Decrease In B-type Natriuretic Peptide Research Articles

Responder to BNP-guided treatment in heart failure. The process of defining a responder

>Objectives. B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels predict prognosis and outcome in heart failure (HF) patients. To evaluate the optimal cut-off level of BNP to predict death, need for hospitalization, and worsening HF, and also to determine the optimal time to apply the chosen cut-off value.Design. In a sub-study from the Use of PeptideS in Tailoring hEart failure Project or UPSTEP study where tailoring treatment of HF by BNP level was evaluated, we assessed the change in percentage between levels of BNP at study start versus a specific week (2, 6, 10, 16, 24, 36, or 48) during the follow-up period.Results. The optimum cut-off percentage levels were obtained using a Cox proportional regression analysis of death, hospitalization, and worsening HF. A decrease in BNP by less than 40% in week 16 compared with study start and/or a BNP > 300 ng/L presented the highest hazard ratio (HR) for a non-responder to reach a combined endpoint (HR: 2.43; 95% confidence interval or CI: 1.61–3.65; p < 0.00003).This definition gave a 78% risk reduction of cardiovascular (CV) mortality (p > 0.0005) and an 89% risk reduction of HF mortality (p > 0.004), and reduced risk of CV and HF hospitalization for the responders.Conclusions. Patients with a decrease in BNP of more than 40% compared with that at study start and/or a BNP level below 300 ng/L at week 16 had a significantly reduced risk of CV and HF mortality and hospitalization.

Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement Results in Improvement of Pulmonary Function in Patients With Severe Aortic Stenosis

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) has been identified as a risk factor for morbidity and mortality after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). We hypothesized that a portion of pulmonary dysfunction in patients with severe aortic stenosis may be of cardiac origin, and has potential to improve after TAVR. A retrospective analysis was made of consecutive TAVR patients from April 2008 to October 2014. Of patients who had pulmonary function testing and serum B-type natriuretic peptide data available before and after TAVR, 58 were found to have COPD (26 mild, 14 moderate, and 18 severe). Baseline variables and operative outcomes were explored along with changes in pulmonary function. Multiple regression analyses were performed to adjust for preoperative left ventricular ejection fraction and glomerular filtration rate. Comparison of pulmonary function testing before and after the procedure among all COPD categories showed a 10% improvement in forced vital capacity (95% confidence interval: 4% to 17%) and a 12% improvement in forced expiratory volume in 1 second (95% confidence interval: 6% to 19%). There was a 29% decrease in B-type natriuretic peptide after TAVR (95% confidence interval: -40% to -16%). An improvement of at least one COPD severity category was observed in 27% of patients with mild COPD, 64% of patients with moderate COPD, and 50% of patients with severe COPD. There was no 30-day mortality in any patient group. In patients with severe aortic stenosis, TAVR is associated with a significant improvement of pulmonary function and B-type natriuretic peptide. After TAVR, the reduction in COPD severity was most evident in patients with moderate and severe pulmonary dysfunction.

Predictors of Six-Month Mortality in BNP-Matched Acute Heart Failure Patients

Natriuretic peptides have established prognostic value in heart failure (HF). The role of many other clinical and laboratory variables is still to be proved. The aim of this study was to assess prognostic determinants of death in acute HF in B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP)-matched patients. We conducted a case-control study to assess prognostic predictors of 6-month mortality in acute HF. From a prospectively recruited population of hospital-admitted patients with acute HF, we retrospectively selected a convenience sample of age-, gender-, and admission BNP-matched patients who survived (controls) or died (cases) in the follow-up period. Prognostic predictors of death were analyzed using a Cox regression analysis. A multivariate model was built. Variables in the model included atrial fibrillation, hypertension, admission heart rate, systolic blood pressure, the New York Heart Association class, hemoglobin, urea, albumin, systolic dysfunction, ischemic etiology, prognostic-modifying therapy, and BNP decrease during hospitalization. We analyzed 224 patients: 112 surviving and 112 not surviving a 6-month period. Median age was 80years, 42.9% of the patients were men, and 63.9% had systolic dysfunction. Patients surviving the first 6months had higher admission systolic blood pressure and heart rate, higher hemoglobin, lower urea, and more often had >30% decrease in BNP during hospitalization; they were more often discharged on HF prognostic modifying therapy. However, in multivariate analysis, the only independent mortality predictor was BNP decrease: patients in whom BNP decreased >30% had an HR of death of 0.57 (0.37 to 0.89). In conclusion, in BNP-matched patients with acute HF, the only independent mortality predictor is BNP decrease. Other literature suggested death predictors do not seem independent of natriuretic peptides.

