimal set of biomarkers selected by LASSO included 9 proteins: NT-proBNP, ST2, vWF, FABP4, IGFBP-1, PAI-1, PON-3, transferrin receptor protein-1, and chitotriosidase-1, that yielded a cvAUC of 0.88, outperforming the discriminative ability of models consisting of standard biomarkers (NT-proBNP, hs-TnT, eGFR clinically adjusted) − 0.82 and performing equally well as an extended literature-based set of acknowledged biomarkers (NT-proBNP, hs-TnT, hs-CRP, GDF-15, ST2, PAI-1, Galectin 3) − 0.88. Nine out of 92 serially measured circulating proteins provided a multivariable model for adverse clinical events in CHF patients with high discriminative ability. These proteins reflect wall stress, remodelling, endothelial dysfunction, iron deficiency, haemostasis/fibrinolysis and innate immunity activation. A panel containing these proteins could contribute to dynamic, personalized risk assessment.

Clinical Trial Registration: 10/05/2013 https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01851538?term=nCT01851538&draw=2&rank=1.

Persistently elevated levels of sST2 after acute coronary syndrome are associated with recurrent cardiac events

Purpose Higher soluble ST2 (sST2) levels at admission are associated with adverse outcome in acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients. We studied the dynamics of sST2 over time in post-ACS patients prior to a recurrent ACS or cardiac death.Methods We used the BIOMArCS case-cohort, consisting of 187 patients who underwent serial blood sampling during one year follow-up post-ACS. sST2 was batch-wise quantified after completion of follow-up in a median of 8 (IQR: 5-11) samples per patient. Joint-modelling was used to investigate the association between longitudinally measured sST2 and the endpoint, adjusted for gender, GRACE risk score and history of cardiovascular diseases.Results Median age was 64 years and 79% were men. The 36 endpoint patients had systematically higher sST2 levels than those that remained endpoint free (mean value 29.6 ng/ml versus 33.7 ng/ml, p-value 0.052). The adjusted hazard ratio for the endpoint per standard deviation increase of sST2 was 1.64 (95% confidence interval: 1.09-2.34; p = 0.019) at any time point. We could not identify a steady or sudden increase of sST2 in the run-up to the combined endpoint.Conclusion Asymptomatic post-ACS patients with persistently higher sST2 levels are at higher risk of recurrent ACS or cardiac death during one year follow-up.

IGF-1 is not related to long-term outcome in hyperglycemic acute coronary syndrome patients

PURPOSE

Insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) has been associated with both protective and detrimental effects on the development of ischemic heart disease. The relationship between IGF-1 levels and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) in acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between IGF-1 admission levels in hyperglycemic ACS patients and: (1) MACE over a 5 years follow-up, (2) type 2 diabetes at discharge, and (3) post-ACS myocardial infarct size and dysfunction.

METHODS

This was a post hoc analysis of the BIOMArCS-2 randomized controlled trial. From July 2008 to February 2012, 276 ACS patients with admission plasma glucose level between 140 and 288 mg/dL were included. Records of the composite of all-cause mortality and recurrent non-fatal myocardial infarction were obtained during 5 years follow-up. Venous blood samples were collected on admission. IGF-1 was measured batchwise after study completion. Oral glucose tolerance test was performed to diagnose type 2 diabetes, whereas infarct size and left ventricular function were assessed by myocardial perfusion scintigraphy (MPS) imaging, 6 weeks post-ACS.

RESULTS

Cumulative incidence of MACE was 24% at 5 years follow-up. IGF-1 was not independently associated with MACE (HR:1.00 (95%CI:0.99-1.00), p = 0.29). Seventy-eight patients (28%) had type 2 diabetes at discharge, and the highest quartile of IGF-1 levels was associated with the lowest incidence of diabetes (HR:0.40 (95%CI:0.17-0.95), p = 0.037). IGF-1 levels were not associated with post-ACS myocardial infarct size and dysfunction.

CONCLUSIONS

IGF-1 carries potential for predicting type 2 diabetes, rather than long-term cardiovascular outcomes and post-ACS myocardial infarct size and dysfunction, in hyperglycemic ACS patients.

Determinants of quality of life in acute heart failure patients with and without comorbidities: a prospective, observational study

AIMS

The relation between non-cardiac comorbidities and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in patients with heart failure (HF) has been studied to a limited extent. To investigate the HRQoL and their determinants among HF patients with and without comorbidities.

METHODS AND RESULTS

TRIUMPH (TRanslational Initiative on Unique and novel strategies for Management of Patients with Heart failure) is a Dutch prospective, multicentre study enrolling 496 acute HF patients between 2009 and 2014. We included 334 patients who had completed the HRQoL questionnaires at baseline. The HRQoL was measured by the Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire (KCCQ) en EuroQuality-of-life five Dimensions (EQ-5D). Comorbidity was defined as having a history of at least one of the following comorbidities: chronic kidney disease, diabetes mellitus, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and/or cerebrovascular accident. Patients with comorbidity (n = 205, 61%) had lower scores on the physical limitation scale and clinical summary score of the KCCQ (P = 0.03 and P = 0.01, respectively). Female sex, COPD, previous HF, increasing body mass index (BMI), elevated N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), high systolic blood pressure, and the presence of anxiety and/or depression negatively influenced the HRQoL among HF patients with comorbidity. Besides anxiety and depression, we hardly found any other determinant of HRQoL in patients without comorbidity.

