Higher B-type Natriuretic Peptide Levels Research Articles

Prognostic relevance of B-type natriuretic peptide in patients with moderate mixed aortic valve disease.

AimsData on B‐type natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels and adverse outcomes in patients with moderate mixed aortic valve disease (MAVD), defined as moderate aortic stenosis (AS) and regurgitation (AR), are scarce. Therefore, this study investigated the impact of BNP on the clinical outcomes in such patients.Methods and resultsClinical data from 81 patients (mean age, 74.1 ± 6.8 years; 50.6%, men) treated for moderate MAVD and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) ≥ 50% during 2010–2018 were retrospectively analysed. Specific echocardiographic data of the study patients were LVEF of 57.8 ± 5.0%, aortic valve index of 0.64 ± 0.04 cm2/m2, peak aortic valve velocity of 3.38 ± 0.29 m/s, and AR vena contracta width of 4.2 ± 0.7 mm. The median BNP level was 61.4 pg/mL (interquartile range, 29.7–109.9). The primary endpoint was a composite of all‐cause death, heart failure hospitalization, and aortic valve replacement, and its cumulative incidence at 5 years was 57.7%. Multivariable analysis revealed that age (hazard ratio, 1.079; 95% confidence interval, 1.028–1.133; P = 0.002) and BNP levels (hazard ratio, 1.028; 95% confidence interval, 1.003–1.053; P = 0.027) were significantly related to the endpoint; specifically, BNP > 61.4 pg/mL had significantly higher incidence rates of the endpoint than those with a BNP ≤ 61.4 pg/mL (70.3% vs. 45.5% at 5 years; P = 0.018). Compared with patients with BNP ≤ 61.4 pg/mL, those with BNP > 61.4 pg/mL had significantly worse left ventricular global longitudinal strain (−17.1 ± 3.6% vs. −18.7 ± 2.6%; P = 0.029), along with higher left ventricular mass index (116.9 ± 27.8 g/m2 vs. 103.5 ± 19.7 g/m2; P = 0.014), relative wall thickness (0.45 ± 0.07 vs. 0.42 ± 0.05; P = 0.022), left atrial volume index (46.0 ± 28.4 mL/m2 vs. 31.4 ± 10.3 mL/m2; P = 0.003), pulmonary artery systolic pressure (32.6 ± 9.7 mmHg vs. 28.2 ± 4.7 mmHg; P = 0.011), and prevalence of moderate or greater tricuspid regurgitation (15.0% vs. 0.0%; P = 0.012).ConclusionsPatients with moderate MAVD are at higher risk of unfavourable clinical outcomes, and age and BNP are independently related to the occurrence of adverse events. High BNP levels may reflect extravalvular cardiac damage in patients with moderate MAVD.

Can B-Type Natriuretic Peptide (BNP) Levels Serve as an Early Predictor of Clinical Severity in Patients with COVID-19 Pneumonia?

COVID-19 has continued to aggressively spread and kill. The incidence of complications and associated mortality rates are high. Cardiac damage, which is related to survival, is one of these. The purpose of this study is to assess the role of BNP, a cardiac biomarker, in predicting mortality in COVID-19. This single-center, prospective observational study was performed from July to September 2020 in a tertiary university hospital designated for the treatment of COVID-19 patients. Patients whose diagnoses were confirmed with real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) tested nasopharyngeal swabs and with thoracic computed tomography (CT) findings compatible with COVID-19 pneumonia were included in the study. All clinical and laboratory data were obtained within the first 24 hours of hospital admission. To determine the risk of in-hospital death, patients were followed from admission until their discharge (1 to 15 days). The primary outcome was in-hospital death, defined as the case-fatality ratio. Among all biomarkers that were included in the multivariate analysis only high BNP levels was independently associated with mortality [Mean 1.012, 95% CI (1.005 - 1.02 pg/mL) (p = 0.002)]. Mortality was found to be significantly associated with older age and higher BNP, LDH, AST, HGB, PLT, ferritin, D-dimer, and CRP levels. In addition, mortality was found to be higher with longer duration of hospitalization (p = 0.041). Our fundamental goal for COVID-19 is to determine whether the hospitalized patients are in the mortality risk group at an early stage of disease. Adding measurement of BNP levels to routine laboratory tests for COVID-19 may be a practical approach to determine the patients with a high risk of mortality.

