NT-proBNP Research Articles

Post-acute COVID-19 syndrome: prevalence of peripheral microvascular endothelial dysfunction and associations with NT-proBNP dynamics

BackgroundPost-acute COVID-19 syndrome (PACS) has been linked to microvascular endothelial dysfunction as a potential underlying pathomechanism and can manifest even following a mild course of the initial infection. Prevalence of microvascular endothelial dysfunction and circulating natriuretic peptides in such PACS patients remains unknown. Methods and resultsThis prospective, cross-sectional cohort study enrolled 92 patients (82% females, median age 48 years) with PACS. Reactive hyperemia index (RHI) was evaluated with peripheral arterial tonometry where <1.67 was defined as microvascular endothelial dysfunction, 1.67-2.0 impaired- and >2 normal endothelial function, on average 31 months after the acute infection. N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) levels were collected at two different time points within over 1-year span. In total, 41% of PACS subjects had microvascular endothelial dysfunction and 20% had impaired RHI. No major differences in clinical characteristics, routine chemistry laboratory testing or symptom burden were observed across the groups. Only subjects with microvascular endothelial dysfunction and impaired endothelial function had a significant increase in NT-proBNP levels over time and those with larger increase in NT-proBNP had significantly lower RHI. There was a significant correlation between relative or absolute increase in NT-proBNP and RHI, which remained significant in a multivariable adjusted linear regression. ConclusionsPeripheral microvascular endothelial dysfunction was prevalent in a symptomatic PACS population long after recovery from a mild acute infection. Increases in NT-proBNP levels were associated with microvascular endothelial dysfunction, suggesting a link between and providing a foundation for future studies on post viral microvascular endothelial dysfunction in PACS.

Correlation Analysis of Activity Levels and Risk Factors in Patients with Stroke: Variations in Cardiac Function According to the Longshi Scale.

This study examined the link between physical activity levels, as measured by the Longshi Scale, and cardiac function and N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) levels in stroke patients, aiming to find correlations with stroke risk factors. The study involved 123 apoplexy patients divided into four groups based on the Longshi Scale: bedridden (31), domestic (32), community (30), and health (30). Clinical data was collected, and hemodynamic assessments were performed using impedance cardiography. Cardiac output time index (CTI) and estimated ejection fraction (EF est) were significantly reduced in both the domestic and community groups compared to the health group (P < 0.05), while diastolic arterial blood pressure (DABP) and systemic vascular resistance index (SVRi) were increased. In the bedridden group, stroke volume (SV), cardiac output (CO), CTI, left cardiac work index (LCWi), and EF est were all lower compared to the health group (P < 0.05), with SVRI and NT-proBNP levels being higher. Additionally, the bedridden group exhibited lower SV, CO, DABP, LCWi, CTI, and EF est when compared to the domestic and community groups (P < 0.05), but higher end-diastolic filling rate (EDFR) and NT-proBNP levels. The Longshi Scale grading positively correlated with SV (r = 0.536, P < 0.01), and NT-proBNP, EF, and cognitive dysfunction were found to be associated with activity levels in stroke patients. The Longshi Scale correlates with cardiac function indicators like NT-proBNP and EF, and can help identify stroke patients at risk of cardiac dysfunction. Moreover, cognitive dysfunction was identified as a significant factor influencing the range of activity in patients with stroke.

Use of artificial intelligence-powered ECG to differentiate between cardiac and pulmonary pathologies in patients with acute dyspnoea in the emergency department

BackgroundAcute dyspnoea is common in acute care settings. However, identifying the origin of dyspnoea in the emergency department (ED) is often challenging. We aimed to investigate whether our artificial intelligence...

Luteinizing hormone is independently associated with high-sensitive cardiac troponin T elevation in postmenopausal T2DM patients: A cross-sectional study.