Value of pulse indicator continuous cardiac output monitoring of cardiac function in septic shock patients: a prospective study

To investigate the value of employing pulse indicator continuous cardiac output ( PiCCO ) for cardiac function monitoring in patients with severe septic shock. A prospective observation was conducted. Thirty-six septic shock patients in Department of Critical Care Medicine of Peking University Third Hospital admitted from August 2011 to December 2013 were enrolled. According to the degree of severity, the patients were divided into PiCCO monitor group and routine monitor group. The PiCCO monitor provided a continuous assessment of fluid resuscitation, vasopressors and inotropes infusion in the patients with severe septic shock. The following cardiac function parameters were assessed in severe septic shock patients on the 1st and 3rd day after intensive care unit ( ICU ) admission: cardiac index ( CI ), global ejection fraction ( GEF ), rate of left ventricular pressure increase ( dp/dt max ), echocardiography, and blood troponin T ( TNT ) and B-type natriuretic peptide ( BNP ). The central venous pressure ( CVP ), mean arterial pressure ( MAP ) and the time reaching their standard values, and the norepinephrine dosage and 3-day fluid balance in severe septic shock patients were compared between milrinone and non-milrinone usage groups. The severity degree and outcome were compared between PiCCO monitor group and routine monitor group. There were 15 patients in PiCCO monitor group and 21 in routine monitor group among 36 septic shock patients. (1) In 15 patients with PiCCO monitoring, the patients with decreased CI, GEF, and dp/dt max accounted for 40.0%, 93.3%, and 33.3% at 1 day after ICU admission, and accounted for 60.0%, 93.3%, and 60.0% at 3 days after ICU admission, and it showed that CI, GEF, and dp/dt max was not improved at 3 days after ICU admission. Echocardiography showed that 35.7% patients had lower left ventricular ejection fraction ( LVEF ) at 1 day after ICU admission, 71.4% and 71.4% of patients, respectively, had lower early diastolic mitral flow velocity/early diastolic myocardial velocity ( E/Em ) and early diastolic mitral flow velocity/end diastolic mitral flow velocity ( E/A ). Three days after ICU admission, 80% of patients with low LVEF value turned to normal, and diastolic dysfunction was ameliorated in 50% patients. At 1 day after ICU admission, higher TNT was found in 92.9% of patients, higher BNP in 100% of patients, and 3 days after ICU admission, 71.4% and 78.6% patients showed a decrease in TNT and BNP, respectively. (2) In PiCCO monitor group, there were no significant differences in initial CVP, MAP and their time reaching standard values, norepinephrine dosage between milrinone group ( n = 8 ) and non-milrinone group ( n = 7 ). However, 3-day intake of liquid in milrinone group was significantly higher than that in non-milrinone group ( mL: 8 324±3 962 vs. 4 372±2 081, t = -2.362, P = 0.034 ). (3) Compared with routine monitor group, there was a significant elevation in acute physiology and chronic health evaluation II ( APACHEII) score, sequential organ failure assessment ( SOFA ) score, duration of mechanical ventilation, length of ICU stay and 28-day hospital mortality in PiCCO monitor group [ APACHEII score: 20.67±6.15 vs. 14.71±4.67, t = -3.304, P = 0.002; SOFA score: 9.53±3.00 vs. 7.52±1.97, t = -2.433, P = 0.020; duration of mechanical ventilation ( hours ): 132 ( 54-310 ) vs. 63 ( 14-284 ), Z = -2.295, P = 0.022; length of ICU stay ( days ): 7 ( 4-15 ) vs. 5 ( 1-14 ), Z = -2.360, P = 0.018; 28-day hospital mortality: 26.7% vs. 0, P = 0.023 ]. With the use of the PiCCO hemodynamic monitoring in patients with severe septic shock, more comprehensive values of blood volume, systemic vascular resistance and cardiac function can be obtained for guiding fluid resuscitation and selection of vasopressor and inotropic drugs.

