NPPB and hydrops fetalis: To ensure the safety, patients with severe HF at baseline have been excluded in our study, including those with NYHA functional class III or IV, or those with serum NT-proBNP ≥ 11,215.5 pg/ml [due to the prolonged half-life and increased plasma concentration of NT-proBNP with the kidney function injury progression (43), and comprehensive consideration of sensitivity and specificity in ESRD patients (24)].