It is known that the risk of ischemic heart disease increases in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). For female patients, the incidence of heart disease can be even greater after menopause, accompanied by dramatic changes in sex hormones. We investigated the correlations between sex hormones and markers of ischemic heart diseases in postmenopausal females with T2DM patients. This cross-sectional study collected data from 324 hospitalized postmenopausal females with T2DM. Multiple linear regression analyses were conducted to determine the correlations between sex hormones and cardiac markers including high-sensitive cardiac troponin T (hs-cTnT) and N-terminal prohormone of brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) levels. Multiple linear regression analyses revealed that luteinizing hormone (LH) was positively and independently associated with hs-cTnT concentrations in postmenopausal females with T2DM (β = 0.189, p = 0.002). Postmenopausal females with T2DM and subclinical myocardial injury had higher LH levels than those without subclinical myocardial injury (29.67 vs. 25.08 mIU/mL, p < 0.001). A multivariate logistic regression analysis confirmed an independent and significant association between elevated LH and subclinical myocardial injury in postmenopausal females with T2DM (adjusted odds ratio [OR] = 1.077, 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.033-1.124; p < 0.001). As another gonadotropin, the follicle-stimulating hormone did not show independent correlations with hs-cTnT or NT-proBNP (p > 0.05). Neither estrogen nor testosterone was correlated with cardiac markers. Elevated LH levels were positively and independently associated with increased hs-cTnT levels in postmenopausal women with T2DM. Our findings suggest that LH could serve as a potential marker for assessing the risk of subclinical myocardial injury in postmenopausal females with T2DM.

Development of an Extended Cardiovascular SOFA Score Component Reflecting Cardiac Dysfunction with Improved Survival Prediction in Sepsis: An Exploratory Analysis in the Sepsis and Elevated Troponin (SET) Study.

The cardiovascular component of the Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score does not correspond with contemporary clinical practice in sepsis or identify impaired cardiac function. Our aim was to develop a modified cardiovascular SOFA component that reflects cardiac dysfunction and improves the SOFA score's 30-day mortality discrimination. A cohort of sepsis patients from a previous study was divided into a training (n = 250) and test cohort (n = 253). Nine widely available measures of cardiovascular function were screened for association with 30-day mortality using natural cubic spline. High-sensitivity cardiac troponin T (hs-cTnT), N-terminal pro B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) and heart rate (HR) were transformed into ordinal variables (0-4 points). The presence of atrial fibrillation (AF) was assigned two points. The SOFA score was extended by adding the variable points in different weights and combinations. The best-performing cardiac-extended model (CE-SOFA) was evaluated in the test cohort. Improved prognostic discrimination and calibration were assessed using logistic regression, area under receiver operating characteristic curves (AUC), Net Reclassification Improvement (NRI) index, and DeLong and Hoshmer-Lemeshow tests. In the training cohort, all differently weighted and combined models using hs-cTnT, NT-proBNP and AF points added to the SOFA score showed improved discriminative ability (AUC 0.67-0.75) compared to the SOFA score (AUC 0.62; NRI P < .001; DeLong P ≤ .001). In the test cohort, CE-SOFA demonstrated improved 30-day mortality discrimination compared to the SOFA score (AUC 0.72 vs 0.68), exhibiting good calibration and significantly improved discrimination using the NRI index (P = .009) but not the DeLong test (P = .142). The CE-SOFA model reflects cardiac dysfunction and improves 30-day mortality discrimination in sepsis. External validation is the next step to further substantiate a revised cardiovascular component in a future SOFA 2.0.

Assessment of Left Ventricular Functional Impairment in Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease Using Three-Dimensional Speckle Tracking Imaging.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is strongly linked to the incidence and mortality of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), with left ventricular myocardial damage being the most prevalent. This study aimed to assess left ventricle (LV) dysfunction using three-dimensional speckle tracking imaging (3D-STI) in CKD patients. A total of 110 CKD patients and 55 healthy volunteers underwent echocardiography. CKD patients were divided into CKD1 group and CKD2 group based on the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). Assessing cardiac function via two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography (2D-STE) and three-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography (3D-STE) parameters, with strain presented in absolute terms. Collecting and comparing clinical and echocardiographic parameters from three groups, assessing 3D-STI's value in evaluating LV functional impairment in CKD patients via correlation and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analyses, and identifying risk factors for CKD progression to end-stage renal disease (ESRD) through univariate and multivariate analyses. In CKD2 group, 2D-left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), 3D-LVEF, 2D left ventricular global longitudinal strain (2D-LVGLS), 3D-LVGLS, and 3D-left ventricular global circumferential peak strain (LVGCS) significantly worsen compared to the control and CKD1 groups, with statistically significant distinctions between the latter two (all p < 0.05). The absolute value of 3D-LVGLS shows a robust correlation with N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) and serum creatinine (Scr) (r = -0.598, -0.649, both p < 0.001). ROC curve analysis indicates higher diagnostic efficacy of 3D-LVGLS and 3D-LVGCS for LV systolic function than 2D-LVGLS. Univariate and multivariate analyses reveal an independent association of 3D-LVGLS with the progression to ESRD in CKD. 3D-LVGLS and 3D-LVGCS effectively detect LV dysfunction in CKD patients. Specifically, 3D-LVGLS demonstrates a robust correlation with NT-proBNP and Scr and is independently linked to CKD progressing to ESRD.