Predictors of Natriuretic Peptide Non-Response in Patients Hospitalized With Acute Heart Failure

Increasing natriuretic peptide (NP) levels are associated with worse heart failure (HF) outcomes. Predictors of NP nonresponse have not been studied. The aim of this study was to identify predictors of nondecreasing NP levels during episodes of acute HF. A retrospective analysis was conducted in patients prospectively included in a registry of acute HF, with the primary diagnosis of acute HF. The objective under analysis was B-type NP (BNP) response, defined as a >30% decrease in BNP during hospitalization. Percentage of BNP variation was calculated as: % BNP variation= [(admission BNP- discharge BNP)/admission BNP]× 100. A logistic regression analysis was performed to study potential predictors of NP nonresponse. A multivariate model was built. A total of 496 patients were studied: 28.2% were considered nonresponders to the implemented HF treatment strategy. Identified predictors of nonresponse were older age, chronic HF, lower admission systolic blood pressure, anemia, renal dysfunction, and lower sodium on admission, as well as lower admission albumin and lower admission total cholesterol. Admission BNP was not a predictor of response. The only identified independent predictor of nonresponse was a low admission total cholesterol level (cutoff 125mg/dl), with an odds ratio of 2.55 (95% confidence interval 1.59 to 4.11). This remained valid when the analysis was stratified according to admission BNP (cutoff 2,000pg/ml) and according to statin use. In conclusion, a low admission total cholesterol level was a strong and independent predictor of BNP nonresponse in patients admitted with acute HF. The ability of cholesterol to predict BNP nonresponse was validforpatients with intrinsically low cholesterol and in those with statin-induced low cholesterol.

The relationship between glycemic control and BNP levels in diabetic patients

Glycemic control affects cardiovascular risk factors positively. The purpose of this study was to assess B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels in patients with poorly controlled diabetes before and after glycemic regulation was achieved. The study was performed in a prospective design. The study population consisted of 79 consecutive diabetic patients with poor glycemic control. All subjects underwent transthoracic echocardiography. Levels of fasting plasma glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), lipid parameters, and BNP were measured before the onset of the treatment and after glycemic regulation was achieved. A significant decrease in BNP (95.0 [4.0-1807] ng/L vs. 52.0 [2.1-987.0] ng/L, p < 0.001) levels were observed, after improving glycemic control. The decrease in BNP levels was positively correlated with the decrease in HbA1c (r = 0.345, p = 0.003) and fasting plasma glucose (r = 0.366, p = 0.002). There was no correlation between the decrease in BNP levels and lipid parameters (p = NS). We conclude that poor glycemic control may cause high levels of BNP which may lead to overdiagnosis of congestive heart failure. We suggest that HbA1c and fasting plasma glucose should be checked in patients with high levels of BNP.

New insights into the mechanisms involved in B-type natriuretic peptide elevation and its prognostic value in septic patients.

