Interleukin-6 and outcomes in patients recently hospitalized with heart failure and preserved ejection fraction

• Published in: European heart journal Vol. 42; no. Supplement_1
• Main Authors: Mooney, L, Jackson, C.E, McConnachie, A, Myles, R, McMurray, J.J.V, Petrie, M.C, Jhund, P.S, Lang, N.N
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 12-10-2021
• ISSN: 0195-668X; 1522-9645
• DOI: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehab724.0738

Abstract
Introduction
Inflammation may play a role in the pathophysiology of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is an important inflammatory mediator but information about its prognostic relevance in HFpEF is lacking.
Purpose
To examine the association between IL-6 and outcomes in patients with HFpEF.
Methods
We assessed the relationship between IL-6 tertile (T1–3) and all cause death, cardiovascular (CV) death and first HF hospitalisation (HFH) in 340 patients admitted to hospital with HFpEF. The association between log IL-6 and outcomes was examined in a Cox regression model adjusted for MAGGIC risk score and log B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP).
Results
Range of IL-6 (pg/ml) was: T1 (0.71–4.27), T2 (4.28–7.91) and T3 (7.94–236.32). Patients with higher IL-6 were older (73.9 versus 70.3 years), more commonly male (58.4% versus 39.5%) and had higher serum creatinine (117.6 versus 106.5 μmol/l), C-reactive protein ([CRP] 17.4 versus 4.4mg/l), troponin I (6.2 versus 5.0μg/l) and BNP (331.0 versus 254.5pg/ml). Rates of CV death and all-cause mortality, but not HFH, remained significantly higher in T3 versus T1 after adjustment. When modelled as a continuous variable, one log unit increase in IL-6 was associated with higher risk of CV death (HR 1.34 [1.05–1.70]), p=0.02) and all cause death (HR 1.41 [1.13–1.75], p=0.002).
Conclusion
In patients recently hospitalised with decompensated HFpEF, IL-6 is an independent predictor of CV death and all-cause mortality after adjusting for the MAGGIC risk score and BNP. The potential utility of IL-6 as a therapeutic target in HFpEF warrants investigation.
Funding Acknowledgement
Type of funding sources: Public grant(s) – National budget only. Main funding source(s): Scottish Executive Chief Scientist Office [project grant entitled, “Microvolt T-Wave Alternans in Chronic Heart Failure: A Study of Prevalence and Incremental Prognostic Value” (Ref CZH/4/439)]