B-type Natriuretic Peptide Levels In Patients Research Articles

The impact of serum BNP on retinal perfusion assessed by an AI-based denoising optical coherence tomography angiography in CHD patients

BackgroundTo investigate the correlation between retinal vessel density (VD) parameters with serum B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) in patients with coronary heart disease (CHD) using novel optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) denoising images based on artificial intelligence (AI). MethodsOCTA images of the optic nerve and macular area were obtained using a Canon-HS100 OCT device in 176 patients with CHD. Baseline information and blood test results were recorded. ResultsRetinal VD parameters of the macular and optic nerves on OCTA were significantly decreased in patients with CHD after denoising. Retinal VD of the superficial capillary plexus (SCP), deep capillary plexus (DCP) and radial peripapillary capillary (RPC) was strongly correlated with serum BNP levels in patients with CHD. Significant differences were noted in retinal thickness and retinal VD (SCP, DCP and RPC) between the increased BNP and normal BNP groups in patients with CHD. ConclusionDeep learning denoising can remove background noise and smooth rough vessel surfaces. SCP,DCP and RPC may be potential clinical markers of cardiac function in patients with CHD. Denoising shows great potential for improving the sensitivity of OCTA images as a biomarker for CHD progression.

Comprehensive effects of traditional Chinese medicine treatment on heart failure and changes in B-type natriuretic peptide levels: A meta-analysis.

Heart failure (HF), a common cardiovascular condition, is characterized by significant morbidity and mortality. While traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is often used as a complementary approach in HF management, systematic evaluations of its impact on clinical outcomes, TCM syndrome scores, and B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels are lacking. This study fills this gap through a comprehensive analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) focusing on TCM for HF treatment. It encompasses an assessment of methodological quality, a meta-analysis, and an evaluation of evidence quality based on established standards. The results offer crucial insights into the potential advantages and constraints of TCM in HF management. To systematically analyze the effects of TCM on the clinical comprehensive outcomes, TCM syndrome scores, and BNP levels in patients with HF and evaluated the quality of evidence for these trials. RCTs on TCM for HF treatment published since the establishment of the database were searched in four Chinese and English databases, including China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang, VIP Information Chinese Science and Technology Journal, and PubMed. Methodological quality was assessed for the included studies with the Cochrane risk-of-bias assessment tool, and the meta-analysis and publication bias assessment was performed with the RevMan5.3 software. Finally, the quality of evidence was rated according to the GRADE criteria. A total of 1098 RCTs were initially retrieved. After screening, 16 RCTs were finally included in our study, which were published between 2020 and 2023. These RCTs involved 1660 HF patients, including 832 in the TCM group [TCM combined with conventional Western medicine (CMW) treatment] and 828 in the CWM group (CWM treatment). The course of treatments varied from 1 wk to 3 months. TCM syndrome differentiation was analyzed in 11 of the included RCTs. In all included RCTs, outcome indicators included comprehensive clinical outcomes, TCM syndrome scores, and BNP levels. The meta-analysis results showed significant differences between the TCM and CWM groups in terms of comprehensive clinical outcomes [risk ratio = -0.54; 95% confidence interval (CI) = -0.61, -0.47; P < 0.00001], TCM syndrome scores [weighted mean difference (WMD) = -142.07; 95%CI = -147.56, -136.57; P < 0.00001], and BNP levels (WMD = -142.07; 95%CI = -147.56, -136.57; P < 0.00001). According to the GRADE criteria, RCTs where "TCM improves clinical comprehensive outcomes" were rated as low-quality evidence, and RCTs where "TCM reduces TCM syndrome scores" or "TCM decreases BNP levels" were rated as medium-quality evidence. TCM combined with CWM treatment effectively improves comprehensive clinical outcomes and diminishes TCM syndrome scores and BNP levels in HF patients. Given the low and medium quality of the included RCTs, the application of these results should be cautious.