IntroductionElevated plasma B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels in patients with critical sepsis (severe sepsis and septic shock) may indicate septic cardiomyopathy. However, multiple heterogeneous conditions may also be involved in increased BNP level. In addition, the prognostic value of BNP in sepsis remains debatable. In this study, we sought to discover potential independent determinants of BNP elevation in critical sepsis. The prognostic value of BNP was also evaluated.MethodsIn this observational study, we enrolled mechanically ventilated, critically septic patients requiring hemodynamic monitoring through a pulmonary artery catheter. All clinical, laboratory and survival data were prospectively collected. Plasma BNP concentrations were measured daily for five consecutive days. Septic cardiomyopathy was assessed on day 1 on the basis of left and right ventricular ejection fractions (EF) derived from echocardiography and thermodilution, respectively. Mortality was recorded at day 28.ResultsA total of 42 patients with severe sepsis (N = 12) and septic shock (N = 30) were ultimately enrolled. Daily BNP levels were significantly elevated in septic shock patients compared with those with severe sepsis (P ≤0.002). Critical illness severity (assessed by Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II and maximum Sequential Organ Failure Assessment scores), and peak noradrenaline dose on day 1 were independent determinants of BNP elevation (P <0.05). Biventricular EFs were inversely correlated with longitudinal BNP measurements (P <0.05), but not independently. Pulmonary capillary wedge pressures (PCWP) and volume expansion showed no correlation with BNP. In septic shock, increased central venous pressure (CVP) and CVP/PCWP ratio were independently associated with early BNP values (P <0.05).Twenty-eight-day mortality was 47.6% (20 of 42 patients). Daily BNP values poorly predicted outcome; BNP on day 1 > 800 pg/ml (the best cutoff point) fairly predicted mortality, with a sensitivity%, specificity% and area under the curve values of 65, 64 and 0.70, respectively (95% confidence interval = 0.54 to 0.86; P = 0.03). Plasma BNP levels declined faster in survivors than in nonsurvivors in both critical sepsis and septic shock (P ≤0.002). In septic shock, a BNP/CVP ratio >126 pg/mmHg/ml on day 2 and inability to reduce BNP <500 pg/ml implied increased mortality (P ≤0.036).ConclusionsThe severity of critical illness, rather than septic cardiomyopathy, is probably the major determinant of BNP elevation in patients with critical sepsis. Daily BNP values are of limited prognostic value in predicting 28-day mortality; however, fast BNP decline over time and a decrease in BNP <500 pg/ml may imply a favorable outcome.

Stable Plasma Myeloperoxidase Levels during Treatment of Acute Decompensated Heart Failure Despite Decongestion and a Decrease in B-Type Natriuretic Peptide

day1 (r50.81) and day3 (r50.79) (both p!0.0001). However, the correlation between the change in sCr and CysC from day1 to day3 was less robust (r50.47). WRFsCr and WRFCysC occured in 14/121 (12%) and 15/121 (12%) patients respectively. However, only 4 patients experienced WRF by both definitions.Conclusions: There is a poor agreement between WRF defined by a sCr rise or a CysC rise. This observation raises questions regarding the reliability of current definitions of WRF as it may vary by the renal indices to which the changes were determined.

ARIES‐3: Ambrisentan Therapy in a Diverse Population of Patients with Pulmonary Hypertension

Ambrisentan is an oral, once daily, endothelin receptor antagonist approved for treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Previous studies of ambrisentan were limited to patients with Group 1 PAH and often excluded patients receiving other pulmonary hypertension (PH) therapies. ARIES-3 was an open-label study evaluating efficacy and safety of ambrisentan in patients with various PH etiologies and background PH medications. Patients received 5 mg ambrisentan once daily for 24 weeks. The primary endpoint was change from baseline in 6-minute walk distance (6MWD) at week 24. A total of 224 patients with PH due to idiopathic and familial PAH (31%), connective tissue disease (18%), chronic hypoxemia (22%), chronic thromboembolic disease (13%), or other etiologies (16%) were enrolled and 53% of patients received stable background PAH therapies. After 24 weeks of therapy, an increase in 6MWD (+21 m; 95% CI: 12-29) and a decrease in B-type natriuretic peptide (-26%; 95% CI: -34 to -16%) was observed in the overall population compared to baseline; however, increases in 6MWD were not observed in several non-Group 1 PH subpopulations. Peripheral edema, headache, and dyspnea were the most common adverse events. This study reconfirms the results of previous placebo-controlled studies, which demonstrate that ambrisentan is well tolerated and provides benefit in patients with PAH. Definitive conclusions regarding the safety and efficacy of ambrisentan in specific non-Group 1 PH etiologies cannot be determined and larger, controlled studies will be necessary to determine the efficacy and safety of ambrisentan in these populations.

