Purpose of review: This review discusses evidence that has accumulated over the years on the diagnostic and prognostic utility of biomarkers of kidney injury in the setting of acute decompensated heart failure.
Recent findings: Despite numerous studies evaluating several different biomarkers both in the serum and urine, the current body of evidence does not support routine use of any of these biomarkers for the purposes of diagnosis of acute kidney injury or for prognosis after hospitalization for acute decompensated heart failure. All studies are observational in nature and, as such, are likely limited by numerous confounders, the most important of which is modification of decongestive therapy in response to worsening renal function. More recent evidence suggests that worsening renal function or kidney injury does not always portend poor outcomes after hospitalization for heart failure. There is currently no conclusive evidence to recommend the routine use of biomarkers of kidney injury in acute decompensated heart failure.
Keywords: Acute decompensated heart failure; Acute kidney injury; Biomarkers; Cardiorenal syndrome; Worsening renal function.