Usefulness of serum neopterin levels in acute decompensated heart failure to predict renal dysfunction.

CONTEXT

Neopterin serum concentration increases in the presence of renal dysfunction.

OBJECTIVE

We sought to determine the relationship between admission serum neopterin levels and worsening renal function (WRF) in patients with heart failure (HF).

METHODS

We prospectively measured serum neopterin levels in patients with HF and the patients were subdivided into two groups: with and without WRF during hospital admission.

RESULTS

Logistic regression analysis showed that high serum neopterin levels at admission were associated with a greater likelihood of developing WRF.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients admitted to hospital with HF, elevated serum neopterin levels are associated with an increased risk of developing WRF.