Serum Levels of Exocrine Pancreatic Enzymes in Patients with Acute Decompensated Heart Failure.

BACKGROUND

Interactions between the heart and other organs have been a focus in acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF). However, the association between ADHF and pancreatic exocrine insufficiency (PEI), which may lead to malnutrition, remains unclear. We investigated the relationship between exocrine pancreatic enzymes and ADHF.

METHODS

We enrolled 155 and 46 patients with and without ADHF, respectively. Serum amylase and lipase levels were compared between the two groups. In the ADHF group, factors correlating with serum amylase or lipase levels were assessed using multiple regression analysis, and changes in their levels throughout the hospital course were determined.

RESULTS

Patients with ADHF exhibited significantly lower amylase and lipase levels. In the same group, the significant independent correlates of lower amylase levels included a lower blood urea-nitrogen level (partial correlation coefficient, 0.530; < 0.001), lower albumin level (partial correlation coefficient, 0.252; = 0.015), and higher uric acid level (partial correlation coefficient, -0.371; < 0.001). The significant independent correlates of lower lipase levels included coexisting atrial fibrillation (coefficient, 0.287; = 0.026), lower creatinine level (coefficient, 0.236; = 0.042), and higher B-type natriuretic peptide level (coefficient, -0.257; = 0.013). Both amylase and lipase levels significantly increased following the improvement in ADHF.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with ADHF, decreased serum amylase and lipase levels were associated with the congestion severity, suggesting that PEI may occur in patients with ADHF, potentially due to ADHF-related congestion.