Heart failure & cardiomyopathiesCohort study
Growth Differentiation Factor–15 Is Associated With Congestion-Related Anorexia and Weight Loss in Advanced Heart Failure
- Retrospective cohort study
- observational
Authors' conclusion
In patients with advanced HFrEF, elevated circulating GDF-15 levels are associated with a higher prevalence of anorexia and cachexia, right ventricular dysfunction, and congestion, as well as an independently increased risk of adverse events.
Study context
- Population
- Patients with advanced heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) (age 58 ± 10 years, 85% male, 67% NYHA class III)
- Participants
- 344 patients
- Exposure
- Higher vs lower GDF-15 levels
- Outcome
- Combined endpoint of death, urgent transplantation or LV assist device implantation
Main finding
As reported in the abstract
Death, urgent transplantation or LV assist device implantation
Hazard ratio
2.31
95% CI 1.47–3.66
P < 0.001
T3 vs T1
HR 2.31 (95% CI 1.47–3.66); P < 0.001
Observational data: associations, not effects.
Further findings
GDF-15 level
- Median GDF-15 (Q1-Q3: 955-2,332 ng/L; reference range <1,200 ng/L)
- 1,503 ng/L
Anorexia and cachexia
- Higher GDF-15 associated with more prevalent anorexia and cachexia
Circulating metabolites
- Higher GDF-15: increased free fatty acids and beta-hydroxybutyrate, lower albumin, cholesterol and insulin/glucagon ratio, consistent with a catabolic state
Congestion and RV function
- Higher GDF-15: worse congestion and more severe RV dysfunction
Original publication
Growth Differentiation Factor–15 Is Associated With Congestion-Related Anorexia and Weight Loss in Advanced Heart Failure. JACC Heart Fail. Published 8 January 2025. doi:10.1016/j.jchf.2024.10.023
Summarised from the published abstract; every number is checked against it