Pro-brain Natriuretic Peptide In Patients Research Articles

N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide is associated with pulmonary hypertension or diastolic dysfunction in patients with systemic sclerosis: An Australian prospective cross-sectional study

Introduction: Pulmonary arterial hypertension and left ventricular diastolic dysfunction are associated with significant morbidity and mortality in systemic sclerosis. N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide has been proposed as part of composite screening algorithms for pulmonary arterial hypertension. Our aim was to assess the prevalence of pulmonary hypertension and diastolic dysfunction, and evaluate their association with serum N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide in systemic sclerosis patients. Methods: Patients with systemic sclerosis were prospectively enrolled to undergo N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide testing and transthoracic echocardiography at a tertiary Australian centre from January to October 2022. We collected demographic and transthoracic echocardiography variables including pulmonary hypertension estimated by tricuspid regurgitant velocity and diastolic dysfunction assessed by the ASE/EACVI 2016 guidelines. Pearson’s correlation coefficient was used to evaluate association between N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide and echocardiographic parameters. Results: Sixty-one patients were enrolled (median age = 62 years (interquartile range = 55–69 years); 84% female). Two-thirds of patients had limited systemic sclerosis (40/61). Five patients (8%) had high likelihood of pulmonary hypertension by transthoracic echocardiography. Seven patients (11%) had diastolic dysfunction; however, seven patients (11%) had indeterminate diastology. Six patients underwent right heart catheterisation, with five patients diagnosed with pulmonary hypertension. N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide in patients with pulmonary hypertension or diastolic dysfunction was significantly higher (median = 207 and 226 pg/mL, respectively) compared to patients without either condition (median = 69 pg/mL, p = 0.01). N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide showed a statistically significant although limited correlation with estimated pulmonary pressures measured by tricuspid regurgitant velocity (r = 0.44, p = 0.002) and left ventricular filling pressures (r = 0.27, p = 0.04). Conclusion: Pulmonary hypertension and diastolic dysfunction are both observed in systemic sclerosis. N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide is associated with both conditions; however, it cannot distinguish between the two disease processes. Right heart catheterisation may be required to make this distinction.

Assessment of N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide in patients with arrhythmia due to undifferentiated connective tissue disease

Aim. To study the relationship between the level of N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) and myocardial abnormalities in patients with cardiac arrhythmias due to undifferentiated connective tissue disease (UCTD).Material and methods. This cross-sectional comparative study included young and middle-aged patients with arrhythmias due to UCTD: group 1 (18-44 years old, n=127), group 3 (45-59 years old, n=10). The control groups (n=30, group 2; n=8, group 4) included volunteers with single phenotypic signs of UCTD, comparable in age and sex. A standard clinical examination, 72-hour electrocardiographic monitoring, Speckletracking echocardiography, and NT-proBNP level assessment were performed.Results. In patients of groups 1 and 3, a significant increase in the concentration of NT-proBNP was noted compared to the control groups. At the same time, the average NT-proBNP level in the study groups did not exceed the reference values. Significant correlations were revealed between NT-proBNP and heart rate (r1=0,462, p=0,010; r3=0,397, p=0,034), UCTD diagnostic cut-off level (r1=0,496, p=0,001; r3=0,401, p=0,043), the presence of mitral valve prolapse (r1=0,469, p=0,002) and mitral regurgitation (r1=0,53, p=0,008), premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) of class III (r1=0,582, p=0,045), IVa (r1= 0,39, p=0,042) and V (r1=0,397, p=0,037); cardiac index (r1=-0,329, p=0,037) and ejection fraction (r1=-0,407, p=0,044). However, no significant correlation was found between the left ventricular global longitudinal strain and NT-proBNP level.Conclusion. The study demonstrated the association of NT-proBNP level with UCTD diagnostic cut-off level, mitral valve prolapse, mitral regurgitation, and PVCs, which makes possible the use of this biomarker as an additional diagnostic criterion for myocardial changes in against the background of UCTD.

Study protocol for an observational cohort evaluating incidence and clinical relevance of perioperative elevation of high-sensitivity troponin I and N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide in patients undergoing lung resection

IntroductionMyocardial injury after non-cardiac surgery has been defined as myocardial injury due to ischaemia, with or without additional symptoms or ECG changes occurring during or within 30 days after non-cardiac...

Canagliflozin reduces proteinuria by targeting hyperinsulinaemia in diabetes patients with heart failure: A post hoc analysis of the CANDLE trial.