CONCLUSION

Heart failure patients without comorbidity had better HRQoL than patients with comorbidity. Sex, previous HF, BMI, COPD, systolic blood pressure, NT-proBNP levels, and also anxiety and depression were determinants of HRQoL in patients with comorbidity. In those without comorbidity, apart from anxiety and depression, no further determinants of HRQoL were found.

Stabilization patterns and variability of hs-CRP, NT-proBNP and ST2 during 1 year after acute coronary syndrome admission: results of the BIOMArCS study

Objectives Details of the biological variability of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), N-terminal prohormone of brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) and ST2 are currently lacking in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) but are crucial knowledge when aiming to use these biomarkers for personalized risk prediction. In the current study, we report post-ACS kinetics and the variability of the hs-CRP, NT-proBNP and ST2. Methods BIOMArCS is a prospective, observational study with high frequency blood sampling during 1 year post-ACS. Using 1507 blood samples from 191 patients that remained free from adverse cardiac events, we investigated post-ACS kinetics of hs-CRP, NT-proBNP and ST2. Biological variability was studied using the samples collected between 6 and 12 months after the index ACS, when patients were considered to have stable coronary artery disease. Results On average, hs-CRP rose peaked at day 2 and rose well above the reference value. ST2 peaked immediately after the ACS but never rose above the reference value. NT-proBNP level rose on average during the first 2 days post-ACS and slowly declined afterwards. The within-subject variation and relative change value (RCV) of ST2 were relatively small (13.8%, RCV 39.7%), while hs-CRP (41.9%, lognormal RCV 206.1/-67.3%) and NT-proBNP (39.0%, lognormal RCV 185.2/-64.9%) showed a considerable variation. Conclusions Variability of hs-CRP and NT-proBNP within asymptomatic and clinically stable post-ACS patients is considerable. In contrast, within-patient variability of ST2 is low. Given the low within-subject variation, ST2 might be the most useful biomarker for personalizing risk prediction in stable post-ACS patients.

Left ventricular remodelling and prognosis after discharge in new-onset acute heart failure with reduced ejection fraction

Aims

This study aimed to investigate the left ventricular (LV) remodelling and long‐term prognosis of patients with new‐onset acute heart failure (HF) with reduced ejection fraction who were pharmacologically managed and survived until hospital discharge. We compared patients with ischaemic and non‐ischaemic aetiology.

Methods and results

This cohort study consisted of 111 patients admitted with new‐onset acute HF in the period 2008–2016 [62% non‐ischaemic aetiology, 48% supported by inotropes, vasopressors, or short‐term mechanical circulatory devices, and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) at discharge 28% (interquartile range 22–34)]. LV dimensions, LVEF, and mitral valve regurgitation were used as markers for LV remodelling during up to 3 years of follow‐up. Both patients with non‐ischaemic and ischaemic HF had significant improvement in LVEF (P < 0.001 and P = 0.004, respectively) with significant higher improvement in those with non‐ischaemic HF (17% vs. 6%, P < 0.001). Patients with non‐ischaemic HF had reduction in LV end‐diastolic and end‐systolic diameters (6 and 10 mm, both P < 0.001), but this was not found in those with ischaemic HF [+3 mm (P = 0.09) and +2 mm (P = 0.07), respectively]. During a median follow‐up of 4.6 years, 98 patients (88%) did not reach the composite endpoint of LV assist device implantation, heart transplantation, or all‐cause mortality, with no difference between with ischaemic and non‐ischaemic HF [hazard ratio 0.69 (95% confidence interval 0.19–2.45)].

Conclusions

Patients with new‐onset acute HF with reduced ejection fraction discharged on optimal medical treatment have a good prognosis. We observed a considerable LV remodelling with improvement in LV function and dimensions, starting already at 6 months in patients with non‐ischaemic HF but not in their ischaemic counterparts.

Sex-specific temporal evolution of circulating biomarkers in patients with chronic heart failure with reduced ejection fraction

BACKGROUND

We aimed to assess differences in clinical characteristics, prognosis, and the temporal evolution of circulating biomarkers in male and female patients with HFrEF.

METHODS

We included 250 patients (66 women) with chronic heart failure (CHF) between 2011 and 2013 and performed trimonthly blood sampling during a median follow-up of 2.2 years [median (IQR) of 8 (5-10) urine and 9 (5-10) plasma samples per patient]. After completion of follow-up we measured 8 biomarkers. The primary endpoint (PE) was the composite of cardiac death, cardiac transplantation, left ventricular assist device implantation, and hospitalization due to acute or worsened CHF. Joint models were used to determine whether there were differences in the temporal patterns of the biomarkers between men and women as the PE approached.

RESULTS

A total of 66 patients reached the PE of which 52 (78.8%) were male and 14 (21.2%) were female. The temporal patterns of all studied biomarkers were associated with the PE, and overall showed disadvantageous changes as the PE approached. For NT-proBNP, HsTnT, and CRP, women showed higher levels over the entire follow-up duration and concomitant numerically higher hazard ratios [NT-proBNP: women: HR(95%CI) 7.57 (3.17-21.93), men: HR(95%CI) 3.14 (2.09-4.79), p for interaction = 0.104, HsTnT: women: HR(95%CI) 6.38 (2.18-22.46), men: HR(95%CI) 4.91 (2.58-9.39), p for interaction = 0.704, CRP: women: HR(95%CI) 7.48 (3.43-19.53), men: HR(95%CI) 3.29 [2.27-5.44], p for interaction = 0.106). In contrast, temporal patterns of glomerular and tubular renal markers showed similar associations with the PE in men and women.

