Integrated biomarker profiling for enhanced heart failure management: a comprehensive study on the application of chemiluminescence detection of GDF-15 and multi-index models.

Background: Growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF-15) holds promise as a novel marker for heart failure. However, current detection methods fall short of meeting essential clinical requirements.

Objectives: The aim of this investigation was to assess the clinical significance of serum GDF-15 detection through the chemiluminescence method and to enhance its clinical application for predicting and evaluating heart failure in patients.

Methods: A total of 122 patients were included in the study. Serum GDF-15 levels were assessed using the chemiluminescence method and compared with results for NT-proBNP, N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), growth stimulation expressed gene 2 (ST2), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). Additionally, we conducted an analysis to evaluate the correlation between these indicators and heart failure events.

Results: LVEF, ST2, NT-proBNP, and GDF-15 exhibited significant associations with heart failure. In the multivariate proportional hazard analysis, subsequent to adjusting for the effects of other markers, however, only LVEF and GDF-15 retained their associations with heart failure events. Notably, GDF-15 emerged as the exclusive marker suitable for diagnosing heart failure with preserved ejection fraction.

Conclusion: The chemiluminescence method proved efficient in the rapid and sensitive detection of GDF-15 in patients with heart failure. Additionally, GDF-15 combined with other markers created a robust multi-index model. This model is valuable for heart failure diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring, with broad clinical applicability.