Combined free light chains are novel predictors of prognosis in heart failure

Jackson, C. E. et al. (2015) Combined free light chains are novel predictors of prognosis in heart failure. JACC: Heart Failure, 3(8), pp. 618-625. (doi: 10.1016/j.jchf.2015.03.014) (PMID:26251088)

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Abstract

Objectives: This study investigated the prevalence and potential incremental prognostic value of combined free light chains (cFLCs) in patients recently hospitalized with decompensated heart failure (HF). Background: Inflammatory pathways are recognized in the pathogenesis and progression of HF. Free light chain (FLC) elevation is conventionally associated with monoclonal gammopathies, including multiple myeloma. Polyclonal increases in both kappa and lambda FLCs occur in autoimmune and other chronic inflammatory conditions. Recently, a novel assay for measuring kappa and lambda immunoglobulin FLCs together, known as combined free light chain (cFLC) has been developed. Methods: Six hundred twenty-eight patients recently hospitalized with decompensated HF were studied. cFLCs were measured by turbidimetry using an immunoassay. The incremental prognostic value of cFLCs for mortality was evaluated using Cox proportional hazard models including 22 established predictors of outcome in HF. Results: Of 628 patients, 290 (46%) died during a follow-up of 3.2 ± 1.5 years. Two hundred seventy patients (43%) had elevated cFLCs. There was a clear gradient in the risk of death according to cFLC quartile, with those in the top quartile having an unadjusted risk of mortality more than twice that of those in the lowest quartile (hazard ratio: 2.38; p < 0.0001). After multivariable analysis, cFLC remained an independent predictor of mortality, with an almost 50% higher adjusted risk for those in the top compared with bottom quartile. Older age, lower body mass index, New York Heart Association classification III/IV, previous myocardial infarction, current smoking and B-type natriuretic peptide, bilirubin, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, glycated hemoglobin, and lymphocyte concentrations were also independent predictors of mortality. Conclusions: cFLCs are an independent predictor of mortality in patients recently hospitalized with decompensated HF. Further work is required to assess the effects of HF therapies on cFLC concentrations and whether or not directly targeting this marker of inflammation improves prognosis for patients with HF.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:McInnes, Professor Iain and Jackson, Dr Colette and Dalzell, Dr Jonathan and McConnachie, Professor Alex and Welsh, Professor Paul and Petrie, Professor Mark and McMurray, Professor John and Preiss, Dr David and Gardner, Professor Roy and Haig, Dr Caroline and Sattar, Professor Naveed
Authors: Jackson, C. E., Haig, C., Welsh, P., Dalzell, J. R., Tsorlalis, I. K., McConnachie, A., Preiss, D., McInnes, I. B., Sattar, N., Petrie, M. C., Gardner, R. S., and McMurray, J. J.V.
College/School:College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Health & Wellbeing > Robertson Centre
College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Cardiovascular & Metabolic Health
College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Infection & Immunity
Journal Name:JACC: Heart Failure
Publisher:Elsevier
ISSN:2213-1779
ISSN (Online):2213-1787
Published Online:03 August 2015

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