Derivation and Internal Validation of Prediction Models for Pulmonary Hypertension Risk Assessment in a Cohort Inhabiting Tibet, China

Abstract

Background:Due to exposure to hypoxic environments, individuals residing in plateau regions are susceptible to pulmonary hypertension (PH). Consequently, there is an urgent need for a simple and efficient nomogram to assess the risk of PH in this population.Methods:This study included a total of 6,603 subjects, who were randomly divided into a validation set and a derivation set at a ratio of 7:3. Optimal predictive features were identified through the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression technique, and nomograms were constructed using multivariate logistic regression. The performance of these nomograms was evaluated and validated using the area under the curve (AUC), calibration curves, the Hosmer-Lemeshow test, and decision curve analysis. Comparisons between nomograms were conducted using the net reclassification improvement (NRI) and integrated discrimination improvement (IDI) indices.Results:NomogramIwas established based on independent risk factors, including gender, Tibetan ethnicity, age, incomplete right bundle branch block (IRBBB), atrial fibrillation (AF), sinus tachycardia (ST), and T wave changes (TC). The AUCs for NomogramIwere 0.716 in the derivation set and 0.718 in the validation set. NomogramIIwas established based on independent risk factors, including Tibetan ethnicity, age, right axis deviation (RAD), high voltage in the right ventricle (HVRV), IRBBB, AF, pulmonary P waves, ST, and TC. The AUCs for NomogramIIwere 0.844 in the derivation set and 0.801 in the validation set. Both nomograms demonstrated satisfactory clinical consistency. The IDI and NRI indices confirmed that NomogramIIoutperformed NomogramI. Therefore, the online dynamic NomogramIIwas established.Conclusions: A reliable and straightforward nomogram was developed to predict the risks of PH in the plateau population.