CONCLUSION

Although interaction terms are not statistically significant, the associations of temporal patterns of NT-proBNP, HsTnT, and CRP appear more outspoken in women than in men with HFrEF, whereas associations seem similar for temporal patterns of creatinine, eGFR, Cystatin C, KIM-1 and NAG. Larger studies are needed to confirm these potential sex differences.

Associations of serially measured PCSK9, LDLR and MPO with clinical outcomes in heart failure

Aim: To investigate the temporal evolution of plasma proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9), low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) and myeloperoxidase (MPO) in relation to clinical outcome in chronic heart failure (CHF). Methodology & results: Trimonthly blood sampling was performed during a median follow-up of 2.2 (IQR 1.4-2.5) years in 263 CHF patients. Seventy patients reached the primary end point (PE) (cardiovascular death, heart transplantation, left ventricular assist device implantation or HF-hospitalization). MPO level was independently associated with the PE; the adjusted (for clinical factors) hazard ratio (aHR) per standard deviation difference in MPO was 1.71 (95% CI: 1.23-2.43) at any time during follow-up. PCSK9 level (HR: 1.45 [1.04-2.06]) and LDLR (HR: 0.66 [0.49-0.87]) were statistical significantly associated with the PE but only in unadjusted analyses. Slope of temporal MPO evolution (aHR: 1.34 [1.12-1.76] per 0.1 standard deviation/year difference in slope) and LDLR (aHR: 0.78 [0.61-0.90]) however, were associated with PE. Conclusion: Temporal patterns of MPO and LDLR are independently associated with clinical outcome in CHF, which illustrates the importance of assessing temporal evolutions. Clinical trial registration information: registered in ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT01851538. https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01851538.

A heart failure phenotype stratified model for predicting 1-year mortality in patients admitted with acute heart failure: results from an individual participant data meta-analysis of four prospective European cohorts

BACKGROUND

Prognostic models developed in general cohorts with a mixture of heart failure (HF) phenotypes, though more widely applicable, are also likely to yield larger prediction errors in settings where the HF phenotypes have substantially different baseline mortality rates or different predictor-outcome associations. This study sought to use individual participant data meta-analysis to develop an HF phenotype stratified model for predicting 1-year mortality in patients admitted with acute HF.

METHODS

Four prospective European cohorts were used to develop an HF phenotype stratified model. Cox model with two rounds of backward elimination was used to derive the prognostic index. Weibull model was used to obtain the baseline hazard functions. The internal-external cross-validation (IECV) approach was used to evaluate the generalizability of the developed model in terms of discrimination and calibration.

RESULTS

3577 acute HF patients were included, of which 2368 were classified as having HF with reduced ejection fraction (EF) (HFrEF; EF < 40%), 588 as having HF with midrange EF (HFmrEF; EF 40-49%), and 621 as having HF with preserved EF (HFpEF; EF ≥ 50%). A total of 11 readily available variables built up the prognostic index. For four of these predictor variables, namely systolic blood pressure, serum creatinine, myocardial infarction, and diabetes, the effect differed across the three HF phenotypes. With a weighted IECV-adjusted AUC of 0.79 (0.74-0.83) for HFrEF, 0.74 (0.70-0.79) for HFmrEF, and 0.74 (0.71-0.77) for HFpEF, the model showed excellent discrimination. Moreover, there was a good agreement between the average observed and predicted 1-year mortality risks, especially after recalibration of the baseline mortality risks.

CONCLUSIONS

Our HF phenotype stratified model showed excellent generalizability across four European cohorts and may provide a useful tool in HF phenotype-specific clinical decision-making.

Temporal Evolution of Serum Concentrations of High-Sensitivity Cardiac Troponin During 1 Year After Acute Coronary Syndrome Admission

Background

Detailed insights in temporal evolution of high‐sensitivity cardiac troponin following acute coronary syndrome (ACS) are currently missing. We aimed to describe and compare the post‐ACS kinetics of high‐sensitivity cardiac troponin I (hs‐cTnI) and high‐sensitivity cardiac troponin T (hs‐cTnT), and to determine their intra‐ and interindividual variation in clinically stable patients.

Methods and Results

We determined hs‐cTnI (Abbott) and hs‐cTnT (Roche) in 1507 repeated blood samples, derived from 191 patients with ACS (median, 8/patient) who remained free from adverse cardiac events during 1‐year follow‐up. Post‐ACS kinetics were studied by linear mixed‐effect models. Using the samples collected in the 6‐ to 12‐month post‐ACS time frame, patients were then considered to have chronic coronary syndrome. We determined (differences between) the average hs‐cTnI and average hs‐cTnT concentration, and the intra‐ and interindividual variation for both biomarkers. Compared with hs‐cTnT, hs‐cTnI peaked higher (median 3506 ng/L versus 494 ng/L; P<0.001) and was quicker below the biomarker‐specific upper reference limit (16 versus 19 days; P<0.001). In the post–6‐month samples, hs‐cTnI and hs‐cTnT showed modest correlation (r_spearman=0.60), whereas the average hs‐cTnT concentration was 5 times more likely to be above the upper reference limit than hs‐cTnI. The intraindividual variations of hs‐cTnI and hs‐cTnT were 14.0% and 18.1%, while the interindividual variations were 94.1% and 75.9%.

