Integrated biomarker profiling for enhanced heart failure management: a comprehensive study on the application of chemiluminescence detection of GDF-15 and multi-index models

Abstract Background Growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF-15) holds promise as a novel marker for heart failure. However, current detection methods fall short of meeting essential clinical requirements. Objectives The aim of this investigation was to assess the clinical significance of serum GDF-15 detection through the chemiluminescence method and to enhance its clinical application for predicting and evaluating heart failure in patients. Methods A total of 122 patients were included in the study. Serum GDF-15 levels were assessed using the chemiluminescence method and compared with results for NT-proBNP, N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), growth stimulation expressed gene 2 (ST2), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). Additionally, we conducted an analysis to evaluate the correlation between these indicators and heart failure events. Results LVEF, ST2, NT-proBNP, and GDF-15 exhibited significant associations with heart failure. In the multivariate proportional hazard analysis, subsequent to adjusting for the effects of other markers, however, only LVEF and GDF-15 retained their associations with heart failure events. Notably, GDF-15 emerged as the exclusive marker suitable for diagnosing heart failure with preserved ejection fraction. Conclusion The chemiluminescence method proved efficient in the rapid and sensitive detection of GDF-15 in patients with heart failure. Additionally, GDF-15 combined with other markers created a robust multi-index model. This model is valuable for heart failure diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring, with broad clinical applicability.