Factors Associated with Hospital Outcomes of Heart Failure in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease

Introduction: The objectives of this study were to determine the prevalence of heart failure among patients with chronic kidney disease, to describe their sociodemographic, clinical, and echocardiographic characteristics, and to identify prognostic factors associated with heart failure in the context of chronic kidney disease. Methodology: We conducted a prospective, descriptive cross-sectional study from May 1 to October 31, 2024. We included all patients aged 18 years or older with chronic kidney disease, whether or not they were on dialysis, who had developed heart failure, who consented to participate in the study, and who had a transthoracic echocardiogram performed within the past six months. Results: Out of a total of 263 hospitalized patients, we identified 183 cases of chronic kidney disease, representing a hospital prevalence of chronic kidney disease of 70% (183). Of the 183 patients with chronic kidney disease, 70 (45 men, 25 women) had heart failure, representing 38% of the group, with a mean age of 44 years. Hypertension (91%) was the most common cardiovascular risk factor. We observed cardiomegaly on chest X-ray in 89%, left ventricular hypertrophy on electrocardiogram in 49%, and dilated cardiomyopathy in 31%, with 37% of patients having New York Heart Association (NYHA) Class III or IV heart failure. We reported a 62% clinical improvement rate compared to a 23% mortality rate, with the leading cause being acute pulmonary edema, accounting for 44% of deaths. Conclusion: The prevalence of heart failure is significant in chronic kidney disease (38%). Emphasis should be placed on early screening.