Effects of right ventricular septal versus apical pacing on plasma natriuretic peptide levels

Background:To investigate the contribution of right ventricular (RV) pacing sites to the cardiac function, this study compares plasma B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels during RV septal and apical pacing in patients implanted with a pacemaker.Materials and Methods and Results:Seventy-four consecutive patients with indication for permanent pacing were included. To provide for the possibility of appropriate subgroup analyses, patients were stratified according to their pacing mode into two groups: Those with dual chamber DDD(R)/VDD pacemakers (41 patients, mean age 54.1±18.4 years), and those with single chamber VVI pacemakers (33 patients, mean age 60.6±18.4 years). A prospective single-blinded randomized design was used. Randomization (1:1 way) was between lead placement on the RV septum or RV apex and occurred during the implant in both groups. Compared to baseline, a significant decrease in BNP (429.8±103 pg/ml and 291.7±138 pg/ml, respectively) levels was observed during DDD(R) /VDD pacing after two months. In contrast, during VVI (R) pacing, a significant increase in BNP levels was observed (657.5±104 pg/ml and 889.5±139 pg/ml, respectively). To determine the impact of pacing sites on cardiac function, we assessed the changes in BNP levels in each group separately. Despite the significant difference in the pattern of changes between the two groups (P < 0.02), no significant changes were observed within groups regarding the acute effect of the pacing site (RV apex vs. RV septal) on BNP levels (P=NS).Conclusions:Our main result showed no significant differences between pacing sites and concluded that hemodynamic improvement could be substantially influenced by pacing mode, more than by pacing site.

Determinants of the reduction in B‐type natriuretic peptide after mitral valve replacement in patients with rheumatic mitral stenosis

Plasma B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels are closely related to symptoms in left ventricle (LV) systolic heart failure, although marked regarding heterogeneity levels among subjects are reported. To assess the influence of right ventricle on plasma BNP in the patients with different grades of its overload secondary to severe mitral valve stenosis (MVS). Plasma BNP was evaluated in MVS patients (n = 27) before valve replacement and during follow-up (FUV) 401 ± 42 days after operation. Initial examination showed severe MVS (0.9 ± 0.2 cm²), left atrial enlargement (LAI 30 ± 4.5 mm m⁻²), right ventricle diastolic dilatation (RVDI 16 ± 3.6 mm m⁻²), normal LV size/function and elevated BNP levels (166 ± 137 pg ml⁻¹). FUV examination revealed a significant reduction in LAI (27 ± 2.2 mm m⁻²), RVDI (14 ± 1.6 mm m⁻²) and BNP levels (80 ± 35 pg ml⁻¹). The regression analysis of the initial parameters found RVDI to be the strongest predictor (R² = 0.61; P<0.0001) for BNP level, whereas RVDI reduction was the strongest factor for BNP decrease (R² = 0.65; P<0.0001) during FUV. Right ventricle should be taken into account as a potential important source of plasma BNP owing to the fact that LV size and function are well preserved in MVS patients. RVDI determines BNP plasma levels whereas after MVS removal, the RVDI reduction predicts BNP level decrease.