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.

Low triiodothyronine levels correlate with high B-type natriuretic peptide levels in patients with heart failure

Thyroid hormone metabolism can be closely associated with cardiovascular disorders. We examined the relationship between low triiodothyronine (T3) levels and heart failure status, including B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels, in 625 patients with cardiovascular disorders who underwent cardiac catheterization. A multiple regression analysis revealed that the left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), hemoglobin (Hb) levels, sex (male), free T3 (FT3) levels, and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) were significantly negatively associated with the log BNP value, while age was significantly positively associated with the log BNP value (P < 0.001 each). Furthermore, the log BNP and age were significantly negatively associated with the FT3 levels, while the Hb and body mass index (BMI) were significantly positively associated with the FT3 levels (P < 0.001 each). Theoretically constructed structure equation modeling (SEM) revealed an inverse association between FT3 and BNP (β = −0.125, P = 0.002), and the same relationship remained in the patient group with normal-range BNP values (β = −0.198, P = 0.008). We demonstrated a significant relationship between high BNP and low serum FT3 levels, and this relationship remained significant in patients with normal BNP levels. These results indicate that low T3 is associated with high plasma BNP levels rather than worsening of hemodynamics.

Serum microRNA-185 Levels and Myocardial Injury in Patients with Acute ST-segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction.

Objective Human microRNA-185 (miR-185) has been reported to act as a regulator of fibrosis and angiogenesis in cancer. However, miR-185 has not been investigated in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). We hypothesized that the changes in miR-185 levels in STEMI patients are related to the processes of myocardial healing and remodeling. Methods Between January 2011 and December 2013, 145 patients with STEMI (65.9±11.6 years old; 41 women) were enrolled. Initial and discharge serum samples collected from 20 patients with STEMI and mixed sera from 8 healthy controls were analyzed by a microarray. A quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) analysis of miR-185 was performed in all 145 patients. The correlation between the miR-185 levels and the clinical, laboratory, angiographic, and echocardiographic parameters was analyzed. Results The microarray analysis revealed a biphasic pattern in miR-185 levels, with an initial decrease followed by an increase at discharge. The miR-185 levels at discharge were significantly correlated with the troponin-I, CK-MB, and area under the curve of CK-MB levels. There was a positive correlation between the transforming growth factor-β and miR-185 levels at discharge (ρ=0.242, p=0.026). A high wall motion score index and a low ejection fraction, as measured by echocardiography, and high B-type natriuretic peptide level at one month after STEMI were related to high miR-185 levels. Conclusion Our results showed that elevated miR-185 levels at the late stage of STEMI were related to a large amount of myocardial injury and adverse remodeling.

A simple method of sarcopenia detection can predict adverse cardiovascular events in patients with abdominal obesity.

Although sarcopenic obesity is associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular events compared with obesity without sarcopenia, it is difficult to diagnose sarcopenia in daily clinical settings. Recently, a simple scoring system has been developed to identify sarcopenia patients based on three variables (age, hand grip strength, and calf circumference). However, the utility of this score for cardiovascular risk stratification in patients with abdominal obesity is unknown. We calculated the sarcopenia score in 262 patients with abdominal obesity, defined as a waist circumference ≥90 cm in women or ≥85 cm in men. The composite endpoint of this study was cardiovascular mortality, nonfatal myocardial infarction, stroke, unstable angina, and heart failure hospitalization. Of the 262 patients, 108 had a high sarcopenia score based on previously established criteria (≥105 in men and ≥120 in women). The patients with a high sarcopenia score had a significantly higher plasma level of B-type natriuretic peptide compared with those with a low sarcopenia score (median 56.7, interquartile range [28.2-142.9] vs. 37.9 [13.8-76.1] pg/mL; p < 0.0001). Kaplan-Meier curves revealed a significantly lower event-free survival rate in those with a high compared with a low sarcopenia score (log-rank test p = 0.001), even after adjustment for confounding factors using propensity score matching (log-rank test p = 0.009). Multivariate Cox proportional hazard analysis identified a high sarcopenia score (hazard ratio: 2.46; 95% confidence interval: 1.31-4.64, p = 0.005) as an independent predictor of the primary endpoints. The combination of a high sarcopenia score and low body mass index (<25 kg/m2) predicted a significantly higher risk of future adverse events (p = 0.005). Furthermore, patients with a high sarcopenia score and high B-type natriuretic peptide level (≥200 pg/mL) had the poorest prognosis (p < 0.0001). This simple screening test for sarcopenia can predict future adverse cardiovascular events in patients with abdominal obesity.

