A-058 Frequency of Biochemical Assessment of Risk for Heart Failure among Diabetic Population

Abstract

Abstract Background Diabetes remains a prevalent chronic health condition. Patients with diabetes have nearly twice the risk of developing heart failure as the general population and the American Diabetes Association recommends annual assessment by measuring N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) or BNP among diabetic patients. We evaluated the frequency of biomarker assessment among our diabetic population. Methods Retrospective analysis of glycated hemoglobin (A1c) and NT-proBNP measured over a period of 21 months were performed. The frequency of NTproBNP assessment among patients with diagnostic A1c values were determined. Statical analysis were performed using Microsoft® Excel and NCSS® statistical software. Results A total of 74 973 A1c and 23 540 NT-proBNP measurements were performed during the study period. Among diabetics, 16% of patients received NT-proBNP testing with about 38% exhibiting elevated values. Conclusion This preliminary and retrospective study indicated that diabetic patients are receiving biochemical assessment for heart failure and that a significant number are of diagnostic value. It is not clear if other clinical modalities for heart failure assessment are in effect and if increased utility of biochemical assessment is required. Further studies are required to assess the utility among our patient’s population and on the best protocol to apply.