Soluble ST2, BCN-Bio-HF calculator and MAGGIC-HF score in long-term risk prediction after an urgent visit for heart failure.

Soluble ST2 (sST2) is the expression of a pathogenic process related to adverse remodeling that ultimately leads to increased mortality in heart failure (HF). Risk score models provide a comprehensive approach for mortality prediction, beyond the use of biomarkers alone. The objective was to determine the additional value of sST2 and two well-validated contemporary risk scores, BCN-Bio-HF and MAGGIC-HF, in predicting mortality and readmission in the acute setting. This prospective study included 129 patients (mean age 75 ± 9 years; 52% males) after an urgent HF visit. Baseline sST2 levels were measured and the two risk scores were calculated. The primary endpoint was all-cause mortality, and the secondary endpoint was HF readmissions. The follow-up period was 3.6 ± 1.9 years. Patients who died (46%) had higher sST2 concentrations (80.5 vs. 42.7 ng/ml; p < 0.001). The BCN-Bio-HF calculator with sST2 demonstrated the best discriminative ability for mortality prediction (area under the ROC curve: 0.792; p < 0.001). In multivariate analysis for each risk score, the MAGGIC-HF score retained its predictive value only in the model without sST2 (3-year risk: HR = 1.036; 95% CI 1.019-1.054; p < 0.001). However, the BCN-Bio-HF score maintained its prognostic value with sST2 (HR = 1.032; 95%CI 1.020-1.044; p < 0.001), as well as without sST2 (HR = 1.035; 95% CI 1.021-1.049; p < 0.001). sST2 was not associated with readmission, and only the BCN-Bio-HF risk of HF hospitalization showed independent predictive value (OR = 1.040; 95% CI 1.005-1.076; p = 0.023). For predicting long-term mortality in HF in the emergency department, the BCN-Bio-HF calculator with sST2 demonstrated superior discrimination and allows estimation of the risk of HF hospitalizations.

Parámetros de laboratorio en centenarios y nonagenarios de Castilla y León / Biochemistry parameters in nonagenarians and centenarians in Castile y León (Spain)

Introducción. Los estudios enfocados a la determinación de parámetros de referencia para análisis bioquímicos en individuos longevos son escasos. Para cubrir esta deficiencia se aportan los relativos a parámetros bioquímicos séricos en centenarios y nonagenarios de nuestro área geográfica. Material y métodos. Dos grupos de individuos longevos procedentes de consultas del Hospital Universitario Río Hortega (Valladolid, España) han sido seleccionados: 30 centenarios y 80 nanogenarios sanos. Como grupo control se han sido incluidos 110 adultos sanos. Los parámetros de laboratorio han sido determinados utilizando sistemas automatizados. Para el análisis de las diferencias significativas entre las medias ha sido utilizado un análisis de varianza a fin de determinar si los niveles medios de 20 parámetros eran diferentes en los dos grupos anteriores. Adicionalmente, ha sido realizado un análisis factorial para ubicar variables y casos en gráficos 3 D. Resultados. En individuos centenarios han sido observadas diferencias significativas para las concentraciones séricas de proteínas totales, colesterol, alanino-aminotransferasa, gamma-glutamiltransferasa y ácido fólico (disminuidas respecto a controles) y para las de urea, ácido úrico, homocisteína y ferritina (aumentadas). En nonagenarios solo han sido encontradas diferencias significativas para urea (aumentada), proteínas totales y colesterol (disminuidas). En centenarios ha sido hallado un alto coeficiente de correlación (r2=0,86) al asociar la fosfatasa alcalina a la bilirrubina. Para ambos colectivos las concentraciones séricas de homocisteína y vitamina B12 han correlacionado inversamente (r2=0,88). Conclusión. En nonagenarios, para todas las determinaciones excepto urea, proteínas totales y colesterol, pueden utilizarse como valores de referencia los de los adultos sanos. En centenarios, las significativas variaciones frente a controles que aparecen para la mitad de las determinaciones estudiadas y en especial para los parámetros urea, ácido úrico, proteínas totales, colesterol, alanino-aminotransferasa, gamma-glutamil transferasa, homocisteína, ácido fólico y ferritina hacen aconsejable disponer de intervalos propios (AU)

Introduction. There are few studies aimed at determining reference parameters for biochemistry analyses in the elderly. An attempt was made to define these by measuring serum biochemistry parameters in centenarians and nonagenarians on our geographic area. Materials and methods. Two groups of elderly individuals from the Hospital Universitario Rio Hortega (Valladolid, Spain) were selected: 30 healthy centenarians and 80 nonagenarians. Control group included 110 healthy normal adults. Laboratory parameter levels were determined using automated systems. Data were analysed for significance using a blocked analysis of variance from the above groups to determine if the mean levels of 20 parameters were different. In addition, a factorial analysis has been conducted so as to locate variables and cases in 3D graphs. Results. Significant differences were observed for serum total proteins, cholesterol, alanine-aminotransferase, gamma-glutamyl transferase and folic acid levels, being reduced in centenarians compared to the control group, whereas urea, uric acid, homocysteine and ferritin levels were found to be significantly increased. In nonagenarians, the only significant differences compared to the control subjects were for, urea (increased), total proteins and cholesterol (decreased). In the centenarians of our population, a high coefficient (r2=0,86) was found for the relationship between alkaline phosphatase and bilirubin. Among the elderly homocysteine correlated inversely with serum vitamin B12 (r2=0,88). Conclusion. With the exceptions of urea, total proteins and cholesterol, reference values of healthy adults can also generally been used for the nonagenarians group. In the centenarians, due to the significant changes compared to the control group for half of the assayed parameters, in particular, urea, uric acid, total proteins, cholesterol, alanine-aminotransferase, gamma-glutamyl transferase, homocysteine, folic acid and ferritin, it is recommended to have specific reference intervals for these (AU)