English

BACKGROUND Pulmonary hypertension (PH) and heart failure are common comorbidities in 20 – 30 % of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients with acute exacerbation. Similarities in signs and symptoms and lack of objective measures to stratify them at emergency department makes the management difficult. Echocardiography though useful requires specialised training. Hence, B-Type Natriuretic Peptide (BNP) is a simple test that can prognosticate the severity and can influence management in such patients. The purpose of the study was to estimate the significance of BNP during acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD) as an important marker of severity and to study its correlation with duration of hospital stay, place and mode of management in patients with severe and life-threatening exacerbation of COPD. METHODS This is a prospective longitudinal observational study conducted on 50 patients of severe and life-threatening COPD exacerbation admitted to General Medicine department of HSK hospital, Bagalkot and their outcomes were noted based on the BNP levels. RESULTS The study showed higher levels of BNP in patients admitted to ICU as compared to emergency ward (P = 0.001). Greater values among those on invasive mechanical ventilation vs. non-invasive ventilation (NIV). There was a positive correlation and statistical significance of BNP values with arterial blood gases (ABG) parameters like pulmonary hypertension (PH), partial pressure of carbondi-oxide (PaCO2), partial pressure of oxygen (PaO2), echo parameters like right ventricle (RV) diameter and pulmonary artery systolic pressure (PASP) and duration of hospital stay. CONCLUSIONS BNP is a simple, low cost and easily available blood test that can prognosticate oxygen requirement, mode of ventilation, place of management and can grade and reflect the severity in acute exacerbation of COPD. KEYWORDS AECOPD, BNP, Prognostic Marker, Outcome

Better Outcomes in Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension After Repair of Congenital Heart Disease, Compared With Idiopathic Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension

BackgroundPulmonary vascular changes in postoperative pulmonary artery hypertension (PAH) are similar to those seen in idiopathic PAH. Data are sparse on direct comparative midterm outcomes for these 2 high-risk populations. MethodsPatients with idiopathic or postoperative PAH referred to a large tertiary hospital between June 2005 and July 2019 were retrospectively evaluated. ResultsA total of 364 consecutive patients were studied, including 201 postoperative PAH patients and 163 patients with idiopathic PAH, with a median age of 18.7 (interquartile range 10.0, 31.5) and 7.3 (IQR: 2.9, 18.3) years, respectively. PAH-specific drugs were used in 77.7% of patients; 31.4% received combination therapy. Patients with idiopathic PAH had a shorter 6-mintue walk distance, lower percutaneous oxygen saturation, and higher B-type natriuretic peptide levels than those with postoperative PAH at diagnosis (all P < 0.001), During a median follow-up time of 3.4 (interquartile range: 2.1, 5.8) years, 56 patients (15.4%) died, and one underwent bilateral lung transplantation. Patients with postoperative PAH had better survival than those with idiopathic PAH, according to age (hazard ratio [HR] 0.128, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.07-0.22, P < 0.0001); Kaplan–Meier survival estimates at 5 years for idiopathic and postoperative PAH patients were 74.3% and 92.6%, respectively. Patients in New York Heart Association functional class III–IV had an over 4-fold increased risk of death (HR 4.85, 95% CI: 2.61-9.00, P < 0.0001). Patients < 18 years of age at idiopathic PAH diagnosis had a worse survival compared to adult patients (HR 6.90, 95% CI: 4.19-15.56, P = 0.040). ConclusionsPostoperative-PAH patients had better midterm survival compared to patients with idiopathic PAH. Mortality was significant in both PAH groups, reinforcing the need for early diagnosis and optimal individualized management to improve outcomes.