To investigate factors associated with proteinuria regression in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) treated with canagliflozin. This study was a post hoc analysis of the CANDLE trial (UMIN000017669), which compared the effect of 24 weeks of treatment with canagliflozin or glimepiride for changes in N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide in patients with T2DM and chronic heart failure (CHF). Factors associated with regression of proteinuria at 24 weeks were evaluated with multivariate logistic models. The rate of regression of proteinuria was higher (28/102, 27.5% vs. 12/112, 10.7%), and that of progression was lower (9/102, 8.8% vs. 26/112, 23.2%), in the canagliflozin versus the glimepiride group (P=.0001). There were no differences in the change in the estimated glomerular filtration rate category between groups. Insulin level, homeostatic model assessment of β-cell function, homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance and estimated plasma volume were decreased at 24 weeks in the regression subclass but not in the progression subclass, suggesting that regression of proteinuria is associated with the declines in these values in the canagliflozin group. Higher insulin level at baseline was solely associated with proteinuria regression in the multivariate logistic regression model (baseline insulin, as per a 1-mlU/L increase, odds ratio 1.24 [1.05-1.47], P= .011). In patients with T2DM and CHF, regression of proteinuria with canagliflozin treatment was associated with the pretreatment insulin level. These results may provide clinicians with novel mechanistic insights into the beneficial effects of canagliflozin on renal outcomes and may warrant discussion for selecting preferred patient profiles, including pretreatment insulin levels.

Comparison between biomarkers high-sensitivity C-Reactive protein and N-Terminal probrain natriuretic peptide in patients with myocardial infarction

Background: Elevated inflammatory markers have been associated with an increased risk of future cardiovascular events, acute myocardial infarction (MI), and illness in patients with stable or unstable coronary artery disease. Aim: The present study was comparison between high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), NTproBNP, TnT, and creatine kinase MB (CK-MB) in patient groups and control group. Materials and Methods: The diagnostic test blood glucose and lipid profile biochemical parameter were assessed using endpoint method. hsCRP kits for human were assessed using turbidimetric immunoassay method. Serum N-terminal probrain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) levels were measured by automated immunoassay. Both cardiac TnT and CK-MB mass were measured with highly specific monoclonal antibodies in a sensitive chemiluminescence assay. Results: Comparing marker levels of the two groups, Mann–Whitney U test and independent sample t-test were used. The mean NT-proBNP (pg/ml) and hsCRP (mg/L) were found significantly different and almost 24- and 8-fold higher in cases as compared to controls (610.69 ± 25.28 vs. 25.28 ± 11.76, and 4.47 ± 1.62 vs 0.52 ± 0.23; all P < 0.01). Further, the CK-MB (IU/L) and TnT (pg/ml) (mean ± standard deviation) were also high in the case group than control (166.83 ± 27.8 vs. 98.03 ± 3.05; P < 0.01 and 135.44 ± 8.79 vs 96.46 ± 2.91; P < 0.01). Conclusion: Elevated level of NT-proBNP is a strong independent prognostic predictor in patients with myocardial infarction and positive correlation between NTproBNP with TnT and CK-MB with TnT and consumption of alcohol, smoking, and tobacco may be also a risk factor for myocardial infarction.

Molecular genetic features of the development of restrictive cardiomyopathy in Russian children

Aim. To identify the proportion of restrictive cardiomyopathy (RCM), as well as cardiomyopathy (CMP) with a restrictive type of hemodynamics among all cases of genetic CMP and to determine the relative frequencies and spectrum of nucleotide variants in Russian children with RCM, as well as to search for phenogenotypic correlations.Material and methods. The study included 689 children with CMPs. All children underwent a molecular genetic testing of the target regions of 419 genes responsible for various cardiomyopathies and channelopathies using the method of massively parallel sequencing (MPS).Results. In 668 (97,0%) children, pathogenic, likely pathogenic nucleotide variants, as well as nucleotide variants with unknown clinical significance, were identified. Of these, 45 (6,7%) patients were selected to determine the molecular genetic characteristics of RCM, 20 of whom had clinical symptoms and morphofunctional structure of RCMP (3,0%), while the remaining 25 (3,7%) children were diagnosed with another CMP type with a restrictive type of hemodynamics. In total, these patients had 41 nucleotide variants in 15 different genes, while 19 (46,3%) variants were pathogenic, 12 (29,3%) — likely pathogenic, 10 (24,4%) — uncertain clinical significance. Pathogenic and likely pathogenic variants were identified in a total of 38 (84,4%) patients, while in 19 (42,2%) patients, the pathogenic variants described earlier were found. The most common genetic marker of RCM in Russian children was TNNI3 gene mutations. In total, they were identified in 12 (25%) children: with RCP — 8 (40%) patients; with CMP with a restrictive type of hemodynamics — 4 (16%) patients. At the same time, the most common mutation of the TNNI3 gene was the nucleotide variant c.575G&gt;A, leading to the amino acid variant p.R192H, described earlier in patients with RCM and identified by us in three (15%) unrelated children with RCM. In addition, a significant difference was found between the averaged values of N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide in patients with mutations in the MYH7 and TNNI3 genes (0,0039, p&lt;0,05), as well as between the peak flow gradient values in children with mutations in TNNI3 and FLNC genes (0,0016, p&lt;0,05), TNNI3 and MYH7 genes (0,039, p&lt;0,05).Conclusion. The results of this study indicate a significant genetic heterogeneity of RCM in Russian children and the need for further research aimed at finding genotype-phenotype associations in order to predict the course of the disease and select the proper therapy.