Impact of a high‐dose nitrate strategy on cardiac stress in acute heart failure: a pilot study

Intravenous nitrate therapy has been shown to improve short-term outcome of acute heart failure patients treated in the intensive care unit. The potential of a noninvasive high-dose nitrate strategy in the Emergency Department and the general ward remains unknown. A total of 128 consecutive acute heart failure patients were either treated with standard therapy or high-dose sublingual and transdermal nitrates on top of standard of care treatment. Cardiac recovery, quantified by B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels during the first 48 h, was the primary endpoint. Secondary endpoints ascertained the safety of the nitrate therapy. The high nitrate group received higher doses of nitrates during the first 48 h compared to the standard therapy group [82.4 mg (46.2-120.6) vs. 20 mg (10-30) respectively, P < 0.001]. The amount of diuretics given in both groups was similar. BNP levels decreased in all patients (P < 0.0001). However, the BNP decrease was larger in the high-dose nitrate group (P < 0.0001). The larger decrease in BNP in the high-dose nitrate group was already apparent 12 h after the initiation of treatment. After 48 h BNP values decreased by an average of 29 +/- 4.9% in the high-dose nitrate strategy group compared to 15 +/- 5.4% during standard therapy. There was a strong trend towards fewer ICU admissions in the high-dose nitrate group [high-dose nitrates: 2 cases (4%) vs. standard therapy: 9 cases (13%); P = 0.06]. During the study period, no intergroup changes were observed in blood pressure, RIFLE classes of acute kidney injury or troponin T. In-hospital and 90-day outcome was similar amongst the two groups. A noninvasive high-dose nitrate strategy on top of standard therapy is safe and notably accelerates cardiac recovery in patients observed on the general ward.

Effects of levosimendan versus dobutamine on left atrial function in decompensated heart failure

Although the effects of levosimendan on the left ventricle (LV) have been studied, its effect on left atrial (LA) function is poorly understood, despite its key role in optimizing LV function. To compare the effects of levosimendan and dobutamine on LA and LV function in patients with decompensated heart failure (DHF). Seventy-four patients (mean [+/- SD] age 64+/-10 years) with DHF and an LV ejection fraction of 35% or lower were randomly assigned to receive levosimendan (n=37) or dobutamine (n=37). LA active emptying fraction, LA passive emptying fraction (PEF) and the ratio of mitral inflow early diastolic velocity to annulus velocity (E/e) were evaluated with pulsed wave and tissue Doppler imaging along with plasma B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) level measurements before and after drug infusion. The ejection fraction was significantly increased in both groups. The levosimendan group had a greater decrease in BNP and a greater increase in active emptying fraction at 24 h compared with the dobutamine group. The PEF, E/e and deceleration time of the E wave were significantly improved in the levosimendan group, but not in the dobutamine group. Levosimendan- induced percentage change of BNP was significantly correlated with the percentage change of E/e and PEF (r=0.48 [P<0.005] and r=-0.38 [P<0.05], respectively). In patients with DHF, levosimendan and dobutamine both improve LV systolic function. However, levosimendan also improves LV diastolic function and LA performance in parallel with a greater improvement in neurohormonal activation compared with dobutamine.

Neurohumoral response and clinical effectiveness of continuous aortic flow augmentation in patients with decompensated heart failure

The increasing number of patients with progressive or exacerbated heart failure that is refractory to medical treatment necessitates the development of innovative cardiac assist devices. The aim of this study was to investigate whether a new percutaneously inserted system, which allows continuous aortic flow augmentation (CAFA), could be shown to be clinically effective with neurohormonal benefit in patients admitted with decompensated heart failure. Patients with exacerbations of chronic heart failure were recruited for the study. A percutaneous circulation assist device (Cancion system) promoting CAFA was implanted for up to 4 days in each patient. Clinical improvement was evaluated by measuring the clinical status according to the New York Heart Association (NYHA) classification and biochemical parameters including troponin and B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) as markers of cardiac necrosis and cardiac overload; these parameters were measured before, during, and after CAFA treatment. The decrease in BNP was determined after implantation, reaching, on average, a maximum decrease of 57% at 72 h (P = 0.04). The neurohumoral response remained significant (P < 0.05) up to 120 h after implantation, with a decrease in BNP levels of 37%, on average, compared to baseline values. Troponin I did not show any significant change during mechanical assistance (P > 0.2). All patients had improved clinical status according to the NYHA classification, and the improvement lasted for more than 1 week. Percutaneous heart-assist devices promoting CAFA offer clinical improvement and a neurohumoral response, with a significant BNP reduction in severe exacerbation of chronic heart failure that is refractory to medical treatment.