Unexpectedly Low Natriuretic Peptide Levels in Patients With Heart Failure

ObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to determine the frequency of unexpectedly low natriuretic peptide (NP) levels in a clinical population. BackgroundHigher NP concentrations are typically observed as a compensatory response to elevated cardiac wall stress. Under these conditions, low NP levels may be indicative of a “NP deficiency.” MethodsWe identified 3 clinical scenarios in which high B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels would be expected: 1) hospitalization for heart failure (HF); 2) abnormal cardiac structure or function; or 3) abnormal hemodynamics. In Vanderbilt’s electronic health record, 47,970 adult patients had BNP measurements. A total of 13,613 patients had at least 1 of the 3 conditions (hospitalized HF, n = 9,153; abnormal cardiac structure/function, n = 7,041; abnormal hemodynamics, n = 363). We quantified the frequency of low BNP levels. We performed whole exome sequencing of the NPPB gene in a subset of 9 patients. ResultsVery low BNP levels (<50 pg/ml) were observed in 4.9%, 14.0%, and 16.3% of patients with hospitalized HF, abnormal cardiac structure/function, or abnormal hemodynamics, respectively. A small proportion (0.1% to 1.1%) in each group had BNP levels below detection limits. Higher body mass index was the strongest predictor of unexpectedly low BNP. Exome sequencing did not reveal coding variation predicted to alter detection of BNP by clinical assays. ConclusionsA subset of patients with confirmed HF or cardiac dysfunction have unexpectedly low BNP levels. Obesity is the strongest correlate of unexpectedly low BNP levels. Our findings support the possible existence of NP deficiency, which may render some individuals more susceptible to volume or pressure overload.

Late gadolinium enhancement for re-worsening left ventricular ejection fraction in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy.

AimsThis study aimed to evaluate the clinical parameters including late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) of cardiovascular magnetic resonance to predict re‐worsening of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM).Methods and resultsWe included 138 patients with recent‐onset DCM who had an LVEF <45% and underwent LGE of cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging at diagnosis and echocardiography at the yearly follow‐up [median 6 (4–8.3) years]. Initial LVEF recovery was defined as LVEF increase >10% from baseline, resulting in LVEF ≧45% after treatment. The patients were divided into three groups: (i) improved (n = 83, 60%), defined as those with sustained LVEF ≧45%; (ii) re‐worsening (n = 39, 28%), those with >5% decrease and LVEF <45% after the initial LVEF recovery; and (iii) not‐improved (n = 16, 12%), those without initial LVEF recovery. The primary endpoint was a composite of hospitalization for heart failure or sudden cardiac death. In baseline, LGE was observed in 70 patients. The LGE area was significantly larger in the re‐worsening and not‐improved groups than that in the improved group (P < 0.001). Loess curves of long‐term LVEF trajectories showed that LVEF in the re‐worsening group increased in the first 2 years and slowly declined thereafter. Multivariate logistic regression analysis demonstrated that LGE area [odds ratio (OR) 1.09, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.03–1.16, P = 0.004], B‐type natriuretic peptide (OR 1.49, 95% CI 1.05–2.21, P = 0.030) level at the initial recovery, and LVEF (OR 0.91, 95% CI 0.86–0.97, P = 0.004) at the initial LVEF recovery were independent predictors of re‐worsening of LVEF. During a median follow‐up of 2273 (interquartile range: 1634–3191) days, the primary endpoint was observed in 31 (22%) patients. Univariate Cox proportional hazards analysis demonstrated that the risk of experiencing the primary event in the re‐worsening group was significantly higher (hazard ratio: 4.30, 95% CI 1.63–11.31, P = 0.003) than that in the improved group and was lower than that in the not‐improved group (hazard ratio: 0.33, 95% CI 0.15–0.72, P = 0.006).ConclusionsRe‐worsening of LVEF was observed in 28% of patients with recent‐onset DCM who showed an initial improvement in LVEF. High LGE burden, higher B‐type natriuretic peptide level, and lower LVEF at the initial LVEF recovery were independent predictors of re‐worsening of LVEF in patients with DCM. Careful observation is recommended for patients with a high risk for re‐worsening of LVEF, even in those with an initial LVEF recovery.