Elevated B-type natriuretic peptide level expression associated with acute myocardial infarction patients in Jammu population (India)

B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) is a highly sensitive and specific indicator of the size of myocardial infarction, which can help in assessing the degree of cardiovascular risk. Elevated BNP levels in patients hospitalized for acute myocardial infarction (AMI) are associated with heart failure and mortality, and the measurements of BNP in a short-term period could be helpful to predict the future events. The role of short-term follow-up BNP level has not been established in the patients with AMI. This retrospective study was conducted on the patients admitted to the Government Medical College, Jammu (India). The analysis of blood EDTA sample was analysed for BNP and this test was performed by using a fully automated random access immunoassay analyser whose principle is based on micro-particle enzyme immunoassay (MEIA). The reference range of BNP is 0-100 pg mL-1. The study revealed a 90% BNP increase in AMI patients in comparison to the 10% increase in normal healthy ones. However, BNP showed elevated levels in healthy individuals suffering from renal insufficiency. The BNP was > 100 pg mL-1 in the majority of AMI patients while in controls BNP is <100 pg mL-1.

Sleep-disordered breathing is independently associated with elevated natriuretic peptide levels in patients with cardiovascular diseases

Sleep disorders and sleep duration have attracted considerable attention as potential modifiable risk factors for the development and progression of heart failure (HF). However, whether these sleep behaviors could aggravate the underlying cardiac condition remains ambiguous. We evaluated the associations between the levels of plasma B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) and sleep-disordered breathing (SDB), sleep quality and quantity, or daytime sleepiness in cardiovascular diseases (CVD) patients. A total of 1717 consecutive patients with CVD [median age, 66years (55-74years); female, 27.5%] were enrolled. SDB was screened by nocturnal pulse oximetry; sleep quality and quantity were determined by Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index, and daytime sleepiness was examined by Epworth Sleepiness Scale. The median plasma BNP level was 54.9pg/ml (23.5-146.4pg/ml). Multiple regression analyses showed that the BNP level in the highest quintile (BNP > 181.8pg/ml) was associated with SDB (severe: OR, 5.88; 95% CI 3.17-10.88; moderate: OR, 3.62; 95% CI 2.17-6.02; mild: OR, 2.22: 95% CI 1.42-3.47). There were no significant associations between other sleep parameters and higher BNP levels. The relationship between SDB and BNP levels was unchanged regardless of the previous history of symptomatic HF. SDB was independently associated with the elevated plasma BNP level in patients with a variety of CVD.

B-type natriuretic peptide as a surrogate marker for survival in patients undergoing cardiac surgery.

BackgroundB-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) is a biomarker predicting morbidity and mortality in patients with congestive heart failure. However, the usefulness of pre- or postoperative BNP levels in patients undergoing cardiac surgery remains uncertain. We sought to determine the association of pre- or postoperative BNP levels on mortality in patients undergoing cardiac surgery under cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB).MethodsThis study retrospectively evaluated 1,642 patients undergoing cardiac surgery under CPB over 2 years. The primary outcomes were 30-day and overall mortality after cardiac surgery.ResultsThe 30-day mortality rate was 3.0% (n=49), and the overall mortality occurred in 118 patients during the mean follow-up period of 24.9±8.9 months. In multivariable analyses, preoperative BNP level was not significantly associated with 30-day [odds ratio (OR), 1.03; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.99–1.06; P=0.06] or overall [hazard ratio (HR), 1.01; 95% CI, 0.98–1.03; P=0.50] mortalities. However, the postoperative BNP level was significantly associated with 30-day (OR, 1.05; 95% CI, 1.02–1.09; P=0.001) and overall (HR, 1.03; 95% CI, 1.01–1.04; P=0.01) mortalities. As a sensitivity analysis, postoperative BNP levels were divided into quartiles. The top quartile (≥484 pg/mL) was identified as a strong predictor of overall mortality (HR, 2.18; 95% CI, 1.14–4.19; P=0.02).ConclusionsPreoperative BNP level was not associated with mortality after cardiac surgery. However, postoperative BNP level was associated with mortality after cardiac surgery, especially in patients with high levels (≥484 pg/mL). Further studies in larger cohorts are necessary to validate these results.

