Relaxin-2, pathophysiological insights and outcomes in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction: Findings from the NETDiamond cohort

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2022

Authors

Pintalhão M (Author) FMUP; Vasques Novoa, F (Author) FMUP; Couto Viana, B (Author) Other; Pimentel, MJ (Author) Other; Neves, JS (Author) FMUP; Mendonça, Luís (Author) FMUP; Saraiva, F (Author) Other; Andre P Lourenco (Author) FMUP; Ferreira, G (Author) Other; Filipe Macedo (Author) FMUP; Araújo JP (Author) FMUP; von Hafe P (Author) FMUP; Almeida, J (Author) Other; Ferreira, JP (Author) FMUP; Castro-Chaves P (Author) FMUP; Leite-Moreira AF (Author) FMUP

Journal

Title: International Journal of Cardiology

Vol. 365

Pages: 87-90

ISSN: 0167-5273

Publisher: Elsevier

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 1 Citation

Scopus - 2 Citations

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-00X-13Q

DOI: 10.1016/j.ijcard.2022.07.037

Abstract (EN): Aims: The role of relaxin-2 as a circulating marker in heart failure (HF) with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is poorly understood. We aimed to characterize relaxin-2 circulating levels in a population of chronic HFpEF patients and their association with long-term prognosis. Methods: Relaxin-2 serum levels were measured in 85 chronic HFpEF patients from a prospective cohort study (NETDiamond). Clinical, imaging, and analytical data were compared across relaxin-2 tertiles. The primary outcome was a composite of cardiovascular death, HF hospitalisation, acute HF episode or diuretic intensification and the secondary outcome a composite of cardiovascular death and total HF hospitalisations. Cox regression and negative binomial models were used to assess the relation between relaxin-2 and the outcomes. Results: Relaxin-2 levels were positively associated with left atrial volume, left ventricular mass and peripheral oedema, and negatively associated with ischemic heart disease and statin use. Higher relaxin-2 levels were associated with an increased risk of primary outcome, even after adjustment for age, B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) and glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) (adjusted HR = 2.80, 95%CI 1.4-7.3, p = 0.034 for tertile 3). They were also associated with the occurrence of the secondary outcome (Incidence Rate Ratio = 5.28, 95%CI 1.2-23.2, p = 0.027), but this significance was lost when simultaneously adjusted for BNP and eGFR. Conclusion: In chronic HFpEF patients, higher relaxin-2 circulating levels were associated with left chambers remodelling, congestion, and adverse prognosis. These findings support a potential role for relaxin-2 as a pathophysiological agent and as a circulating biomarker in HFpEF.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 4