Abstract 15507: Trajectories of Point of Care B-type Natriuretic Peptide (bnp) and Its Role as a Predictor of All-cause Mortality Among Hiv and Non-hiv Heart Failure Patients in Uganda

Introduction: The usefulness of serial measurement of BNP to reduce hospitalization or mortality in patients with HIV and heartfailure is unknown. Hypothesis: We sought to describe changes in B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) and estimate the effect of HIV on BNP over a week of observation in an acute heart failure cohort of 40 HIV-infected adults (≥18 years) on antiretroviral therapy (ART) and 175 HIV-uninfected hospitalized patients in Uganda. Methods: We measured BNP using i-STAT BNP (Abbott point of care, Princeton, New Jersey) and compared changes by HIV serostatus, and evaluated BNP as a predictor of all-cause mortality at 30 days from hospitalization using multilevel mixed and competitive risk regression models respectively. Results: Overall HIV-infected participants had a higher mean BNP than HIV-uninfected counterparts. After initial declines in BNP in both groups between day 0 and day 3, BNP moderately increased among the HIV-infected on day 7 and continued to decline in the HIV-uninfected group. Each 1 pg/mL increase in baseline BNP from 400 pg/mL increased the risk of all-cause mortality within 30 days by 1% (adjusted standardized hazard ratio (aSHR) 1.01, 95%CI 1.01, 1.01). Other predictors of increased 30-day all-cause mortality included smoking (aSHR 1.99, 95%CI 1.04, 3.84), hypotension (aSHR 1.69, 95%CI 1.26, 2.26) and renal failure stage 3 (aSHR 2.06, 95%CI 1.34, 3.18), and renal failure stage 5 (aSHR 2.02, 95%CI 1.30, 3.13). We found a lower risk of 30-day all-cause mortality of 38% (95%CI 20%, 73%) for those receiving loop diuretics and 74% (95%CI 56%, 99%) for antiplatelet agents. Conclusions: Over a week of observation, HIV-infected people hospitalized with acute heart failure in Uganda have higher BNP levels than HIV-uninfected counterparts. Increases in BNP above the upper bound of the normal predicted heightened risk of all-cause mortality within 30 days of hospitalization.

Abstract 16921: Relationship Between Biomarkers and Different Types of Myocardial Fibrosis in Severe Aortic Valvular Heart Disease

Introduction: Aortic stenosis (AS) and aortic regurgitation (AR) patients develop both myocardial hypertrophia and fibrosis. B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) and troponin are biomarkers whose value in aortic valvular heart disease (VHD) remains controversial. Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging can detect replacement myocardial fibrosis (MF) by using late gadolinium enhancement (LGE), and diffuse MF by using extracellular volume (ECV) based measures (relative - ECV fraction - and absolute - indexed ECV) calculated from T1 mapping. Data evaluating the relationship of these biomarkers with both types of MF are scarce in AS, and are missing in AR patients. Hypothesis: There is an association between preoperative BNP and troponin and preoperative MF measures in severe aortic VHD patients. Methods: Patients with isolated severe AS or AR were prospectively recruited to be submitted to CMR before surgery, including LGE and ECV measures quantifications. They also collected blood samples for quantification of BNP and high sensitivity T troponin. The relationship between biomarkers and MF parameters was evaluated using linear regression and nonparametric conventional tests. Results: The study population included 99 patients, 67 with AS and 32 with AR. BNP median was 63 (39-103) pg/mL and troponin median was 17 (5-34) ng/L, no difference between AS and AR (p=0.31 and p=0.88, respectively). BNP and troponin were associated with presence of LGE. BNP median was 47 (32-87) pg/mL without LGE vs. 87 (47-190) pg/mL with LGE (p=0.002). Troponin median was 13 (5-25) ng/L without LGE vs. 30 (10-71) ng/L with LGE (p=0.001). Regarding ECV measures, patients with ECV fraction higher than 28.25% had higher BNP levels (p&lt;0.001) and patients with indexed ECV higher than 24.21mL/m 2 had higher troponin levels (p=0.015) (Figure 1). Conclusions: BNP and troponin are associated with quantity of MF in patients with severe aortic VHD with indication of intervention.