Lowered B-Type Natriuretic Peptide in Response to Levosimendan or Dobutamine Treatment Is Associated With Improved Survival in Patients With Severe Acutely Decompensated Heart Failure

The purpose of this analysis was to examine whether decreases in B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels during the first few days of hospitalization were associated with greater survival in patients with severe acutely decompensated heart failure (ADHF). BNP level is a prognostic marker for all-cause mortality (ACM) in ADHF; whether early BNP changes can also help predict outcome in patients who need inotropes for treatment of severe ADHF is not known. We retrospectively assessed the association between changes in BNP levels and ACM in patients from the SURVIVE (Survival of Patients with Acute Heart Failure in Need of Intravenous Inotropic Support) trial--a randomized, controlled trial comparing levosimendan to dobutamine treatment in patients hospitalized with ADHF. BNP levels were measured at baseline and at days 1, 3, and 5. A patient was classified as a "responder" if the follow-up BNP level was >or=30% lower than baseline BNP. The relationship between early BNP response and subsequent ACM over short- (31-day) and long-term (180-day) intervals was evaluated. Of 1,327 SURVIVE patients, this analysis included 1,038 who had BNP samples at both baseline and day 5. Responders at days 1, 3, and 5 had lower ACM than did nonresponders (p <or= 0.001), with day-5 levels showing superior discriminating value. Short-term ACM (31-day) risk reduction was 67% in day-5 BNP responders compared with nonresponders, whereas long-term (180-day) ACM risk reduction was 47%. Patients with lowered BNP on treatment for ADHF had reduced mortality risks (31- and 180-day) compared to those with little or no BNP decrease. These results suggest that early lowering of BNP predicts both short- and long-term mortality risks. BNP reduction may therefore serve as a suitable prognostic marker of ACM.

Creation of dialysis vascular access with normal flow increases brain natriuretic peptide levels

Chronic heart failure is very common in hemodialyzed patients due to several factors such as intermittent volume overload, anemia, and hypertension. Dialysis access flow is usually considered to have a minor effect. We hypothesized that creation of dialysis access with "normal" flow would lead to elevation of B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP), which is a sensitive marker of heart failure. We included subjects with a newly created, well-functioning vascular access and normal left ventricular ejection fraction. They were examined before access creation (baseline), then again 6 weeks and 6 months after the surgery. Only subjects with access flow (Qa) < 1500 ml/min were included. Changes of BNP levels and their relation to access flow were studied. We examined 35 subjects aged 60.6 +/- 13.5 years. Qa was 789 +/- 361 and 823 +/- 313 ml/min at 6 weeks and 6 months after the surgery, respectively. Within 6 weeks after access creation, BNP rose from 217 (294) to 267 (550) ng/l (median (quartile range)) with P = 0.003. Qa was significantly related to BNP levels 6 weeks after access creation (r = 0.37, P = 0.036). Six months after access creation, there was only a trend of BNP decrease (235 (308) ng/l, P = 0.44). Creatinine, blood urea nitrogen and hemoglobin levels as well as patients' weight did not change significantly. Creation of dialysis access with "normal" flow volume leads to significant increase of BNP, which is related to the value of access flow. The increase of BNP probably mirrors worsening of clinically silent heart failure.

