Skin autofluorescence profile in Tunisian hemodialysis patients with and without heart failure

Abstract Background Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the main reason for morbidity and mortality of patients in hemodialyis. Skin autofluorescence (SAF), a noninvasive measurement method, reflects tissue accumulation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) that has been implicated in CVD as a strong marker. The aim of this study was to evaluate SAF profile in hemodialysis patients and to assess the association between SAF and heart failure. Methods In a cross-sectional study, we included 60 hemodialysis (HD) patients who were subdivided in two groups: a HD group without heart failure (n = 42) and a HD group with heart failure (n = 18). Skin AGEs accumulation was measured by AGE Reader device and clinical data was obtained. Results HD patients showed a SAF value at 2.90 (2.40–3.60). HD patients with diabetes mellitus have an increased SAF levels compared to HD patients without diabetes [3.20 (2.90–3.95) vs. 2.70 (2.30–3.30) AU, P = 0.021; respectively]. Furthermore, HD patients with heart failure showed a significant increased SAF levels compared to HD patients without heart failure [3.65 (2.90–4.12) vs. 2.60 (2.30–3.20) AU, P < 0.001; respectively]. SAF was associated with age, gender, and duration of dialysis. The ROC analysis indicated that SAF at 3.05 AU was optimal cut-off point for presence of heart failure (P < 0.001). Conclusion SAF might be a rapid and helpful tool in clinical practice as a potential marker for evaluating and screening heart failure in HD patients non-invasively and might be used as predictor for clinicians.