Prognostic Impact of B-Type Natriuretic Peptide on Long-Term Clinical Outcomes in Patients with Non-ST-Segment Elevation Acute Myocardial Infarction Without Creatine Kinase Elevation.

Although B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) has gradually gained recognition as an indicator in risk stratification for patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI), the prognostic impact on long-term clinical outcomes in patients with non-ST-segment elevation acute myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) without creatine kinase (CK) elevation remains unclear.This prospective multicenter study assessed 3,283 consecutive patients with AMI admitted to 28 institutions in Japan between 2012 and 2014. We analyzed 218 patients with NSTEMI without CK elevation (NSTEMI-CK) for whom BNP was available. In the NSTEMI-CK group, patients were assigned to high- and low-BNP groups according to BNP values (cut-off BNP, 100 pg/mL). The primary endpoint was defined as a composite of all-cause death, non-fatal myocardial infarction, non-fatal stroke, cardiac failure, and urgent revascularization for unstable angina up to 3 years. Primary endpoints were observed in 60 (33.3%) events among patients with NSTEMI-CK. Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed a significantly higher event rate for primary endpoints among patients with high BNP (log-rank P < 0.001). After adjusting for covariates, a higher BNP level was significantly associated with long-term clinical outcomes in NSTEMI-CK (adjusted hazard ratio, 4.86; 95% confidence interval, 2.18-12.44; P < 0.001).The BNP concentration is associated with adverse long-term clinical outcomes among patients with NSTEMI-CK who are considered low risk. Careful clinical management may be warranted for secondary prevention in patients with NSTEMI-CK with high BNP levels.

B-type natriuretic peptide is associated with post-discharge stroke in hospitalized patients with heart failure.

AimsRecently, B‐type natriuretic peptide (BNP) has been attracting attention as a predictor of stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation or those with prior stroke experience. However, the association between BNP and stroke has not been examined in patients with chronic heart failure (CHF). In the current study, we assessed whether BNP is associated with future occurrence of stroke in patients with CHF.Methods and resultsWe prospectively studied 1803 consecutive patients who were admitted for decompensated HF and assessed the predictive value of circulating BNP levels for occurrence of post‐discharge stroke.A total of 69 (3.8%) patients experienced a stroke (the stroke group) during the post‐discharge follow‐up period of a median of 1150 days. The stroke group showed a higher CHADS2 score. With respect to past medical history, the stroke group had a higher prevalence of arterial hypertension, atrial fibrillation, prior stroke, and chronic kidney disease. Echocardiographic parameters showed no significant differences between the two groups. In contrast, BNP levels were significantly higher in the stroke group than in the non‐stroke group (452.1 vs. 222.7 pg/mL, P < 0.001). Multivariate Cox proportional hazard analysis indicated that BNP levels were independently associated with post‐discharge stroke (hazard ratio 2.636, 95% confidence interval 1.595–4.357, P < 0.001). The survival classification and regression tree analysis revealed that the accurate cut‐off point of BNP in predicting post‐discharge stroke was 187.7 pg/mL. We added high BNP level (BNP ≥ 180 pg/mL) as one point to CHADS2 score. The BNP‐added CHADS2 score was compared with CHADS2 score alone by using c‐statistics. The areas under the curve of CHADS2 score, BNP, and BNP‐added CHADS2 score were 0.698, 0.616, and 0.723, respectively. The predictive value of BNP‐added CHADS2 score was higher compared with those of CHADS2 score (P = 0.026).ConclusionsThe assessment of BNP may predict the occurrence of stroke in CHF patients used alone or in combination with established CHADS2 score.