Abstract 15938: B-type Natriuretic Peptide Levels Do Not Predict the Need for Mechanical Ventilation in Hospitalized Patients With COVID-19

Introduction: B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) is widely used as a biomarker of heart failure and typically rises in response to increased intracardiac pressure. BNP levels have been measured in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) to assess the cardiovascular contribution to respiratory failure and guide diuresis. Whether BNP levels do predict the need for mechanical ventilation (MV) is however unknown. Methods: The Michigan Medicine Covid-19 Cohort (M 2 C 2 ) is an ongoing prospective observational study in which detailed clinical, laboratory and outcomes data were collected from chart review of consecutive adult patients hospitalized for COVID-19. Patients who were positive for SARS-CoV-2 infection but without symptoms of COVID-19 were not included in this cohort. We identified 495 patients admitted between March 1 st and May 1 st for COVID-19, of whom 290 (58.6%) had BNP levels measured during their hospitalization. We examined the association between BNP and the need for MV during their hospitalization. Results: Among the 290 patients evaluated, the mean age was 62 (SD 15), 169 (58.3%) were male, 135 (46.6%) were blacks, and 61 (21.0%) had pre-existing heart failure. The median BNP level was 50 pg/ml, and 104 (35.9%) of patients had a BNP level &gt; 100 pg/ml. A total of 130 (44.8%) required MV during their hospitalization. The median BNP level in patients who required MV was 63 pg/ml (IQR 25-171), compared to 46 pg /ml (IQR 17-187) in patients who did not, P=0.23. In multivariable analysis adjusting for age, gender, race, pre-existing heart failure, and serum creatinine on admission, BNP&gt;100 pg/ml was not associated with the need for MV. Conclusions: In patients hospitalized for COVID-19, BNP levels were not associated with the need for MV, suggesting that the cardiovascular contribution to respiratory failure in these patients is likely minor compared to the inflammatory response or direct impact of the virus.

Prognostic role of B-type natriuretic peptide in adults with acute dyspnea requiring emergency admission

Objective:The aim of the study was to evaluate the role of B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) in patients presenting with acute dyspnea admitted in emergency services.Materials and Methods:A prospective observational study was conducted on 100 patients presenting to the emergency of Dayanand Medical College and Hospital and Hero DMC Heart Institute with acute dyspnea of <48 h duration, in which BNP levels were done on arrival to emergency.Results:BNP levels were significantly higher in patients having left ventricular dysfunction, both systolic and diastolic. Patients with systolic dysfunction had slightly higher BNP (1251.50 ±950.14 pg/mL) compared to patients with diastolic dysfunction (905.62±618.10 pg/mL) though statistically insignificant (P = 0.055). BNP levels were also inversely related to ejection fraction. Mean BNP levels in patients with EF <31%, 31%–45%, 46%–59%, and ≥60% were 1464.63 ± 1058.29, 968.24 ± 751.59, 841.64 ± 503.41 and 781.67 ± 504.21 (P = 0.009), respectively. Patients having higher BNP levels had significantly prolonged duration of stay compared to patients with lower BNP. Patients who expired had slightly higher levels of BNP though statistically nonsignificant. BNP had no significant statistical relation with age, heart rate, creatine phosphokinase-MB, Trop-T levels, systolic blood pressure.Conclusion:We conclude that high BNP levels are a marker of cardiac dysfunction and increased duration of hospital stay in patients presenting to the emergency with acute dyspnea. Hence, BNP can be used as a screening test for the evaluation and management of dyspnea.

Importance of Basal Metabolic Index in the Diagnosis of Heart Failure With B-Type Natriuretic Peptide.

