Renal function, neurohormonal activation, and survival in patients with chronic heart failure

Because renal function is affected by chronic heart failure (CHF) and it relates to both cardiovascular and hemodynamic properties, it should have additional prognostic value. We studied whether renal function is a predictor for mortality in advanced CHF, and we assessed its relative contribution compared with other established risk factors. In addition, we studied the relation between renal function and neurohormonal activation. The study population consisted of 1906 patients with CHF who were enrolled in a recent survival trial (Second Prospective Randomized study of Ibopamine on Mortality and Efficacy). In a subgroup of 372 patients, plasma neurohormones were determined. The baseline glomerular filtration rate (GFR(c)) was calculated using the Cockroft Gault equation. GFR(c) was the most powerful predictor of mortality; it was followed by New York Heart Association functional class and the use of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors. Patients in the lowest quartile of GFR(c) values (