Established renal markers for diagnosis and prognosis in acutely decompensated heart failure

Methods The classic proteinuria markers protein, albumin, IgG and alpha-1-microglobulin were assessed from urine samples of 58 patients with acutely decompensated heart failure at admission, at day 2, at middle of therapy and at discharge. The serum levels of NT-proBNP, creatinine and cystatin C were acquired in the same way. The development of acute kidney injury (AKI) was analysed. Outcome parameters were all-cause mortality and a combined endpoint of death and rehospitalisation for congestive heart failure. Patients were followed for a median duration of 644 days (IQR 316, 837 days). A Cox regression analysis including EF, occurrence of acute kidney injury, NYHA stage >2, BMI, age, serum creatinine and respectively one of the markers was performed to identify independent predictors. Independent predictors were further evaluated with ROC-curve analysis.