Research

Mixed

A composite biomarker score derived from alpha-1-acid glycoprotein, albumin, VLDL particle size, and citrate significantly improves the prediction of short-term (5-year) all-cause mortality risk compared to conventional risk factors alone.

While this study identifies four specific biomarkers (alpha-1-acid glycoprotein, albumin, VLDL particle size, and citrate) that predict mortality risk better than standard factors, these tests are not currently standard clinical practice for mortality prediction. The findings suggest that looking beyond standard cholesterol and blood pressure to include markers of inflammation and metabolic health could offer a more complete picture of long-term health risks. For now, maintaining healthy levels of these markers through a balanced diet, regular exercise, and managing inflammation remains the practical takeaway.

GoodSupportsHIGH confidence
Including the four biomarkers in a risk prediction score improved risk assessment for 5-y mortality (increase in C-statistics 0.031, p = 0.01; continuous reclassification improvement 26.3%, p = 0.001).
Krista Fischer et al. · PLoS Medicine · 2014

Why this rating

Large population-based cohorts (n=17,345), rigorous validation in an independent cohort, and robust statistical adjustment for conventional risk factors.

Source

Biomarker Profiling by Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy for the Prediction of All-Cause Mortality: An Observational Study of 17,345 Persons

Krista Fischer et al. · PLoS Medicine · 2014

DOI 10.1371/journal.pmed.1001606

cohort · n=17345Cited 365×
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DOI resolved against Crossref · corpus check 2026-06-10

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