Copeptin associates with major adverse cardiovascular events in patients on maintenance hemodialysis

Background: End-stage renal disease (ESRD) necessitating hemodialysis pose substantial cardiovascular risks, with cardiovascular disease (CVD) as a leading cause of mortality. Biomarkers like copeptin have emerged as potential indicators of cardiovascular stress and prognosis in CKD populations. Objective: This study aimed to assess the prognostic value of copeptin in predicting major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) among hemodialysis patients, alongside traditional cardiac biomarkers. Methods: ESRD patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis were enrolled. Copeptin levels were measured, and patients were followed for MACEs, defined as cardiovascular deaths, myocardial infarction, stroke, or heart failure-related hospitalizations. Cox proportional-hazards models were used to evaluate the association between copeptin and outcomes, adjusting for relevant covariates. Results: Among 351 patients followed for a median of 22.7 months, elevated copeptin levels were significantly associated with an increased risk of MACEs (HR 1.519, 95 % CI 1.140 to 2.023; p = 0.00425). Copeptin demonstrated predictive capability across multiple statistical tests (Log-rank p = 0.024; Gehan p < 0.001; Tarone-Ware p < 0.001; Peto-Peto p = 0.027), although significance was attenuated in pairwise comparisons post-adjustment for multiple testing. Combining copeptin with NT-proBNP or hs-cTnT further enhanced risk stratification for MACEs. Conclusion: Elevated copeptin levels independently predict adverse cardiovascular outcomes in hemodialysis patients. Integrating copeptin with traditional cardiac biomarkers may refine risk stratification and guide personalized therapeutic strategies in this high-risk population.