Depressive symptomatology, NT-proBNP levels and health status in patients with heart failure: a prospective observational study

BackgroundDepressive symptoms frequently occur in patients with heart failure (HF). However, research on the relationship between these symptoms and N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), a key biomarker for HF severity...

Evaluation of potential novel biomarkers for feline hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is the most common cardiomyopathy in cats. The diagnosis can be difficult, requiring advanced echocardiographic skills. Additionally, circulating biomarkers (N-terminal pro-B type natriuretic peptide and cardiac troponin I) have several limitations when used for HCM screening. In previous work, we identified interleukin 18 (IL-18), insulin-like growth factor binding protein 2 (IGFBP-2), brain-type glycogen phosphorylase B (PYGB), and WNT Family Member 5 A (WNT5A) as myocardial genes that show significant differential expression between cats with HCM and healthy cats. The products of these genes are released into the circulation, and we hypothesized that IL-18, IGFBP-2, PYGB, and WNT5A serum RNA and protein concentrations differ between healthy cats, cats with subclinical HCM, and those with HCM and congestive heart failure (HCM + CHF).Reverse transcriptase quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RTqPCR) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) were applied to evaluate gene and protein expression, respectively, in the serum of eight healthy controls, eight cats with subclinical HCM, and six cats with HCM + CHF. Serum IGFBP-2 RNA concentrations were significantly different among groups and were highest in cats with subclinical HCM. Compared to healthy controls, serum IL-18 and WNT5A gene expression were significantly higher in cats with HCM + CHF, and WNT5A was higher in cats with subclinical HCM. No differences were observed for PYGB.These results indicate that further investigation via large scale clinical studies for IGFBP-2, WNT5A, and IL-18 may be valuable in diagnosing and staging feline HCM.

Comparison of Plasma B-type Natriuretic Peptide (BNP) Levels, N-terminal Pro B-Type Natriuretic Peptide (NT-proBNP) Levels, and the NT-proBNP-to-BNP Ratio in Patients with CKD

Comparison of Plasma B-type Natriuretic Peptide (BNP) Levels, N-terminal Pro B-Type Natriuretic Peptide (NT-proBNP) Levels, and the NT-proBNP-to-BNP Ratio in Patients with CKD

Atrial Cardiomyopathy Predicts the Functional Outcome and Mortality in Stroke Patients.

Atrial cardiomyopathy (ACM) is characterized by atrial dysfunction. This study aims to assess the prognostic significance of ACM in patients with noncardioembolic stroke (NCS). Patients with NCS within seven days of onset were prospectively enrolled between January 2019 and December 2020. ACM was defined as either an N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-pro BNP) ＞250 pg/ml or a P-terminal force in precordial lead V1 (PTFV1) ≥ 5000µV·ms. A poor functional outcome was determined as a score of 3-6 on the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) within a 2-year follow-up period. Logistic regression and Cox regression analyses were employed to examine the relationship between ACM and the long-term prognosis of patients with NCS. A total of 1,346 patients were enrolled, of whom 299 (22.2%) patients were diagnosed with ACM. A total of 207(15.4%) patients experienced a poor functional outcome, and 58 (4.3%) patients died. A multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that ACM was significantly associated with a poor functional outcome in NCS patients [adjusted odds ratio (aOR): 2.01; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.42-2.87; p＜0.001]. Additionally, a multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that an NT-pro BNP ＞250 pg/ml was significantly associated with an increased risk of all-cause mortality [adjusted hazard ratio (aHR), 2.51; 95% CI: 1.42-4.43; p=0.001]. ACM may serve as a novel predictor of a poor long-term functional outcome in patients with NCS. Elevated NT-pro BNP levels (＞250 pg/ml) were found to be associated with a higher risk of all-cause mortality. These findings warrant further validation in multicenter studies.

