Human Epididymis Protein 4 as an Indicator of Acute Heart Failure in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease.

BACKGROUND

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD).

OBJECTIVE

To assess whether human epididymis protein 4 (HE4) can be useful in diagnosing acute heart failure (AHF) in patients with CKD.

METHODS

A cohort of 139 Han nationality female patients with CKD who were hospitalized at Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China from January 2015 through November 2017 were included.

RESULTS

Multivariable linear regression analysis showed that HE4 levels were significantly associated with N-terminal pro b-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) after adjustment of kidney function and other confounding factors. In the multivariate logistic regression analysis, HE4 was independently associated with AHF in patients with CKD (odds ratio, 2.120; 95% confidence interval, 1.034-4.344; P = .04). Moreover, according to the optimal cutoff value of 639.6 pmol per L, the area under the curve, sensitivity, and specificity of HE4 were 0.729, 74.2%, and 76.8%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

During hospitalization, HE4 maybe an useful indicator for diagnosing AHF in patients with CKD.