Role of Plasma B-Type Natriuretic Peptide in Screening for Hemodynamically Significant Patent Ductus Arteriosus in Preterm Neonates

B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) is a hormone secreted by the ventricles under hemodynamic stress and congestive failure. The objective of the present study was to evaluate whether BNP can be used as a valid screening test for the presence of a hemodynamically significant patent ductus arteriosus (hsPDA) in the preterm neonate. This was a prospective blinded study involving preterm neonates with birth weights <or=1500 g and gestational age <or=34 weeks. Each enrolled neonate underwent the initial echocardiogram for a clinical suspicion of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) and BNP assay within 3 hours of each other. Those neonates who did not have a PDA or who were not treated underwent a repeat echo and BNP measurement 48 to 72 hours after the first echo. In patients who received treatment for a PDA, an echo and BNP were repeated 48 to 72 hours after completion of treatment. A total of 29 newborns with a median birth weight of 870 g (560 to 1325 g) and a median gestation of 26 weeks (24 to 31 weeks) were enrolled at a median age of 7 days (2 to 28 days). BNP levels were significantly higher in neonates with hsPDA (n=14) compared to those without (n=15) (508.5+/-618.2 vs 59.5+/-69.9 pg/ml, p<0.005). At a cutoff value of 70 pg/ml, BNP had a sensitivity of 92.9%, specificity of 73.3%, positive likelihood ratio of 3.5 and negative likelihood ratio of 0.09 for detection of hsPDA. BNP levels dropped significantly after medical or surgical closure of hsPDA (n=12), (404.9+/-159.2 to 25.1+/-4.1 pg/ml, p=0.03). Elevation of plasma BNP accurately detects the presence of hsPDA in premature infants. Successful closure is reflected by a corresponding decrease in BNP. At a cutoff of 70 pg/ml, BNP is a useful screening tool for diagnosis and for monitoring efficacy of treatment of hsPDA.

BNP and ANP as diagnostic and predictive markers in heart failure with left ventricular systolic dysfunction

The prevalence of chronic heart failure (CHF) with systolic dysfunction is increasing. Plasma natriuretic peptides have been envisaged as diagnostic and predictive markers. To investigate the relationship between the levels of B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) and A-type natriuretic peptide (ANP) and the clinical and functional parameters of CHF in outpatients with CHF at baseline, compared with normal healthy controls; to find out the differences in a randomised controlled trial between patients treated with an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor, captopril, or an angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB), irbesartan. These differences were assessed throughout the six-month treatment period and at the sixth month. Plasma BNP (pmol/L) and ANP (pmol/L) were determined in 68 hypertensive patients with dilated cardiomyopathy, NYHA class III-IV and ejection fraction (EF) < or = 40%, and in 26 normal controls. Statistical analysis for BNP and ANP was done by Students t-test. The patient group was randomly subdivided into two subgroups of 34 patients, each treated with either an ARB, irbesartan, or an ACE inhibitor (ACE-I), captopril. BNP and ANP were measured in both subsamples and correlated with clinical, functional and neurohormonal parameters throughout a follow-up period of six months and at the sixth month. The mean EF in the patient sample was 33.43+/-6.52% and in the controls was 61.96 +/-3.53% (p=0.000). The mean BNP (pmol/L) in patients was 44.78+/-54.36 and in the controls was 7.12+/-8.28 (p=0.000) and the mean ANP (pmol/L) was 30.32+/-25.97 in patients and 11.18+/-7.92 in controls (p=0.000). A statistically significant difference was found between patients and healthy controls. Significant correlations were found between natriuretic peptides and EF. Between the baseline phase and the sixth month, BNP and ANP decreased significantly in the ARB group. At the sixth month, both BNP and ANP were lower in the ARB group. Evidence of clinical benefit was found with both ARB or ACE-I treatment throughout the six months, with patients moving from classes III and IV to class II NYHA. Improvement of EF was also found, with transition of patients with lower EF (even <30%) to higher values. EF was higher in the ARB group at the sixth month. BNP and ANP can be useful diagnostic tools in hypertensive CHF patients with moderate-to-severe LV dysfunction. The decrease in BNP and ANP in the ARB group throughout six months, as well as the lower value at the sixth month, suggest a prognostic value of these parameters.