Prevalence of Cardiac Amyloidosis Among Elderly Patients With Recent-Onset Atrial Fibrillation: The PREVAL-ATTR Study

BackgroundTransthyretin cardiac amyloidosis (ATTR-CA) is increasingly recognized as a treatable form of heart failure. Atrial fibrillation (AF) is common in patients with ATTR-CA. Whether recent-onset AF can be used as an early marker to identify patients with ATTR-CA has not been elucidated. MethodsThis was a prospective study conducted at 3 Spanish centres. ATTR-CA noninvasive screening was offered to patients ≥ 65 years of age recently diagnosed (< 1 year) with nonvalvular AF and who had ≥ 1 echocardiographic, electrocardiographic, or clinical sign suggestive of ATTR-CA. ResultsA total of 121 patients were included (75% male, mean age 77 ± 7 years). Ten patients (8.3%; 95% confidence interval [CI],4-14.7%), were diagnosed with cardiac amyloidosis (CA): 5 with definite wild-type ATTR-CA (ATTRwt), 4 with likely ATTRwt, and 1 with undetermined CA. Compared with patients without CA, patients with CA were older (84 ± 4 vs 76 ± 7 years; P < 0.001), more frequently men (90% vs 59%; P = 0.047), presented higher median N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NTproBNP) (3800 pg/L, interquartile range [IQR]:1682-6101 vs 1048 pg/mL, IQR: 427-3154; P = 0.017) and higher left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) (14 mm, IQR: 13-17 vs 12 mm, IQR: 12-13; P = 0.003). Patients with CA also showed higher rate of permanent AF (90% vs 49.5%; P = 0.018) and a greater need for pacemaker implantation during follow-up (30% vs 7.3%; P = 0.049). No differences in mortality were observed between patients with and without CA after a median follow-up of 13 months (IQR: 11-16 months). ConclusionsRoutine DPD scanning in elderly patients with recent-onset AF, LVH and an additional red flag may help to identify patients with ATTR-CA. However, larger studies evaluating this strategy in more diverse clinical settings would be required.

Impact of educational intervention and pedometer-based self-monitoring on physical activity levels in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension.

Appropriate levels of physical activity (PhA) provide health benefits to patients with chronic diseases, including patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). In this study, we examined the effect of physicians' PhA recommendations on PhA, and the benefits and effectiveness of PhA self-monitoring using a pedometer for PAH patients. A prospective clinical trial was performed from 22 April 2021, with consecutive PAH outpatients in stable condition at least three months prior to the study. Each patient was educated about the benefits of PhA in PAH during the initial visit. Patients wore pedometers (Omron HJ-321-E) for 2 weeks. After PhA assessment, the patients were contacted by a physician by phone. Patients who walked <5,000 steps per day (inactive group) were recommended to increase their PhA, and patients who walked ≥5,000 steps per day (active group) were recommended to maintain this level of PhA. Patients wore pedometers for 3 months. The primary endpoint was the number of steps taken after 12 weeks of the study. The secondary endpoints were the 6-minute walk distance (6MWD), quality of life (QoL) (36-Item Short-Form Health Survey), and anxiety and depression levels. The study included 41 PAH patients aged 45.9±11.9 years, with 32 (78%) of them women. Initially, 18 (44%) patients were in the inactive group (2-week mean: 3,318±1,185 steps/day) while 23 (56%) patients were in the active group (2-week mean: 7,647±1,991 steps/day). The entire study group showed an insignificant decrease in their PhA from 5,203 [interquartile range (IQR), 3,787-7,387] to 4,672 (IQR, 3,821-7,201) steps per day (P=0.57). Patients in the inactive group showed an insignificant increase in their PhA after 12 weeks [increase in the average number of steps per day by 104 (IQR, -244 to 1,007), P=0.52], while patients in the active group showed an insignificant trend towards PhA reduction [change in average daily steps: -815 (IQR, -1,400 to 580), P=0.37]. There were no differences at week 12 in the 6MWD, N-terminal-pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) level, QoL, or levels of anxiety and depression, all P values >0.05. Education, a simple recommendation about PhA, and self-monitoring with a pedometer are insufficient to achieve intervention in PAH patients. Additional methods of motivating and supervising these patients are necessary.

