Prognostic value of hypochloremia on mortality in patients with heart failure: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Aims Electrolyte imbalances are common in patients with heart failure. Several studies have shown that a low serum chloride level is associated with adverse outcomes in hospitalized patients with acute heart failure and in outpatients with chronic heart failure. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the association of hypochloremia with all-cause mortality in patients with heart failure. Methods Data search was conducted from inception through 1 February 2023, using the following MeSH terms: ('chloride' OR 'hypochloremia') AND 'heart failure'. Studies evaluating the association between serum chloride and all-cause mortality in patients with heart failure were included. The predefined primary outcome was all-cause mortality. Pooled hazard ratios and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used as effect estimates and calculated with a random-effects model; fixed-effects model and leave-one-out sensitivity analyses were also performed. Results A total of 15 studies, involving 25 848 patients, were included. The prevalence of hypochloremia ranged from 8.6 to 31.5%. Follow-up time ranged from 6 to 67 months. Hypochloremia as a categorical variable was associated with an increased risk of all-cause mortality [hazard ratio 1.56; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.38-1.75; P < 0.001]. As a continuous variable, serum chloride was associated with all-cause mortality (hazard ratio per mmol/l decrease in serum chloride: 1.06; 95% CI 1.05-1.07; P < 0.001). Results were confirmed by using several sensitivity analyses. Conclusion Hypochloremia exhibits a significant prognostic value in patients with heart failure. Serum chloride can be used as an effective tool for risk stratifying in patients with heart failure.