Prognostic role of C-reactive protein/albumin ratio on cardiovascular mortality in outpatients with heart failure

In light of recent advancements in the field of heart failure management and treatment, it remains crucial to acknowledge that individuals diagnosed with heart failure and presenting with low ejection fraction face a significant risk of adverse outcomes. This high risk is primarily due to impaired pumping function of the heart and concomitant comorbidities. The objective of this study was to assess the prognostic significance of the C-reactive protein/albumin ratio in predicting overall mortality among individuals receiving outpatient care for heart failure. This retrospective, single-center cohort study comprised a total of 218 patients diagnosed with heart failure with low ejection fraction. These patients were diligently monitored as outpatients in a specialized heart failure outpatient clinic. During a median follow-up period of 26 months, the CRP/albumin ratios at the time of the initial hospitalization were assessed in patients who experienced mortality and those who survived. The mean age of the study participants was 56±10 years, 82% were male and 18% were female. The mean C-reactive protein/albumin ratio was 0.12 (0.02-2.1) and the mean left ventricular ejection fraction was 26% (10-40%). It was observed that the predictive accuracy of mortality could be determined by the C-reactive protein/albumin ratio with an optimal threshold value > 0.12. The sensitivity and specificity of this method were 95% and 63%, respectively (AUC: 0.824, 95% CI: 0.740-0.890). In conclusion, the C-reactive protein/albumin ratio can be defined as a prognostic indicator for mortality in outpatients with heart failure.