The prognostic values of beta‑2 microglobulin for risks of cardiovascular events and mortality in the elderly patients with isolated systolic hypertension

Abstract

Background: The present study aimed to investigate the effects of serum beta‑2 microglobulin (B2M) on the risks of major cardiovascular events (MACEs) and all‑cause death in Chinese elderly isolated systolic hypertension (ISH) patients without severe renal insufficiency (estimated glomerular filtration rate [eGFR] <30 ml/min/1.73 m2). Materials and Methods: Serum B2M concentration, creatinine‑eGFR, and blood pressure variability were evaluated in 460 elderly patients (mean age, 82.6 years; 28 women) with ISH in this observational study. The Cox proportional hazard model was adopted to calculate adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) of risk factors for cardiovascular events and all‑cause deaths. Results: During a median follow‑up period of 37.6 months, 63 patients (13.7%) died, and 65 patients (14.1%) had MACEs. Multivariable analysis showed that the higher serum B2M concentration (B2M ≥0.28 mg/dl) was an independent predictor of increased risk of MACEs (nonfatal acute myocardial infarction, acute heart failure, ischemic stroke, and cardiovascular deaths) and all‑cause death (HR: 2.62, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.46–4.69, P = 0.001 and HR: 3.40, 95% CI: 1.78–6.48, P < 0.001, respectively) adjusting for other multiple confounders including creatinine‑eGFR and cystatin C. In addition, blood pressure variability derived from ambulatory blood pressure measurement was not associated with incidence of MACEs and all‑cause mortality (P > 0.05). Conclusion: Our data suggest that serum B2M concentration may be individually associated with MACEs and all‑cause death in elderly ISH patients without severe renal insufficiency even after adjusted for creatinine‑eGFR and cystatin C.