Benes J, et al. - In heart failure (HF) patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD, estimated glomerular filtration rate <60 mL/min/1.73 m²), researchers assessed the role of growth differentiation factor-15 (GDF-15, a stress-inducible cytokine and member of the transforming growth factor-β cytokine superfamily). This study included 358 patients with stable systolic HF. These subjects were followed for a median of 1121 (interquartile range, 379-2600) days. At study entry, they performed comprehensive assessment including B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) and GDF-15 testing; the analysis was stratified by kidney function. Findings revealed a more strong association of GDF-15, compared with conventionally used BNP, with adverse outcomes in patients with systolic HF and CKD.