Estimated plasma volume status adds prognostic value to hemodynamic parameters in advanced heart failure

Background Estimated plasma volume status (ePVS) is a marker of intravascular congestion and has prognostic value in patients with heart failure (HF). The elevation of intracardiac filling pressures is defined as hemodynamic congestion and is also associated with poor prognosis. However, the relationship between intravascular congestion and hemodynamic congestion remains unclear. This study sought to explore the correlation between ePVS and hemodynamic parameters and determine the association between ePVS and clinical outcomes in patients with advanced HF. Methods Patients with advanced HF underwent right heart catheterization (RHC) for hemodynamic profiles. The sum of right atrial pressure (RAP) and pulmonary arterial wedge pressure (PAWP) > 30 mmHg was considered to present with hemodynamic congestion. Blood tests were conducted within 24 h of RHC. We calculated ePVS using the Strauss-derived Duarte formula. The primary outcome was all-cause mortality. Results A total of 195 patients were divided into two groups based on the cut-off value of ePVS (4.08 dL/g) calculated from receiver operating characteristic analysis. Patients with ePVS > 4.08 dL/g were more likely to present with wet rales (21.2% vs. 9.9%, P = 0.032) and had a higher risk of death (HR 4.748, 95% CI 2.385–9.453), regardless of whether RAP + PAWP was normal or elevated (all P < 0.05). Hemodynamic parameters and ePVS were not correlated (all P > 0.05). High ePVS significantly improved the predictive value beyond the clinical plus hemodynamic prognostic model (area under the curve of 0.844, Delong test, P = 0.024). Conclusion ePVS could additionally add prognostic value to hemodynamic parameters in advanced heart failure, although not correlated with hemodynamic parameters. Graphical Abstract