Conclusions

Hs‐cTnI peaked higher after ACS and was quicker below the upper reference limit. In the post–6‐month samples, hs‐cTnI and hs‐cTnT were clearly not interchangeable, and average hs‐cTnT concentrations were much more often above the upper reference limit than hs‐cTnI. For both markers, the within‐patient variation fell largely below beween‐patient variation.

Registration

URL: https://www.trialregister.nl; unique identifiers: NTR1698 and NTR1106.

Serially Measured Cytokines and Cytokine Receptors in Relation to Clinical Outcome in Patients With Stable Heart Failure

In this prospective cohort study of 250 stable heart failure patients with trimonthly blood sampling, we investigated associations of 17 repeatedly measured cytokines and cytokine receptors with clinical outcome during a median follow-up of 2.2 (25th-75th percentile, 1.4-2.5) years. Sixty-six patients reached the primary end point (composite of cardiovascular mortality, heart failure hospitalization, heart transplantation, left ventricular assist device implantation). Repeatedly measured levels of 8 biomarkers correlated with clinical outcomes independent of clinical characteristics. Rates of change over time (slopes of biomarker evolutions) remained independently associated with outcome for 15 biomarkers. Thus, temporal patterns of cytokines and cytokine receptors, in particular tumour necrosis factor ligand superfamily member 13B and interleukin-1 receptor type 1, might contribute to personalized risk assessment.

High-frequency metabolite profiling and the incidence of recurrent cardiac events in patients with post-acute coronary syndrome

Purpose: The aim of this study was to study temporal changes in metabolite profiles in patients with post-acute coronary syndrome (ACS), in particular prior to the development of recurrent ACS (reACS).Methods: BIOMArCS (BIOMarker study to identify the Acute risk of a Coronary Syndrome) is a prospective study including patients admitted for ACS, who underwent high-frequency blood sampling during 1-year follow-up. Within BIOMArCS, we performed a nested case-cohort analysis of 158 patients (28 cases of reACS). We determined 151 metabolites by nuclear magnetic resonance in seven (median) blood samples per patient. Temporal evolution of the metabolites and their relation with reACS was assessed by joint modelling. Results are reported as adjusted (for clinical factors) hazard ratios (aHRs).Results: Median age was 64 (25th-75th percentiles; 56-72) years and 78% were men. After multiple testing correction (p < 0.001), high concentrations of extremely large very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) particles (aHR 1.60/SD increase; 95%CI 1.25-2.08), very large VLDL particles (aHR 1.60/SD increase; 95%CI 1.25-2.08) and large VLDL particles (aHR 1.56/SD increase; 95%CI 1.22-2.05) were significantly associated with reACS. Moreover, these longitudinal particle concentrations showed a steady increase over time prior to reACS. Among the other metabolites, no significant associations were observed.Conclusion: Post-ACS patients with persistent high concentrations of extremely large, very large and large VLDL particles have increased risk of reACS within 1 year.

Renal tubular damage and worsening renal function in chronic heart failure: Clinical determinants and relation to prognosis (Bio-SHiFT study)

Background

It is uncertain that chronic heart failure (CHF) patients are susceptible to renal tubular damage with that of worsening renal function (WRF) preceding clinical outcomes.

Hypothesis

Changes in tubular damage biomarkers are stronger predictors of subsequent clinical events than changes in creatinine (Cr), and both have different clinical determinants.

Methods

During 2.2 years, we repeatedly simultaneously collected a median of 9 blood and 8 urine samples per patient in 263 CHF patients. We determined the slopes (rates of change) of the biomarker trajectories for plasma (Cr) and urinary tubular damage biomarkers N‐acetyl‐β‐d‐glucosaminidase (NAG), and kidney‐injury‐molecule (KIM)‐1. The degree of tubular injury was ranked according to NAG and KIM‐1 slopes: increase in neither, increase in either, or increase in both; WRF was defined as increasing Cr slope. The composite endpoint comprised HF‐hospitalization, cardiac death, left ventricular assist device placement, and heart transplantation.

Results

Higher baseline NT‐proBNP and lower eGFR predicted more severe tubular damage (adjusted odds ratio, adj. OR [95%CI, 95% confidence interval] per doubling NT‐proBNP: 1.26 [1.07‐1.49]; per 10 mL/min/1.73 m² eGFR decrease 1.16 [1.03‐1.31]). Higher loop diuretic doses, lower aldosterone antagonist doses, and higher eGFR predicted WRF (furosemide per 40 mg increase: 1.32 [1.08‐1.62]; spironolactone per 25 mg decrease: 1.76 [1.07‐2.89]; per 10 mL/min/1.73 m² eGFR increase: 1.40 [1.20‐1.63]). WRF and higher rank of tubular injury individually entailed higher risk of the composite endpoint (adjusted hazard ratios, adj. HR [95%CI]: WRF 1.9 [1.1‐3.4], tubular 8.4 [2.6‐27.9]; when combined risk was highest 15.0 [2.0‐111.0]).

Conclusion

Slopes of tubular damage and WRF biomarkers had different clinical determinants. Both predicted clinical outcome, but this association was stronger for tubular injury. Prognostic effects of both appeared independent and additive.

