Human Epididymis Protein 4 in Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation: Diagnostic and Prognostic Value.

BACKGROUND

The utility of the human epididymis protein 4 (HE4) in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) has not been established yet.

OBJECTIVES

The present study aimed at examining the prognostic value of HE4 in patients undergoing TAVI.

METHODS

In this prospective study, the prognostic value of HE4 to predict adverse clinical events was evaluated in 362 patients who underwent TAVI. The association between HE4 and diffuse myocardial fibrosis was also assessed using T1 mapping on cardiac magnetic resonance in a subgroup of 43 patients.

RESULTS

During a median follow-up of 2.5 (IQR: 1.9-3.2) years, 34/362 (9.4%) patients were rehospitalized for heart failure, 99/362 (27.3%) died, and 113/362 (31.2%) met the composite endpoint of rehospitalization for heart failure or all-cause mortality. In multivariable Cox regression analyses, patients with higher HE4 serum levels (ie, HE4 ≥130 pmol/L) vs lower serum levels (ie, HE4 <130 pmol/L) had increased risk of all-cause mortality (adjusted HR: 3.26 [95% CI: 2.04-5.20], P < 0.001), and of the composite endpoint (adjusted HR: 2.48 [95% CI: 1.64-3.74], P < 0.001) following TAVI, respectively. Patients with higher HE4 serum levels had higher median native T1 mapping values (1,278 [95% CI: 1,239-1,280] ms vs 1,352 [95% CI: 1,303-1,376] ms, P < 0.001) at 1 to 3 months following the procedure.

CONCLUSIONS

Elevated HE4 serum levels are associated with diffuse myocardial fibrosis and increased risk of adverse clinical events following TAVI. This promising blood biomarker may be helpful to enhance risk stratification in patients undergoing TAVI.