Calciotropic and Phosphaturic Hormones in End-Stage Heart Failure Patients Supported by a Left-Ventricular Assist Device

Background Calcium and phosphate are central for myocardial contractility and energy metabolism, and low levels of the calciotropic hormone 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D (1,25(OH)(2)D), as well as high levels of the phosphaturic hormone fibroblast growth factor (FGF)-23, are independently associated with poor clinical outcome in heart failure (HF) patients. We therefore aimed to investigate the postoperative time course of the aforementioned hormones in HF patients supported with a left-ventricular assist device (LVAD) implant. Methods For the present study, stored biobank plasma samples of 69 patients, collected before LVAD implantation (t0) and 12 days (t1), 30 days (t2), 83 days (t3), and 300 days (t4) post-intervention, were used to measure circulating FGF-23, parathyroid hormone (PTH), 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD), 1,25(OH)(2)D, and kidney function. Results Most patients were male and had baseline INTERMACS levels and cardiac index values <= 3 and <= 2.7 L/min/m(2), respectively. There were significant time effects on estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), FGF-23 and 1,25(OH)(2)D, but not on PTH or 25OHD. Notably, eGFR values increased and FGF-23 levels decreased only transiently, whereas 1,25 (OH)(2)D increased continuously until t4. The rise in 1,25(OH)(2)D was largely influenced by those patients who survived the first post-implant year, and was not seen in non-survivors. Variations in 1,25(OH)(2)D levels could only partly be explained by eGFR values or FGF-23, 25OHD, and PTH levels (multiple R-2 = 0.305; P<0.001). Conclusions The present study indicates that LVAD implantation has only transient effects on circulating FGF-23 levels, but is associated with a continuous increase in circulating 1,25(OH)(2)D levels, especially in survivors.