Serum leptin concentration can predict cardiovascular outcomes and all-cause death in maintenance hemodialysis patients

Background: We explored the associations between serum leptin concentration and cardiovascular prognosis in maintenance hemodialysis patients.

Methods: In our prospective study with no intervention, demographics data at baseline were collected from electronic medical records. Serum leptin concentration was determined by ELISA. Patients underwent body composition assessment and echocardiographic measurements after hemodialysis. The primary endpoints were defined as cardiovascular events (CVEs), cardiovascular death (CVD) and all-cause death.

Results: A total of 165 eligible patients aged 51(43-65) y were enrolled and the mean serum leptin concentration was 35.49 (29.98) ng/ml. During a median follow-up of 18 (12-22) months, CVEs occurred in 37 (22.42%) patients and the cardiovascular and all-cause mortality was 10.91% and 21.82%. Serum leptin concentration was associated with CVEs (HR = 0.982, p = 0.003), CVD (HR = 0.934, p = 0.002) and all-cause death (HR = 0.943, p < 0.001). Decreased serum leptin concentration was an independent risk factor for the development of left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH, OR = 0.98, p = 0.007) and peripheral vascular disease (PVD, OR = 0.974, p = 0.007).

Conclusion: Serum leptin concentration can independently predict cardiovascular outcomes and all-cause death in MHD patients. The effects that serum leptin concentration on development of LVH and PVD maybe the potential mechanism.