B-type natriuretic peptide and outcome in patients with apical hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

BackgroundAlthough elevated B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels predict outcome in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), the association between BNP levels and outcome in patients with the apical phenotype of HCM remains unclear. We evaluated the impact of elevated BNP levels on outcome in a cohort of apical HCM patients. MethodsAmong 432 HCM patients, 144 with an apical phenotype were examined. Plasma BNP levels were measured at the time of the initial evaluation. ResultsThe median (interquartile range) BNP level at initial evaluation in these patients was 188.5 (72.0–334.4) pg/mL. During a median follow-up period of 9.5 years, 34 patients experienced HCM-related adverse outcomes, including 2 patients with sudden death, 5 with appropriate implantable defibrillator shocks, 3 with stroke-related death, 8 with non-fatal stroke, and 16 with heart failure hospitalization. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis of the prognostic value of BNP for the combined endpoint gave an area under the ROC curve of 0.756, and optimal BNP cut-off point of 226.0pg/mL. Patients with high BNP levels (≥226.0pg/mL) were at significantly greater risk of the combined endpoint (log-rank p<0.001) than patients with low BNP levels. Multivariable analysis that included BNP levels and potential confounders showed that high BNP levels were an independent determinant of the combined endpoint (adjusted hazard ratio: 3.71; p=0.002). ConclusionsMeasuring BNP may help stratify the risk of HCM-related adverse outcome in apical HCM patients.

Brecha de sexo en la miocardiopatía hipertrófica

Introduction and objectivesKey sex differences have been explored in multiple cardiac conditions. However, sex impact in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy outcome is unclear. We aimed to characterize sex impact in overall and cardiovascular (CV) mortality in a nationwide hypertrophic cardiomyopathy registry. MethodsWe analyzed 1042 adult patients, 429 (41%) women, from a national registry of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, with mean age at diagnosis 53±16 years and a mean follow-up of 65±75 months. At baseline, women were older (56±16 vs 51±15 years; P <.001), more symptomatic (56.4%, vs 51.7%; P <.001) and had more heart failure (42.0% vs 24.2%. P <.001), diastolic dysfunction (75.2% vs 64.1% P=.001), moderate/severe mitral regurgitation (33.4% vs 21.7%; P=.003), and higher B-type natriuretic peptide levels (920 [366-2412] mg/dL vs 487 [170-1087] mg/dL; P <.001). Women underwent fewer stress tests and cardiac magnetic resonance. ResultsKaplan-Meier survival curves showed higher overall (8.4% vs 5.0%; P=.026) and CV mortality (5.5% vs 2.2%; P=.004) in women. Cox proportional hazard regression showed that female sex was an independent predictor of overall (HR, 2.05; 95%CI, 1.11–3.78; P=.021) and CV mortality (HR, 3.16; 95%CI, 1.25–7.99; P=.015). Women had more heart failure-related death (2.6% vs 0.8%, P=.024). Despite similar sudden cardiac death (SCD) risk, women received fewer implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (10.9% vs 15.6%; P=.032) and, in patients without cardioverter-defibrillators, SCD occurred more commonly in women (1.8% vs 0.4%; P=.031). ConclusionsIn this nationwide registry, female sex was an independent predictor of overall and CV-related death, with more heart failure-related death. Despite similar SCD risk, women were undertreated with implantable cardioverter-defibrillators. These data highlight the need for an improved clinical approach in women with HCM.

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning In Children: Which Cases Should Receive Advanced Cardiologic Evaluation?