BackgroundIncreased basal metabolic index (BMI) is associated with decreased levels of B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP). This makes the diagnosis of the congestive heart failure challenging in the obese population. We sought to determine the association and strength of the relationship between the two variables.MethodsThe association between BMI and BNP was examined in 405 patients utilizing a retrospective chart review in a single center study. Pearson correlation and regression analyses were performed to identify trends. BNP trends were also correlated with age.ResultsThe mean age of patients was 77 years with 45% men and 55% women. Mean BNP level was 1,158 standard deviation (SD) ± 1,537. Mean BMI was 33 SD ± 28. BNP levels were found to be inversely related to increasing BMI (P value < 0.001). Using a cut-off of 3,500 pg/mL, there was a linear negative correlation on the dotted graph. In regression analysis the measure of effect of BMI on BNP levels was -0.90 pg/mL. There was no significant association between age and BNP levels (P = 0.90).ConclusionsIrrespective of age, obese patients have lower BNP levels, complicating the diagnosis of heart failure exacerbation in such patients. Our results suggest that BNP levels in patients with BMI greater than 33 should be adjusted 9 pg/mL per unit increase in BMI.

Prognostic Implications of Point-of-Care and Serial B-type Natriuretic Peptide Levels in Patients With Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HC) is a heterogenous disease with a variable clinical course. Predictors of long-term adverse cardiovascular events are needed. Our objectives were to determine the long-term prognostic value of a single and serial point of care (POC) B-type natriuretic-peptide (BNP) measurements in HC. One hundred and eleven ambulatory patients with HC (mean age 53 ± 16 years) were prospectively recruited over a 2-year period (2004 to 2006). A clinical assessment, comprehensive echocardiogram, and a POC BNP level was obtained at baseline and at a 1- to 2-year follow-up. They were subsequently followed for the occurrence of major adverse cardiac events (MACE). The median baseline BNP concentration was 114 pg/ml (range 5.3 to 1550 pg/ml). During a mean follow-up of 6.2 ± 3.4 years, 42 patients (38%) had a MACE. In a multivariable Cox model including clinical and echocardiographic predictors, logBNP (HR 4.30; 95% confidence interval 1.97 to 9.37, p <0.001) and left ventricualr ejection fraction (LVEF) (HR 0.96; 95% confidence interval 0.94 to 0.99, p = 0.011) remained significant predictors of MACE. Nested models demonstrated incremental prognostic value of logBNP for MACE (chi-square increased from 4.3 to 22.8, p <0.01) over clinical and echocardiographic factors. Patients with persistently elevated BNP (>100 pg/ml) at baseline and at the second visit were at a higher risk of developing MACE during follow-up (5-year MACE-free survival of 0.91 (SE 0.06) vs 0.45 (SE 0.09), p <0.001). In conclusion, POC BNP levels in patients with HC were predictive of long-term MACE and had independent and incremental value. Patients with persistently elevated BNP levels were at a higher risk of MACE.

Clinical implication of LAVI over A′ ratio in patients with acute coronary syndrome

PurposeThe ratio of the left atrial volume index (LAVI) and late diastolic mitral annular velocity (A′) is a useful echocardiographic index for identifying advanced left ventricular (LV) diastolic dysfunction in...

Echocardiographic Estimates of Left Ventricular Diastolic Dysfunction Do Not Predict the Clinical Course in Elderly Patients Undergoing Transcatheter Atrial Septal Defect Closure: Impact of Early Diastolic Mitral Annular Velocity.

This study evaluated the effect of echocardiographic left ventricular (LV) diastolic dysfunction on acute congestive heart failure after transcatheter atrial septal defect (ASD) closure in elderly patients. Although there is concern that LV diastolic dysfunction develops acute congestive heart failure after ASD closure, limited information is available regarding the influence, especially in elderly patients with severe LV diastolic dysfunction. Two hundred consecutive patients older than 60 years were divided into 3 groups according to echocardiographic LV diastolic dysfunction: severe (early diastolic mitral annular velocity [e'] <5.0 cm/s), mild (5.0≤ e' <8.0 cm/s), and normal (e' ≥ 8.0 cm/s). Changes in plasma B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels were evaluated. No patients with severe LV diastolic dysfunction developed acute congestive heart failure immediately after the procedure. BNP levels unchanged after the procedure in patients with severe LV diastolic dysfunction (126 ± 181 to 131 ± 148 pg/ml, P = 0.885), and this increase in BNP levels was not different from that between the diagnosis of ASD and the procedure. The change in BNP levels in patients with severe LV diastolic dysfunction, who were frequently treated with diuretics before the procedure, was equivalent to that in patients with mild LV diastolic dysfunction and normal LV diastolic function (5 ± 119 vs. 16 ± 101 vs. 9 ± 131 pg/ml, P = 0.724). Our findings suggest that transcatheter ASD closure under volume management is safe and valuable in elderly patients with echocardiographic severe LV diastolic dysfunction.