The Management Outcome of Heart Failure Reduced Ejection Fraction with or without Angiotensin Receptor Neprilysin Inhibitor

INTRODUCTION: Heart failure is associated with recurrent admission, higher mortality and low quality of life. Angiotensin receptor neprilysin inhibitor (ARNI) is a novel agent that has been used for treating heart failure reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) patients. Thus, it is interesting to evaluate the effect of ARNI on the reverse cardiac remodelling, rehospitalization, cardiac biomarker and quality of life in HFrEF patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A case controlled study was conducted to assess the treatment outcome of HFrEF with or without ARNI. During the study, the patients’ basic demography, co-morbidities, baseline echocardiography (ECHO) findings, NYHA classification, NT-pro BNP levels and KCCQ score were evaluated. The patients’ admission history within 90 days from initiation of ARNI or non ARNI were obtained retrospectively. A follow up ECHO was obtained after at least 3 months of intervention. RESULTS: A total of 81 patients were recruited in which 54 patients were on ARNI and 27 were on non ARNI treatment. There was a statistically significant improvement of ejection fraction, left ventricular internal diameter end diastole and systole, and left ventricular end-systolic volume in ARNI group. The NYHA class was also noted to improve after ARNI treatment. The NT-proBNP value was lower whereas the KCCQ score was higher in ARNI group compared to non ARNI group. CONCLUSION: HFrEF patients with ARNI treatment had better reverse cardiac remodelling effect, cardiac biomarker and quality of life compared to non ARNI treatment. Furthermore, patient received ARNI demonstrated improved heart failure classification after treatment

Efficacy, Safety and Mechanistic Impact of a Heart Failure Guideline-Directed Medical Therapy Clinic

BackgroundAlthough clinical evidence supports rapid institution of guideline-directed medical therapy (GDMT) for heart failure (HF), in actual practice, there remain large gaps in adherence to guideline recommendations. Recent data support safety and efficacy of rapid GDMT implementation; however, rapid GDMT deployment within a general cardiology environment remains unexplored. ObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a GDMT clinic within a general cardiology practice relative to usual care, the impact on prescription of GDMT, HF symptoms, N-terminal pro–B-type natriuretic peptide concentrations and echocardiographic parameters of remodeling. MethodsIndividuals with HF with an abnormal ejection fraction (<50%) referred to the GDMT clinic underwent rapid GDMT titration with close monitoring of clinical data. Rates of GDMT prescription were compared with a matched reference group. Patients underwent echocardiography at baseline and after GDMT clinic completion. ResultsA total of 114 persons were treated in GDMT clinic. The mean age was 67.6 ± 14.6 years, and 32 (28%) were women. Among those referred, 100 (87.7%) had no contraindications for 4-drug GDMT. From baseline to clinic completion (median 15.8 weeks [Q1-Q3: 10.7-23.0 weeks]), patients without medication contraindications experienced significant increases in 4-drug GDMT use (from 21% to 88%; P < 0.001); of 4-drug GDMT recipients, 92% received angiotensin receptor neprilysin inhibitor. GDMT clinic participants achieved higher medication doses than those in usual care, with greater achievement of ≥50% target dose of angiotensin receptor neprilysin inhibitor (52% vs 8%), beta-blocker (78% vs 6.2%), mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist (98% vs 15.6%), and sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (92% vs 6.2%). Target doses of all 4 drugs were reached in nearly 1 in 4 participants. HF symptoms improved (94% to 75% NYHA functional class II/III; P < 0.001) and N-terminal pro–B-type natriuretic peptide concentration decreased (median 587 to 534 ng/L; P = 0.03) despite loop diuretic reduction. Additionally, we observed an absolute 6% LVEF increase (from 37% [Q1-Q3: 31%-41%] to 43% [Q1-Q3: 38%-53%]; P < 0.001) and substantial decrease in moderate or severe mitral regurgitation. GDMT titration was well-tolerated. ConclusionsRapid GDMT implementation via an outpatient GDMT clinic was effective, safe, and associated with improvement in key clinical parameters. The more widespread role of GDMT clinics to improve HF care warrants further study.

The transition from hypertension to hypertensive heart disease and heart failure with preserved ejection fraction: a retrospective cross-sectional study of myocardial magnetic resonance strain and tissue characteristics.