Aim: This study aimed to determine the relationship between carboxy-hemoglobin (COHb) and neurological and cardiac effects in patients admitted to our pediatric emergency department with CO poisoning and identify the patients who require advanced cardiologic evaluation. Materials and methods: Between January 2013 and January 2016, 412 children with carbon monoxide poisoning admitted to our hospital were evaluated retrospectively. Results: The incidence of COHb, lactate, CK-MB (creatinine kinase-myocardial band), troponin I and BNP (B-type natriuretic peptide) levels were higher in patients with who had altered state of consciousness (p < 0.001, p < 0.001, p < 0.001, p < 0.001, p < 0.001, respectively). Hypotension was found in 8 (27.6%) of 29 (7%) patients with a Glasgow coma scale (GCS) score of 14 and below. BNP and troponin I levels were found to be high in patients with hypotension. For cardiac involvement, the sensitivity and specificity of COHb 20.1% value were 50.0% and 72.4%, respectively; and lactate at 2.95 mmol/L had a sensitivity and specificity value of 41.2% and 82.4% respectively. Conclusion: High BNP levels may be useful in determining the severity of intoxication in patients with altered state of consciousness. Cardiological evaluation should be performed in patients with a GCS score of 14 or lower or hypotension. Key words: Child, carbon monoxide, cardiac finding, neurological finding Special Issue of Health Sciences DOI: 10.7176/JSTR/6-03-29

The sex gap in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

Introduction and objectivesKey sex differences have been explored in multiple cardiac conditions. However, sex impact in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy outcome is unclear. We aimed to characterize sex impact in overall and cardiovascular (CV) mortality in a nationwide hypertrophic cardiomyopathy registry. MethodsWe analyzed 1042 adult patients, 429 (41%) women, from a national registry of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, with mean age at diagnosis 53±16 years and a mean follow-up of 65±75 months. At baseline, women were older (56±16 vs 51±15 years; P <.001), more symptomatic (56.4%, vs 51.7%; P <.001) and had more heart failure (42.0% vs 24.2%. P <.001), diastolic dysfunction (75.2% vs 64.1% P=.001), moderate/severe mitral regurgitation (33.4% vs 21.7%; P=.003), and higher B-type natriuretic peptide levels (920 [366-2412] mg/dL vs 487 [170-1087] mg/dL; P <.001). Women underwent fewer stress tests and cardiac magnetic resonance. ResultsKaplan-Meier survival curves showed higher overall (8.4% vs 5.0%; P=.026) and CV mortality (5.5% vs 2.2%; P=.004) in women. Cox proportional hazard regression showed that female sex was an independent predictor of overall (HR, 2.05; 95%CI, 1.11–3.78; P=.021) and CV mortality (HR, 3.16; 95%CI, 1.25–7.99; P=.015). Women had more heart failure-related death (2.6% vs 0.8%, P=.024). Despite similar sudden cardiac death (SCD) risk, women received fewer implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (10.9% vs 15.6%; P=.032) and, in patients without cardioverter-defibrillators, SCD occurred more commonly in women (1.8% vs 0.4%; P=.031). ConclusionsIn this nationwide registry, female sex was an independent predictor of overall and CV-related death, with more heart failure-related death. Despite similar SCD risk, women were undertreated with implantable cardioverter-defibrillators. These data highlight the need for an improved clinical approach in women with HCM.

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.

Clinical findings of gadolinium-enhanced cardiac magnetic resonance in Fabry patients

BackgroundFabry disease is one of the causes of left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) and can be treated with enzyme replacement therapy or pharmacological chaperone therapy. Late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) in cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) can identify myocardial fibrosis and be used for the stratification in LVH. However, the details of the prevalence and characteristics of LGE in Japanese Fabry patients have not been reported. MethodsWe evaluated myocardial involvement in 26 Fabry patients (10 males, 16 females) using gadolinium-enhanced CMR. LGE areas were analyzed using the previously reported scoring method. Echocardiography was also performed to evaluate the left ventricular function and left ventricular mass. ResultsLGE on CMR images was positive in 5 out of 26 patients, and all patients with LGE-positive findings suffered from LVH (2 out of 5 male patients and 3 out of 4 female patients with LVH on echocardiography). LGE was specifically localized at the mid-wall in the infero-lateral area of the left ventricle. LGE-positive patients seemed to be older, and tended to have a larger left ventricular mass index and higher B-type natriuretic peptide level than LGE-negative patients. ConclusionsThese results revealed that specific localization of LGE was present in Fabry patients.