Improvement in the Quality of Life and Exercise Performance in Relation to the Plasma B-Type Natriuretic Peptide Level After Catheter Ablation in Patients With Asymptomatic Persistent Atrial Fibrillation.

Efficacy of catheter ablation (CA) of asymptomatic persistent atrial fibrillation (AF) remains unclear. We assessed the quality of life (QOL), exercise performance (EP), and plasma B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels following CA in patients with asymptomatic AF.Methods and Results:We enrolled 34 patients with asymptomatic persistent AF. QOL, was assessed by 2 questionnaires: the Short Form-36 (SF-36) and a QOL questionnaire specific for AF (AFQLQ). The QOL, EP, and plasma BNP level were examined before and 6 months after CA. In the SF-36 survey 5 of 8 components and all 3 subsets of the AFQLQ significantly improved in the patients without recurrences (30 patients, 88%), but there were no differences in those with recurrences. In patients without recurrences, there was an increase in the metabolic equivalents of task (10.2±2.3 vs. 11.6±2.3 METs, P<0.0001), duration of maximal exercise (476±144 vs. 605±143 s, P<0.0001), and plasma BNP decrease (146.6±124.3 vs. 33.8±35.6 pg/dL, P<0.0001), with a linear correlation in the increased duration of exercise and plasma BNP decrease (R=0.620, P<0.0001). Maintenance of sinus rhythm after successful CA improved the QOL, EP, and plasma BNP level in patients with asymptomatic persistent AF. CA may be primarily applicable in such patients with previously unrecognized impairment in their QOL and EP.

Correlation between microvascular dysfunction and B-type natriuretic peptide levels in non-ischemic heart failure patients with cardiac fibrosis

BackgroundsThe relationship between microvascular dysfunction and plasma B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels remains unclear in heart failure (HF) patients with cardiac fibrosis. MethodsThis study evaluated 55 consecutive non-ischemic HF patients in an effort to determine the relationship between endothelial independent coronary microvascular dysfunction and plasma BNP levels, as well as whether each measure is correlated with myocardial fibrosis. We evaluated plasma BNP levels in patients with stable HF. We used cardiac catheterization to measure trans-cardiac BNP release levels, measuring from the coronary sinus and the aortic root, and coronary flow reserve (CFR). Patients also underwent cardiac magnetic resonance imaging to evaluate for the presence of late gadolinium enhancement (LGE), as an indicator of cardiac fibrosis. ResultsCFR in cardiac catheterization was significantly and inversely correlated with plasma BNP levels (r=0.336, p=0.012) and trans-cardiac BNP release levels (r=0.347, p=0.041). Thirty-three patients were LGE-positive. CFR was significantly correlated with plasma BNP levels in the LGE-positive group (r=0.349, p=0.046), but this correlation was not significant in the LGE-negative group. (r=0.338, p=0.125). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that a plasma BNP levels >180pg/ml at stable HF condition was significant and independent predictor of CFR<2.5 in all patients (p=0.035, odds ratio: 5.2, 95% confidence interval: 1.1–29.0), and in the LGE-positive group (p=0.040, odds ratio: 5.4, 95% confidence interval: 1.1–27.2). ConclusionsIn non-ischemic HF patients especially those with cardiac fibrosis, endothelial independent microvascular dysfunction is closely correlated with plasma BNP levels, and ventricular wall tension.