Due to the variability of symptoms and signs associated with heart failure, along with the lack of specific tests for definitive diagnosis, the noninvasive diagnosis of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) continues to pose significant clinical challenges. This investigation was designed to elucidate the clinical manifestations of HFpEF and to analyze cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR)-derived myocardial strain metrics and tissue characteristics in a cohort exhibiting HFpEF with hypertension (HFpEF-HTN). This retrospective analysis consisted of 128 patients diagnosed HFpEF-HTN, 78 individuals with hypertensive heart disease (HHD), 89 individuals with hypertension (HTN), and 60 normotensive healthy controls and was conducted from August 2021 to February 2024. All participants were recruited from The First Hospital of Lanzhou Universityand underwent laboratory examinations and 3.0 T CMR. The study compared clinical features and CMR-derived structural and functional parameters across different groups. Logistic regression was employed to determine the association between CMR parameters and HFpEF-HTN. Spearman correlation coefficient analysis was used to clarify the relationship between myocardial strain parameters and left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction and right ventricular (RV) ejection fraction. Additionally, the area under the curve (AUC) from receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was used to compare the diagnostic performance of different CMR parameters for HFpEF-HTN. Patients diagnosed with (HFpEF-HTN) were characterized by an older demographic profile, a higher prevalence of smoking history, elevated systolic and diastolic blood pressure, increased levels of N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide, and more advanced New York Heart Association functional class as compared to other studied groups. In terms of myocardial deformation, individuals with HFpEF-HTN exhibited pronounced impairments in both LV and RV function, as evidenced by significantly reduced longitudinal strain (LS), circumferential strain (CS), and radial strain (RS), relative to HTN, HHD, the control cohorts (all P values <0.001). Patients with HFpEF-HTN showed significantly elevated levels of late gadolinium enhancement, native T1, and extracellular volume fraction (ECV) indicative of myocardial interstitial fibrosis as compared to patients with HHD. Additionally, as compared to ECV, LV GCS emerged as a superior diagnostic indicator, demonstrating greater diagnostic accuracy in differentiating HFpEF-HTN patients from those with HHD (AUC =0.85; P<0.001). Moreover, LVEF showed a mild correlation with CMR-derived LV GLS (R=-0.43; P<0.001), LV GCS (R=-0.42; P<0.001), and LV GRS, (R=0.56; P<0.001) in all patients. Myocardial strain, T1 mapping, and ECV can be used for the quantitative evaluation of LV and RV ventricular remodeling, dysfunction, and tissue characteristics in patients with HFpEF-HTN and thus hold significant potential for the diagnosis of these patients.

N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide, eGFR, and progression of kidney disease in chronic kidney disease patients without heart failure.

Cardiorenal syndrome highlights the bidirectional relationship between kidney and heart dysfunction. N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), which is the gold standard biomarker in heart failure (HF), may be an important biomarker for chronic kidney disease (CKD) progression. However, NT-proBNP is negatively related with estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). In this study, we investigated the association of NT-proBNP, eGFR, and progression of kidney disease in CKD patients without HF. This multicentric retrospective cohort study recruited 23 860 CKD patients without HF, who had at least one NT-proBNP record from China Renal Data System database. Linear regression model evaluated the relationship between eGFR and NT-proBNP. Cox regression analysis assessed the association between NT-proBNP and CKD progression. Sensitivity analysis examined the robustness of the main findings. This study involved 23 860 CKD patients without HF, distributed across different CKD stages: 10 526 in stages G1-2, 4665 in G3a, 3702 in G3b, 2704 in G4, and 2263 in G5. NT-proBNP was negatively correlated with eGFR, particularly in stages 4-5 CKD. A 15-unit decrease in eGFR was associated with increases in log (NT-proBNP) levels by 1.04-fold, 1.27-fold, 1.29-fold, 1.80-fold, and 3.50-fold for stages 1-2, 3a, 3b, 4, and 5, respectively. After excluding patients who developed CKD progression within 1 year, the Cox regression analysis revealed that the relationship between NT-proBNP and CKD progression was not significant in stages 4 and 5. However, for stages 1-3, each standard deviation increase in log (NT-proBNP) was associated with a 26%, 36%, and 28% higher risk of CKD progression, with P interaction ≤.001. The hazard ratios were 1.26 (95% confidence intervals (CI), 1.18 to 1.35), 1.36 (95% CI, 1.22 to 1.51), and 1.28 (95% CI, 1.14 to 1.43) for stages 1-2, stage 3a, and stage 3b, respectively. Despite its strong inverse association with eGFR, NT-proBNP was positively associated with the risk of progression of kidney disease in CKD patients with stages 1-3 without HF. Future studies should investigate the effectiveness of NT-proBNP as a predictive biomarker for the progression of kidney disease across diverse racial groups and healthcare settings.

