Growth-Differentiation Factor-15 and Major Cardiac Events

Background: Growth-differentiation factor (GDF)-15 is a strong predictor of cardiovascular events in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). However, the effects of GDF-15 on left ventricular (LV) remodeling have not been clearly elucidated. The aim of this study is to investigate whether GDF-15 will be of benefit in predicting LV remodeling, heart failure and death in patients with STEMI. Methods: The authors enrolled 216 patients with STEMI who received measurement of GDF-15 level on day 2 of hospitalization. Echocardiographic studies were performed at baseline and were repeated 6 months later. Clinical events, including all-cause death and readmission for heart failure, were followed up for a maximum of 3 years. Results: Patients with GDF-15 levels above the median had lower LV ejection fraction at baseline (43.9% versus 48.0%, P = 0.041) and at 6 months (51.5% versus 56.9%, P = 0.025). In univariable regression model, log-transformed GDF-15 level was not a predictor of increase in LV end-diastolic volume index at 6 months (P = 0.767). Kaplan-Meier survival curves showed that the combination of high GDF-15 and high N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide was a strong predictor of death and heart failure (P < 0.001). In multivariable Cox regression model, the independent predictors of death and heart failure were age, GDF-15 level and diabetes mellitus. Conclusions: High GDF-15 level is a strong predictor of death and heart failure in patients with STEMI. Although patients with higher GDF-15 levels tend to have lower LV ejection fraction, they have similar degree of the increase in LV end-diastolic volume index at 6 months.