Influence of percutaneous mitral valve repair using the MitraClip® system on renal function in patients with severe mitral regurgitation

BACKGROUND: In patients with mitral regurgitation (MR), changes in cardiac stroke volume, and thus renal preload and afterload may affect kidney function. Percutaneous mitral valve repair (PMVR) with the MitraClip® system can be a therapeutic alternative to surgical valve repair. The influence of MitraClip® therapy on renal function and clinical outcome parameters is unknown. METHODS AND RESULTS: Sixty patients with severe MR underwent PMVR using the MitraClip® system in an open-label observational study. Patients were stratified according to their renal function. All clips have been implanted successfully. Effective reduction of MR by 2-3 grades acutely improved KDOQI class. Lesser MR reduction (MR reduction of 0-1 grades) led to worsening of renal function in patients with pre-existing normal or mild (KDOQI 1-2) compared to severe (KDOQI 3-4) renal dysfunction. Reduction of MR was associated with improvement in Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire (MLHFQ), NYHA-stadium, and 6-minute walk test. CONCLUSION: Successful PMVR was associated with an improvement in renal function. The improvement in renal function was associated with the extent of MR reduction and pre-existing kidney dysfunction. Our data emphasize the relevance of PVMR to stabilize the cardiorenal axis in patients with severe MR.