Plasma B-Type Natriuretic Peptide Levels May Increase Because of Fat Mass Loss by Metformin or Sodium-Glucose Transporter 2 Inhibitors Treatment

Background: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death in type 2 diabetes. Metformin reduces cardiovascular events in obese patients with type 2 diabetes, and sodium-glucose transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors decrease cardiovascular events in type 2 diabetic patients with established CVD. However, the underlying mechanisms behind the cardioprotective effects of metformin and SGLT2 inhibitors are unknown. Methods: Fifteen patients with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes receiving metformin monotherapy, and seven patients with type 2 diabetes receiving SGLT2 inhibitors combined with other hypoglycemic agents were studied. We investigated changes in glycemic control, plasma B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels, and body composition, 3 and 6 months after starting metformin administration, and 3 months after starting SGLT2 inhibitor administration. Results: Plasma BNP levels significantly increased after 3 months in both metformin and SGLT2 inhibitors treatment groups (7.9 ± 7.9 pg/mL to 17 ± 16.9 pg/mL, P = 0.012; 8.8 ± 7.2 pg/mL to 15.5 ± 14.3 pg/mL, P = 0.018, respectively). Fat mass significantly decreased in the first 3 months of metformin administration (25.7 ± 10.3 kg to 23.0 ± 11.4 kg, P = 0.046), while fat mass and visceral fat area decreased in three patients receiving SGLT2 inhibitors. Conclusions: Plasma BNP levels increased because of fat mass loss caused by treatment with metformin and SGLT2 inhibitors. Our results suggest that metformin and SGLT2 inhibitors could reduce the risk of CVD by exerting cardioprotective effects through elevated BNP levels in patients with type 2 diabetes. J Endocrinol Metab. 2016;6(1):12-17 doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.14740/jem333w

Plasma B-Type Natriuretic Peptide Levels May Increase Because of Fat Mass Loss by Metformin or Sodium-Glucose Transporter 2 Inhibitors Treatment

Background: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death in type 2 diabetes. Metformin reduces cardiovascular events in obese patients with type 2 diabetes, and sodium-glucose transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors decrease cardiovascular events in type 2 diabetic patients with established CVD. However, the underlying mechanisms behind the cardioprotective effects of metformin and SGLT2 inhibitors are unknown. Methods: Fifteen patients with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes receiving metformin monotherapy, and seven patients with type 2 diabetes receiving SGLT2 inhibitors combined with other hypoglycemic agents were studied. We investigated changes in glycemic control, plasma B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels, and body composition, 3 and 6 months after starting metformin administration, and 3 months after starting SGLT2 inhibitor administration. Results: Plasma BNP levels significantly increased after 3 months in both metformin and SGLT2 inhibitors treatment groups (7.9 ± 7.9 pg/mL to 17 ± 16.9 pg/mL, P = 0.012; 8.8 ± 7.2 pg/mL to 15.5 ± 14.3 pg/mL, P = 0.018, respectively). Fat mass significantly decreased in the first 3 months of metformin administration (25.7 ± 10.3 kg to 23.0 ± 11.4 kg, P = 0.046), while fat mass and visceral fat area decreased in three patients receiving SGLT2 inhibitors. Conclusions: Plasma BNP levels increased because of fat mass loss caused by treatment with metformin and SGLT2 inhibitors. Our results suggest that metformin and SGLT2 inhibitors could reduce the risk of CVD by exerting cardioprotective effects through elevated BNP levels in patients with type 2 diabetes. J Endocrinol Metab. 2016;6(1):12-17 doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.14740/jem333w

Clinical implications of normal B-type natriuretic peptide levels in patients with severe chronic heart failure