Temporal patterns of macrophage- and neutrophil-related markers are associated with clinical outcome in heart failure patients

AIMS

Evidence on the association of macrophage- and neutrophil-related blood biomarkers with clinical outcome in heart failure patients is limited, and, with the exception of C-reactive protein, no data exist on their temporal evolution. We aimed to investigate whether temporal patterns of these biomarkers are related to clinical outcome in patients with stable chronic heart failure (CHF).

METHODS AND RESULTS

In 263 patients with CHF, we performed serial plasma measurements of scavenger receptor cysteine-rich type 1 protein M130 (CD163), tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase type 5 (TRAP), granulins (GRN), spondin-1 (SPON1), peptidoglycan recognition protein 1 (PGLYRP1), and tissue factor pathway inhibitor (TFPI). The Cardiovascular Panel III (Olink Proteomics AB, Uppsala, Sweden) was used. During 2.2 years of follow-up, we collected 1984 samples before the occurrence of the composite primary endpoint (PE) or censoring. For efficiency, we selected 567 samples for the measurements (all baseline samples, the last two samples preceding the PE, and the last sample before censoring in event-free patients). The relationship between repeatedly measured biomarker levels and the PE was evaluated by joint models. Mean (±standard deviation) age was 67 ± 13 years; 189 (72%) were men; left ventricular ejection fraction (%) was 32 ± 11. During follow-up, 70 (27%) patients experienced the PE. Serially measured biomarkers predicted the PE in a multivariable model adjusted for baseline clinical characteristics [hazard ratio (95% confidence interval) per 1-standard deviation change in biomarker]: CD163 [2.07(1.47-2.98), P < 0.001], TRAP [0.62 (0.43-0.90), P = 0.009], GRN [2.46 (1.64-3.84), P < 0.001], SPON1 [3.94 (2.50-6.50), P < 0.001], and PGLYRP1 [1.62 (1.14-2.31), P = 0.006].

CONCLUSIONS

Changes in plasma levels of CD163, TRAP, GRN, SPON1, and PGLYRP1 precede adverse cardiovascular events in patients with CHF.

Temporal Patterns of 14 Blood Biomarker candidates of Cardiac Remodeling in Relation to Prognosis of Patients With Chronic Heart Failure-The Bio- SH i FT Study

Background

Remodeling biomarkers carry high potential for predicting adverse events in chronic heart failure (CHF) patients. However, temporal patterns during the course of CHF, and especially the trajectory before an adverse event, are unknown. We studied the prognostic value of temporal patterns of 14 cardiac remodeling biomarker candidates in stable patients with CHF from the Bio‐SHiFT (Serial Biomarker Measurements and New Echocardiographic Techniques in Chronic Heart Failure Patients Result in Tailored Prediction of Prognosis) study.

Methods and Results

In 263 CHF patients, we performed trimonthly blood sampling during a median follow‐up of 2.2 years. For the analysis, we selected all baseline samples, the 2 samples closest to the primary end point (PE), or the last sample available for end point–free patients. Thus, in 567 samples, we measured suppression of tumorigenicity‐2, galectin‐3, galectin‐4, growth differentiation factor‐15, matrix metalloproteinase‐2, 3, and 9, tissue inhibitor metalloproteinase‐4, perlecan, aminopeptidase‐N, caspase‐3, cathepsin‐D, cathepsin‐Z, and cystatin‐B. The PE was a composite of cardiovascular mortality, heart transplantation, left ventricular assist device implantation, and HF hospitalization. Associations between repeatedly measured biomarker candidates and the PE were investigated by joint modeling. Median age was 68 (interquartile range: 59–76) years with 72% men; 70 patients reached the PE. Repeatedly measured suppression of tumorigenicity‐2, galectin‐3, galectin‐4, growth differentiation factor‐15, matrix metalloproteinase‐2 and 9, tissue inhibitor metalloproteinase‐4, perlecan, cathepsin‐D, and cystatin‐B levels were significantly associated with the PE, and increased as the PE approached. The slopes of biomarker trajectories were also predictors of clinical outcome, independent of their absolute level. Associations persisted after adjustment for clinical characteristics and pharmacological treatment. Suppression of tumorigenicity‐2 was the strongest predictor (hazard ratio: 7.55 per SD difference, 95% CI: 5.53–10.30), followed by growth differentiation factor‐15 (4.06, 2.98–5.54) and matrix metalloproteinase‐2 (3.59, 2.55–5.05).

Conclusions

Temporal patterns of remodeling biomarker candidates predict adverse clinical outcomes in CHF.

Clinical Trial Registration

URL: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT01851538.

Evolution of renal function and predictive value of serial renal assessments among patients with acute coronary syndrome: BIOMArCS study

BACKGROUND

Impaired renal function predicts mortality in acute coronary syndrome (ACS), but its evolution immediately following index ACS and preceding next ACS has not been described in detail. We aimed to describe this evolution using serial measurements of creatinine, glomerular filtration rate [eGFR_Cr] and cystatin C [CysC].

METHODS

From 844 ACS patients included in the BIOMArCS study, we analysed patient-specific longitudinal marker trajectories from the case-cohort of 187 patients to determine the risk of the endpoint (cardiovascular death or hospitalization for recurrent non-fatal ACS) during 1-year follow-up. Study included only patients with eGFR_Cr ≥ 30 ml/min/1.73 m². Survival analyses were adjusted for GRACE risk score and based on data >30 days after the index ACS (mean of 8 sample per patient).