The Relationship between Vascular Biomarkers (Serum Endocan and Endothelin-1), NT-proBNP, and Renal Function in Chronic Kidney Disease, IgA Nephropathy: A Cross-Sectional Study

IgA nephropathy (IgAN) is the most common primary glomerular disease. Endothelin-1 (ET-1) is one of the strongest vasoconstrictor materials in the blood. The N-terminal prohormone of brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) is associated with renal function and poor outcomes in chronic kidney disease (CKD). Serum endocan is a biomarker associated with proinflammatory cytokines, and the increase in the serum level plays a critical role in inflammatory, proliferative, and neovascularization processes and is associated with poor cardiovascular outcomes in patients with CKD too. Identifying high-risk patients using biomarkers could help to optimize their treatment. Ninety patients with biopsy-confirmed IgAN were included in the study (50 males/40 females, mean age: 54.9 ± 14.4 years). Serum endocan, ET-1, and NT-proBNP were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits. Echocardiography was performed, and carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV) was measured by SphygmoCor in this cross-sectional study. Patients were divided into two groups based on serum endocan median level (cut-off: 44 ug/L). There was significantly higher aorta systolic blood pressure (SBPao) (p = 0.013), NT-proBNP (p = 0.028), albumin/creatinine ratio (p = 0.036), and uric acid (p = 0.045) in the case of the higher endocan group compared to the lower. There was also significantly higher SBPao (p = 0.037) and NT-proBNP (p = 0.038) in the case of higher endothelin-1 (ET-1) levels compared to the lower (cut-off: 231 pg/mL) group by the two-sample t-test. Then, we divided the patients into two groups based on the eGFR (CKD 1–2 vs. CKD 3–5). The levels of serum endocan, NT-proBNP, cfPWV, SBPao, left ventricular mass index (LVMI), uric acid, and albuminuria were significantly higher in the CKD 3–5 group compared to the CKD 1–2 group. The serum endocan and NT-proBNP levels were significantly higher in the diastolic dysfunction group (p = 0.047, p = 0.015). There was a significant increase in serum endocan levels (CKD 1 vs. CKD 5; p = 0.008) with decreasing renal function. In IgAN, vascular biomarkers (endocan, ET-1) may play a role in endothelial dysfunction through vascular damage and elevation of SBPao. Serum endocan, ET-1, and NT-proBNP biomarkers may help to identify IgAN patients at high risk.

Impact of Aficamten on Disease and Symptom Burden in Obstructive Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy: Results From SEQUOIA-HCM

BackgroundAficamten is a cardiac myosin inhibitor that mitigates left ventricular outflow gradients in obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (oHCM). The clinical efficacy of aficamten across multiple outcome domains in oHCM has not been fully defined. ObjectivesThis responder analysis from the SEQUOIA-HCM (Phase 3 Trial to Evaluate the Efficacy and Safety of Aficamten Compared to Placebo in Adults With Symptomatic oHCM) trial characterizes the clinical impact of aficamten. MethodsPatients who were symptomatic of oHCM were randomized to aficamten (n = 142) or placebo (n = 140) daily for 24 weeks. Outcomes assessed included the proportion of patients with complete hemodynamic response (rest and Valsalva gradient <30 mm Hg and <50 mm Hg, respectively), relief in limiting symptoms (≥1 improvement in NYHA functional class and/or ≥10-point change in Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire–Clinical Summary Score), enhanced exercise capacity (≥1.5 mL/kg/min change in peak oxygen uptake), and ≥50% reduction in N-terminal pro–B-type natriuretic peptide. Eligibility for septal reduction therapy was also evaluated. ResultsAt 24 weeks, patients treated with aficamten vs placebo showed significant improvement in limiting symptoms (71% vs 42%), were more likely to have complete hemodynamic response (68% vs 7%), demonstrated enhanced exercise capacity (47% vs 24%), and showed a decrease ≥50% in N-terminal pro–B-type natriuretic peptide (84% vs 8%) (P ≤ 0.002 for all). An improvement in ≥1 of these outcome measures was achieved in 97% of patients treated with aficamten (vs 59% placebo), including 23% on aficamten who achieved all 4 outcomes compared with none in placebo. Among 32 patients receiving aficamten and 29 patients receiving placebo who were eligible for septal reduction therapy, 28 (88%) from the aficamten group were no longer eligible at 24 weeks compared with 15 (52%) from the placebo group (P = 0.002). ConclusionsTreatment with aficamten was associated with substantial improvements across a broad range of clinically relevant efficacy measures. These results underscore the wide-ranging potential of aficamten for treatment of patients with symptomatic oHCM (Phase 3 Trial to Evaluate the Efficacy and Safety of Aficamten Compared to Placebo in Adults with oHCM [SEQUOIA-HCM]; NCT05186818)