Abstract Background: High plasma B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels in patients with severe chronic heart failure (CHF) often indicate poor ventricular function and poor prognosis. However, in some such patients plasma BNP levels are normal. Objective: To investigate the clinical implications of BNP levels in patients with severe CHF. Methods: Fifty-seven patients with severe CHF were divided into group A (13 normal plasma BNP level) and 44 patients (high plasma BNP levels) group B. Diuretics, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (or angiotensin II receptor antagonist, e.g., metoprolol) and digitalis were used as conventional treatment. The clinical characteristics of all patients in two groups were analyzed and compared. Results: At the first admission, left ventricular end diastolic diameter in group B was significantly lower than group A (p &lt; 0.05), and the plasma BNP level in group B was significantly higher than group A (p &lt; 0.05). When metoprolol was used, 6 and 5 patients in group A and B could not tolerate the initial dose. In other cases using metoprolol at average maximum tolerance dose of metoprolol 12.5-6.25 and 24.20-11.22 mg/day in group A and B, respectively, there was a significant difference between them (p &lt; 0.05). There were no significant differences in plasma BNP levels between two groups during stable period. The plasma BNP level in group B during acute worsening stage was significantly higher than in the remission stage (962.73-165.00 ng/L vs 876.24-167.70 ng/L, p &lt; 0.05). However, there was no significant difference between group A (74.03-11.18 ng/L) and group B (71.38-11.68 ng/L) (p &gt; 0.05). The mobility of group A was higher than group B (11/12 vs 6/44, p &lt; 0.05). Logistic regression analysis showed that, the plasma BNP level was the independent risk factor for predicting cardiac death (regression coefficient, 3.817; OR, 45.488; 95% CI, 5.322ʺ388.791). Conclusion: In patients with severe CHF, normal plasma BNP level suggests depletion of BNP secretion and further deterioration of cardiac function, indicating a poor prognosis.

Factors responsible for elevated plasma B-type natriuretic peptide levels in severe aortic stenosis: Comparison between elderly and younger patients

BackgroundElevated plasma B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) is a predictor of outcome and helpful for risk stratification in aortic stenosis (AS). However, left ventricular (LV) diastolic dysfunction progresses with aging and may also influence plasma BNP levels in elderly patients. We hypothesized that plasma BNP levels may be influenced by age in severe AS, and that factors that affect the elevation of plasma BNP levels may be different between elderly and younger patients with AS. MethodsWe performed echocardiography in 341 patients with severe AS [aortic valve area (AVA)<1.0cm2] and classified them into two groups by age (elderly ≥75 years old, n=201; younger patients <75 years old, n=140). We used multivariate linear regression analysis to assess the factors that determine plasma BNP levels in both groups. ResultsAge was found to be one of the independent determinants of plasma BNP levels in all patients (β=0.135, p=0.005). Although AVA was similar in the two groups, plasma BNP levels and E/e′ were significantly higher in elderly than younger patients [133.0 (IQR, 73.3–329.7)pg/dl vs 92.8 (IQR, 40.6–171.8)pg/dl, p<0.01; 20±8 vs 16±6, p<0.01, respectively). In multivariate stepwise linear regression analysis, AVA index, LV ejection fraction, mass index, E/e′, estimated systolic pulmonary artery pressure (eSPAS), and the presence of atrial fibrillation were independent determinants of plasma BNP levels in younger patients. In contrast, the independent determinants of plasma BNP levels in elderly patients were LV ejection fraction, mass index, E/e′, eSPAS, the presence of atrial fibrillation, age, and hemoglobin levels, but not AVA index. ConclusionsThere may be differences in the factors that influence plasma BNP levels between elderly and younger patients with severe AS. In elderly patients, plasma BNP levels may be influenced more by these factors than AS severity compared with younger patients.

Future studies should consider multiple predisposing conditions in predicting weaning failure from mechanical ventilation in patients after cardiac surgery