RESULTS

Mean age was 63 years, 79% were men, 43% had STEMI, and 67% were in eGFR stages 2-3. During hospitalization for index ACS (median [IQR] duration: 5 (3-7) days), CysC levels indicated deterioration of renal function earlier than creatinine did (CysC peaked on day 3, versus day 6 for creatinine), and both stabilized after two weeks. Higher CysC levels, but not creatinine, predicted the endpoint independently of the GRACE score within the first year after index ACS (adjusted HR [95% CI] per 1SD increase: 1.68 [1.03-2.74]).

CONCLUSION

Immediately following index ACS, plasma CysC levels deteriorate earlier than creatinine-based indices do, but neither marker stabilizes during hospitalization but on average two weeks after ACS. Serially measured CysC levels predict mortality or recurrence of ACS during 1-year follow-up independently of patients' GRACE risk score.

Longitudinally Measured Fibrinolysis Factors are Strong Predictors of Clinical Outcome in Patients with Chronic Heart Failure: The Bio-SHiFT Study

OBJECTIVE

 This article investigates whether longitudinally measured fibrinolysis factors are associated with cardiac events in patients with chronic heart failure (CHF).

METHODS

 A median of 9 (interquartile range [IQR] 5-10) serial, tri-monthly blood samples per patient were prospectively collected in 263 CHF patients during a median follow-up of 2.2 (IQR 1.4-2.5) years. Seventy patients (cases) reached the composite endpoint of cardiac death, heart failure hospitalization, left ventricular assist device, or heart transplantation. From all longitudinal samples, we selected baseline samples in all patients and the last two samples before the event in cases or the last sample available in event-free patients. Herein, we measured plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 (PAI-1), tissue-type plasminogen activator (tPA), urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA), and soluble urokinase plasminogen activator surface receptor (suPAR). Associations between temporal biomarker patterns during follow-up and the cardiac event were investigated using a joint model.

RESULTS

 Cases were on average older and showed higher New York Heart Association class than those who remained event-free. They also had lower blood pressures, and were more likely to have diabetes, renal failure, and atrial fibrillation. Longitudinally measured PAI-1, uPA, and suPAR were independently associated with adverse cardiac events after correction for clinical characteristics (hazard ratio [95% confidence interval]) per standard deviation increase of 2.09 (1.28-3.45) for PAI-1, 1.91 (1.18-3.24) for uPA, and 3.96 (2.48-6.63) for suPAR. Serial measurements of tPA were not significantly associated with the event after correction for multiple testing.

CONCLUSION

 Longitudinally measured PAI-1, uPA, and suPAR are strongly associated with adverse cardiac events during the course of CHF. If future research confirms our results, these fibrinolytic factors may carry potential for improved, and personalized, heart failure surveillance and treatment monitoring.

Longitudinal patterns of N-terminal pro B-type natriuretic peptide, troponin T, and C-reactive protein in relation to the dynamics of echocardiographic parameters in heart failure patients

Aims

To further elucidate the nature of the association between N-terminal pro-B type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T (hs-TnT), C-reactive protein (CRP), and clinical outcome, we examined the relationship between serial simultaneous measurements of echocardiographic parameters and these biomarkers in chronic heart failure (CHF) patients.

Methods and results

In 117 CHF patients with ejection fraction ≤50%, NT-proBNP, hs-TnT, and CRP were measured simultaneously with echocardiographic evaluation at 6-month intervals until the end of 30 months follow-up or until an adverse clinical event occurred. Linear mixed effects models were used for data-analysis. Median follow-up was 2.2 years (interquartile range 1.5–2.6). We performed up to six follow-up evaluations with 55% of patients having at least three evaluations performed. A model containing all three biomarkers revealed that doubling of NT-proBNP was associated with a decrease in left ventricular ejection fraction by 1.83 (95% confidence interval −2.63 to −1.03)%, P &lt; 0.0001; relative increase in mitral E/e′ ratio by 12 (6–18)%, P &lt; 0.0001; relative increase in mitral E/A ratio by 16 (9–23)%, P &lt; 0.0001; decrease in tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion by 0.66 (−1.27 to −0.05) mm, P = 0.03; rise in tricuspid regurgitation peak systolic gradient by 2.74 (1.43–4.05) mmHg, P = 0.001; and increase in left ventricular and atrial dimensions, P &lt; 0.05. Hs-TnT and CRP showed significant associations with some echocardiographic parameters after adjustment for clinical covariates, but after adjustment for the other biomarkers the associations were not significant.

Conclusion

Serum NT-proBNP independently reflects changes in echocardiographic parameters of systolic function, left ventricular filling pressures, estimated pulmonary pressure, and chamber dimensions. Our results support further studies on NT-proBNP as a surrogate marker for haemodynamic congestion and herewith support its potential value for therapy guidance.

5948Circulating biomarkers of cell adhesion in relation to clinical outcomes in patients with chronic heart failure: the Bio-SHiFT study

Background

Cardiovascular inflammation and vascular endothelial dysfunction are present in chronic heart failure (CHF), and cellular adhesion molecules are considered to play a key role in these mechanisms. The temporal patterns of the blood biomarkers involved could provide further insights into these processes.

