Correlation between β2-microglobulin level and risk of cardiovascular events and prognosis in hemodialysis patients

Objective: This study aims to investigate the effect of beta 2-microgolobulin (beta 2-MG) on the occurrence of cardiovascular events (CVE) in hemodialysis patients and its relationship with prognosis. Methods: In this retrospective study, we included 102 hemodialysis patients treated at Jinan People's Hospital Affiliated with Shandong First Medical University from September 2020 to January 2023. Clinical and follow-up data were collected. Logistic regression was used to evaluate the relationship between beta 2-MG and CVEs, while Cox proportional hazards regression analysis was used to assess the possible correlation between beta 2-MG and prognosis. Results: CVEs occurred in 41 of the 102 patients (40.20%). Of the patients, 72 patients survived, and 30 patients died, with an average survival time of 22.47 +/- 7.41 months (range: 7-38 months). Univariate analysis revealed no significant differences in age, albumin, serum soluble growth stimulating expression gene 2 protein (ST2), beta 2-MG, or urea clearance index (Kt/V) between the CVE group and the non-CVE group, nor between the death and survival groups (P>0.05). However, logistic regression analysis showed that elevated serum ST2 and beta 2-MG levels >30.1 mg/L were independent risk factors for CVE in hemodialysis patients (P<0.05). Cox regression analysis revealed that an increase in beta 2-MG level was an independent risk factor for mortality in these patients (OR=3.385, P<0.05). Survival analysis demonstrated a significant difference in survival among patients with different beta 2-MG levels (Log-rank(2)=18.230, P<0.001). Conclusion: Elevated beta 2-MG level is an independent risk factor for CVEs and mortality in hemodialysis patients, serving as an effective indicator for predicting the occurrence and prognosis of these outcomes.