Dear Editor, We read the article titled “High levels of B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) predict weaning failure from mechanical ventilation in adult patients after cardiac surgery” by Thiago Martins Lara et al. with interest (1). The authors aimed to evaluate whether serum levels of B-type natriuretic peptide are a predictor of weaning failure from mechanical ventilation after cardiac surgery. They concluded that high BNP levels are predictive of failure to wean from mechanical ventilation after cardiac surgery. Plasma levels of BNP are increased in disorders associated with intravascular volume overload, increased central venous pressure and left ventricular dysfunction. BNP secretion is directly proportional to left ventricular wall stress and blood volume. Because of these associations, there has been much interest in using BNP as a biomarker for heart failure (2). However, high levels of BNP are present in many cases for reasons unrelated to cardiac diseases. In several studies, BNP levels were higher in women than in men, independent of age. Although the reason for this difference is unknown, it is believed that estrogen may play a role. Furthermore, levels of BNP increase with age, and this difference is not associated with “age-related” diastolic dysfunction in either sex (3). Obese individuals have low circulating natriuretic peptide levels, and diabetes mellitus is also associated with low plasma levels of natriuretic peptide (4). In addition, elevated BNP levels may be observed in many diseases associated with hypervolemia, such as chronic renal failure, chronic liver disease and hyperaldosteronism (5). Furthermore, respiratory conditions, such as pulmonary embolism and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, are associated with high levels of BNP in the absence of left heart failure. One of the most important conditions associated with elevated BNP levels is sepsis. Many studies have shown significantly higher BNP levels in patients with sepsis, and this effect was not related to myocardial dysfunction (6). In conclusion, high levels of BNP are presented as a predictive factor for failure to wean from mechanical ventilation after cardiac surgery in the study by Thiago Martins Lara et al. However, because BNP levels may be affected by many factors, the significance of those risk factors in weaning from mechanical ventilation after cardiac surgery should be considered in future large-scale prospective randomized clinical trials.

Abstract 9451: Determinant Factors of Elevated Plasma B-type Natriuretic Peptide Level in Severe Aortic Stenosis

Background: Elevated plasma B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) level reflects left ventricular (LV) dysfunction and is associated with poor outcome in aortic stenosis (AS). We aimed to determine the echocardiographic and clinical factors that are associated with elevated plasma BNP level in patients with severe AS. Methods: We performed echocardiography in 142 patients (age 72±10 years) with severe AS (aortic valve area (AVA) &lt; 1.0cm 2 ). We excluded patients with chronic renal failure and other significant valvular disease. We used multivariate linear regression analysis to evaluate factors that are associated with the plasma BNP levels in these patients. Results: Mean AVA was 0.77±0.16cm 2 . The factors associated with plasma BNP levels were left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction, E/A, E/e’, left atrial diameter, estimated systolic pulmonary artery pressure (SPAP), AVA, LV mass index, e’, systolic systemic blood pressure and the presence of atrial fibrillation (Table). In multivariate stepwise linear regression analysis, LV ejection fraction was the strongest independent determinants of plasma BNP level. In addition, estimated SPAP, and E/e’, and AVA were also found to be independently associated with plasma BNP level. Conclusions: In patients with severe AS, plasma BNP levels mainly correlates with LV systolic dysfunction. However, LV diastolic dysfunction, elevated pulmonary hypertension, and AS severity are also independently associated with elevated plasma BNP levels in severe AS.

Cardiac tamponade as an independent condition affecting the relationship between the plasma B-type natriuretic peptide levels and cardiac function

Plasma B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) is finely regulated by the cardiac function and several extracardiac factors. Therefore, the relationship between the plasma BNP levels and the severity of heart failure sometimes seems inconsistent. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the plasma BNP levels in patients with cardiac tamponade and their changes after pericardial drainage. This study included 14 patients with cardiac tamponade who underwent pericardiocentesis. The cardiac tamponade was due to malignant diseases in 13 patients and uremia in 1 patient. The plasma BNP levels were measured before and 24-48 h after drainage. Although the patients reported severe symptoms of heart failure, their plasma BNP levels were only 71.2 ± 11.1 pg/ml before drainage. After appropriate drainage, the plasma BNP levels increased to 186.0 ± 22.5 pg/ml, which was significantly higher than that before drainage (P = 0.0002). In patients with cardiac tamponade, the plasma BNP levels were low, probably because of impaired ventricular stretching, and the levels significantly increased in response to the primary condition after drainage. This study demonstrates an additional condition that affects the relationship between the plasma BNP levels and cardiac function. If inconsistency is seen in the relationship between the plasma BNP levels and clinical signs of heart failure, the presence of cardiac tamponade should therefore be considered.