Clinical utility of NT-pro BNP in patients with acute cardiac failure: an observational study

Background. BNP along with its inactive N-terminal fragment, NT-pro BNP, plays a crucial role as serum biomarkers in the management of heart failure (HF). Increased levels indicate various pathophysiological processes such as cardiac structural and functional abnormalities, myocardial stretching caused by heightened filling pressure, and activation of neuro-hormones. Aim. To evaluate the clinical use of NT-Pro BNP in cases of suspected cardiac failure and its effectiveness in distinguishing between cardiac and respiratory dyspnea. Materials and methods. The research was carried out at Saveetha Medical College in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India, as a case-control study. One hundred patients, between the ages of 40 and 70, who were suspected of having Acute cardiac failure, were recruited for the study from January 2023 to January 2024. Results. The proportion of people with cardiac dysfunction as evaluated by Echocardiography was 69% in the study population, and the mean NT pro-BNP was significantly higher among the cardiac dysfunction group as compared to the pulmonary dysfunction group. The NT PRO BNP's predictive validity was shown to be good (AUC 0.871, 95% CI 0.780 to 0.961, p-value &lt;0.001). Conclusion. The current study has tested the sensitivity and various cut-off values of NT Pro BNP and found the cut-off level of ≥1000 may be the ideal cut-off level, as it provided a better combination of sensitivity and specificity (87% and 74.2% respectively). A lower cut-off value (500) leads to an increase in sensitivity (98.6%), at the cost of specificity (64.5%).

Assessment of Specific Biomarkers' Profile and Structural, Functional Parameters of the Left Ventricle in Patients With Lymphomas Undergoing Antitumor Therapy.

To evaluate the dynamics of specific biomarkers for cardiotoxicity, endothelial dysfunction, fibrosis, systemic inflammation, and morpho-functional alterations in the left ventricular (LV) myocardium in patients with newly diagnosed lymphomas during 6 courses of polychemotherapy (PCT). The study included 30 patients with newly diagnosed lymphomas. All patients were evaluated for laboratory markers of cardiotoxicity at baseline and after 6 courses of chemotherapy (6 months), including N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), high-sensitivity troponin I (hsTnI), endothelin-1 (ET-1), circulating cardiac biomarker ST-2, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and LV structural and functional echocardiographic (EchoCG) parameters. The changes in NT-proBNP and hsTnI concentrations during 6 courses of PCT were not statistically significant. Comparison of the baseline values with those after 6 courses of PCT showed increases in the median concentrations of ET-1 (3.38 and 5.5 pg/ml, respectively; p=0.438) and ST-2 (12.21 and 26.75 ng/ml, respectively; p=0.687). Markers of systemic inflammation were significantly decreased after 6 courses of PCT: the median CRP decreased from 15.2 to 0.72 mg/ml (p=0.006), and the median IL-6 decreased from 12.2 to 5.1 pg/ml (p=0.034). EchoCG data revealed a statistically significant impairment of the LV diastolic function parameters (E/A; E/e' lateral; E/e' average; left atrial volume index; isovolumic relaxation time). A moderate direct correlation was found between the ET-1 concentration and the isovolumic relaxation time at baseline and after 6 courses of PCT, respectively (r1 = 0.387, p=0.047 and r2 = 0.391, p=0.035). No changes in the LV systolic function were observed. The study showed that patients with lymphoproliferative diseases had no signs of cardiotoxicity during PCT according to the accepted criteria. This study described and highlighted for the first time the interrelation of endothelial dysfunction, profibrotic status, and LV diastolic dysfunction as manifestations of cardiovascular toxicity in patients with lymphoproliferative diseases. It is advisable to supplement the integrated strategies for the prevention and monitoring of PCT cardiovascular toxicity with a thorough evaluation of instrumental parameters of diastolic dysfunction for timely initiation/correction of cardioprotective therapy.