Purpose

We aimed to evaluate the prognostic value of the temporal patterns of blood biomarkers of cell adhesion in stable patients with CHF.

Methods

In 263 patients, a median of 9 (IQR: 5–10) serial, tri-monthly blood samples were collected during a median follow-up of 2.2 (IQR: 1.4–2.5) years. The composite primary endpoint (PE) of cardiovascular mortality, HF-hospitalization, heart transplantation and LVAD was reached in 70 patients. For efficiency, we selected all baseline samples, the two samples closest to a PE, and the last sample available for event-free patients. Thus, in 567 samples we measured twelve biomarkers of cell adhesion using the Olink Proteomics Cardiovascular III multiplex assay. Associations between biomarkers and first PE were investigated by combining linear mixed effect models and Cox regression (so-called joint model).

Results

Median age was 68 (IQR: 59–76) years, with 72% men and 74% NYHA class I-II. Levels of CD93 (Complement component C1q receptor), CDH5 (VE cadherin), CHI3L1 (Chitinase-3-like protein 1), EPHB4 (Ephrin type-B receptor 4) and JAM-A (Junctional adhesion molecule A) differed at baseline already. The average biomarker evolutions of these markers, and additionally of ICAM-2 (Intercellular adhesion molecule-2), showed different patterns in patients approaching the PE versus those who remained event-free (Figure 1). Repeatedly measured levels of these biomarkers were independently associated with the PE. Corresponding HRs [95% CI] per 1SD increase in log2 level (arbitrary unit) were: CD93: 1.85 [1.29–2.70], CDH5: 1.72 [1.23–2.44], CHI3L1: 2.45 [1.73–3.56], EPHB4: 1.83 [1.33–2.55], ICAM2: 1.74 [1.24–2.46] and JAM-A: 2.07 [1.39–3.18], adjusted for clinical characteristics (age, sex, diabetes, atrial fibrillation, baseline NYHA class, diuretics, systolic blood pressure and eGFR).

Figure 1. Average temporal patterns of cell adhesion biomarkers during follow-up.

Conclusion

CD93, CDH5, CHI3L1, EPHB4, ICAM2 and JAM-A show different patterns as adverse events approach in CHF patients, and their temporal patterns strongly predict clinical outcome. These findings demonstrate the incremental value of repeated measurements of biomarkers of cell adhesion in stable patients with CHF.

Acknowledgement/Funding

This work was supported by the Jaap Schouten Foundation and the Noordwest Academie.

Temporal evolution of myeloperoxidase and galectin 3 during 1 year after acute coronary syndrome admission

Prior studies reported that Myeloperoxidase and Galectin-3, which are biomarkers of coronary plaque vulnerability, are elevated in acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients. We studied the temporal evolution of these biomarkers early after ACS admission and prior to a recurrent ACS event during 1 year follow-up.

P1644Personalized screening intervals for measurement of n-terminal pro-b-type natriuretic peptide improve efficiency of prognostication in patients with chronic heart failure

Background

Predefined screening intervals and target levels do not account for variations in temporal patterns of biomarkers between individuals, which may hamper their potential use for therapy guidance. Conversely, a personalized screening approach with screening intervals and target levels based on the evolution of biomarkers in individual patients may further improve risk assessment and therapy guidance.

Purpose

We hypothesize that personalized screening intervals for N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) measurements in patients with chronic heart failure (CHF) maximize information gain on the individual patient's disease progression, while minimizing the number of necessary measurements. We aim to compare such personalized scheduling of NT-proBNP measurements to a predefined fixed scheduling approach.

Methods

In 263 CHF patients from the Bio-SHiFT study, NT-proBNP was measured trimonthly according to a prespecified, fixed schedule [median: 9 (IQR: 5–10) measurements per patient].The primary composite endpoint (PE) comprised cardiac death, cardiac transplantation, left ventricular assist device implantation or heart failure hospitalization, and occurred in 70 patients (26.6%). Using joint models for time-to-event and longitudinal data, we modelled the association between repeated NT-proBNP measurements and the PE. Using the fitted joint model, for each patient at each follow-up visit, we determined the optimal time point of the next NT-proBNP measurement based on the patient's individual risk profile and the maximum information gain on the patient's prognosis as assessed by the Kullback-Leibler divergence. Personalized scheduling was compared to fixed (trimonthly) scheduling by means of a realistic simulation study, based on a replica of the study population included in the Bio-SHiFT study. In this simulation study, we stopped monitoring NT-proBNP to potentially enable appropriate timely intervention if the cumulative risk of PE exceeded an arbitrary risk threshold of 7.5% within 3-months. We compared personalized scheduling with fixed scheduling in terms of capability of identification of high-risk intervals (whether timely intervention was enabled before occurrence of PE), number of measurements needed, and costs.

Results

Compared to fixed scheduling, personalized scheduling saved on average 2 measurements [personalized; median: 7 (IQR: 7–8) vs. fixed; 9 (IQR: 8–10) measurements], while the start of the time-window identified for therapeutic intervention to avoid the occurrence of PE was similar in both approaches [personalized; median: 6.6 (IQR: 4.5–11.3) vs. fixed; 6.3 (IQR: 4.2–10.3) months before occurrence of PE]. Costs saved were €165 per patient per year.

Figure 1

Conclusion

Personalized scheduling of NT-proBNP measurements in CHF patients shows similar prognostic performance as fixed scheduling, but requires fewer NT-proBNP measurements. This may improve efficiency of natriuretic guided therapy, if the latter were to be installed.

Acknowledgement/Funding

Funding for this study was provided by the Jaap Schouten Foundation and Erasmus MC Efficiency Research grant

Temporal Pattern of Growth Differentiation Factor-15 Protein After Acute Coronary Syndrome (From the BIOMArCS Study)

Growth differentiation factor-15 (GDF-15) has appeared as a promising biomarker with strong predictive abilities in acute coronary syndrome (ACS). However, studies are solely based on single measurements in the acute phase of an ACS event. The way GDF-15 patterns in post-ACS patients behave on the long term is largely unknown. We conducted a nested case-control study within our multicenter, prospective, observational biomarker study (BIOMArCS) of 844 ACS patients. Following an index ACS event, high-frequency blood sampling was performed during 1-year of follow-up. GDF-15 was determined batchwise by electrochemiluminescence immunoassays in 37 cases with a recurrent event during 1-year follow-up, and in 74 event-free controls. Cases and controls had a mean ± standard deviation age of 66.9 ± 11.3 years and 81% were men. From 30 days onwards, patients showed stable levels, which were on average 333 (95% confidence interval 68 to 647) pg/mL higher in cases than controls (1704 vs 1371 pg/mL; p value 0.013). Additionally, in the post 30-day period, GDF-15 showed low within-individual variability in both cases and controls. In conclusion, post-ACS patients experiencing a recurrent event had stable and systematically higher GDF-15 levels during 30-day to 1-year follow-up than their event-free counterparts with otherwise similar clinical characteristics. Thus, postdischarge blood sampling might be used throughout the course of 1 year to improve prognostication, whereas, in view of the low within-individual variation, the number of repeated sampling moments might be limited.

The temporal pattern of immune and inflammatory proteins prior to a recurrent coronary event in post-acute coronary syndrome patients

PURPOSE

We assessed the temporal pattern of 29 immune and inflammatory proteins in post-acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients, prior to the development of recurrent ACS.

METHODS

High-frequency blood sampling was performed in 844 patients admitted for ACS during one-year follow-up. We conducted a case-control study on the 45 patients who experienced reACS (cases) and two matched event-free patients (controls) per case. Olink Proteomics' immunoassay was used to obtain serum levels of the 29 proteins, expressed in an arbitrary unit on the log2-scale (Normalized Protein eXpression, NPX). Linear mixed-effects models were applied to examine the temporal pattern of the proteins, and to illustrate differences between cases and controls.

RESULTS

Mean age was 66 ± 12 years and 80% were men. Cases and controls had similar baseline clinical characteristics. During the first 30 days, and after multiple testing correction, cases had significantly higher serum levels of CXCL1 (difference of 1.00 NPX, p = 0.002), CD84 (difference of 0.64 NPX, p = 0.002) and TNFRSF10A (difference of 0.41 NPX, p < 0.001) than controls. After 30 days, serum levels of all 29 proteins were similar in cases and controls. In particular, no increase was observed prior to reACS.

CONCLUSIONS

Among 29 immune and inflammatory proteins, CXCL1, CD84 and TNFRSF10A were associated with early reACS after initial ACS-admission.

Cardiometabolic Biomarkers and Their Temporal Patterns Predict Poor Outcome in Chronic Heart Failure (Bio-SHiFT Study)

PURPOSE

Multiple hormonal and metabolic alterations occur in chronic heart failure (CHF), but their proper monitoring during clinically silent progression of CHF remains challenging. Hence, our objective was to explore whether temporal patterns of six emerging cardiometabolic biomarkers predict future adverse clinical events in stable patients with CHF.

METHODS

In 263 patients with CHF, we determined the risk of a composite end point of heart failure hospitalization, cardiac death, left ventricular assist device implantation, and heart transplantation in relation to serially assessed blood biomarker levels and slopes (i.e., rate of biomarker change per year). During 2.2 years of follow-up, we repeatedly measured IGF binding proteins 1, 2, and 7 (IGFBP-1, IGFBP-2, IGFBP-7), adipose fatty acid binding protein 4 (FABP-4), resistin, and chemerin (567 samples in total).

RESULTS

Serially measured IGFBP-1, IGFBP-2, IGFBP-7, and FABP-4 levels predicted the end point [univariable hazard ratio (95% CI) per 1-SD increase: 3.34 (2.43 to 4.87), 2.86 (2.10 to 3.92), 2.45 (1.91 to 3.13), and 2.46 (1.88 to 3.24), respectively]. Independently of the biomarkers' levels, their slopes were also strong clinical predictors [per 0.1-SD increase: 1.20 (1.11 to 1.31), 1.27 (1.14 to 1.45), 1.23 (1.11 to 1.37), and 1.27 (1.12 to 1.48)]. All associations persisted after multivariable adjustment for patient baseline characteristics, baseline N-terminal pro-hormone brain natriuretic peptide and cardiac troponin T, and pharmacological treatment during follow-up.

MAIN CONCLUSIONS

The temporal patterns of IGFBP-1, IGFBP-2, IGFBP-7, and adipose FABP-4 predict adverse clinical outcomes during outpatient follow-up of patients with CHF and may be clinically relevant as they could help detect more aggressive CHF forms and assess patient prognosis, as well as ultimately aid in designing more effective biomarker-guided therapy.