Effect of canagliflozin on N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide in patients with type 2 diabetes and chronic heart failure according to baseline use of glucose-lowering agents

BackgroundSodium–glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors reduce the risk of a deterioration in heart failure (HF) and mortality in patients with a broad range of cardiovascular risks. Recent guidelines recommend considering the use of SGLT2 inhibitors in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and HF, irrespective of their glycemic control status and background use of other glucose-lowering agents including metformin. However, only a small number of studies have investigated whether the effects of SGLT2 inhibitor in these patients differ by the concomitant use of other glucose-lowering agents.MethodsThis was a post-hoc analysis of the CANDLE trial (UMIN000017669), an investigator-initiated, multicenter, open-label, randomized, controlled trial. The primary aim of the analysis was to assess the effect of 24 weeks of treatment with canagliflozin, relative to glimepiride, on N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) concentration in patients with T2D and clinically stable chronic HF. In the present analysis, the effect of canagliflozin on NT-proBNP concentration was assessed in the patients according to their baseline use of other glucose-lowering agents.ResultsAlmost all patients in the CANDLE trial presented as clinically stable (New York Heart Association class I to II), with about 70% of participants having HF with a preserved ejection fraction phenotype (defined as a left ventricular ejection fraction ≥ 50%) at baseline. Of the 233 patients randomized to either canagliflozin (100 mg daily) or glimepiride (starting dose 0.5 mg daily), 85 (36.5%) had not been taking any glucose-lowering agents at baseline (naïve). Of the 148 patients who had been taking at least one glucose-lowering agent at baseline (non-naïve), 44 (29.7%) and 127 (85.8%) had received metformin or a dipeptidyl dipeptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitor, respectively. The group ratio (canagliflozin vs. glimepiride) of proportional changes in the geometric means of NT-proBNP concentration was 0.95 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.76 to 1.18, p = 0.618) for the naïve subgroup, 0.92 (95% CI 0.79 to1.07, p = 0.288) for the non-naïve subgroup, 0.90 (95% CI 0.68 to 1.20, p = 0.473) for the metformin-user subgroup, and 0.91 (95% CI 0.77 to 1.08, p = 0.271) for the DPP-4 inhibitor-user subgroup. No heterogeneity in the effect of canagliflozin, relative to glimepiride, on NT-proBNP concentration was observed in the non-naïve subgroups compared to that in the naïve subgroup.ConclusionThe impact of canagliflozin treatment on NT-proBNP concentration appears to be independent of the background use of diabetes therapy in the patient population examined.Trial registration University Medical Information Network Clinical Trial Registry, number 000017669. Registered on May 25, 2015

Impairment in heart functions and prognostic role of N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease exacerbation

INTRODUCTION: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) with comorbidities and cardiovascular disease is the most frequent one. The role of natriuretic peptides in determining prognosis of COPD exacerbations is not yet clear. The frequency of pathologic findings of transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) during COPD exacerbation showed wide variability. This study aims to evaluate the predictive role of N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) in determining the short-term prognosis of patients hospitalized with COPD exacerbation. As a secondary outcome, we aimed to investigate the frequency of TTE findings in these patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighty-six consecutive patients with COPD exacerbation were included. NT-proBNP levels were measured and TTE was carried out to whole of the participants at administration. The primary outcome was development of “event” (readmission or rehospitalization or mortality) within 30 days. The predictive role of NT-proBNP level for the development of “event” was evaluated. As a secondary outcome of the study, the frequency of TTE findings was recorded. RESULTS: NT-proBNP level of the patients who developed event within 30 days had significantly higher than who did not (2343.16 ± 4107.17 pg/mL vs. 843.22 ± 2349.96 pg/mL, P = 0.001). A high negative correlation was found between NT-proBNP level and “time to event” (r = −0.992, P CONCLUSION: NT-proBNP level is a strong predictor for short-term prognosis of patients hospitalized with COPD exacerbation. Further and larger studies are needed to determine exact role of NT-proBNP in long-term prognosis of these patients.

Serum levels of carbohydrate antigen 125 in combination with N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide in patients with acute decompensated heart failure.

Background/AimsCarbohydrate antigen 125 (CA-125) is an emerging prognostic biomarker for heart failure. We aimed to test the long-term prognostic value of CA-125 in combination with N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) in patients with acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF).MethodsThis observational study included a total of 413 patients (64.1 ± 15.6 yearold, 214 men) with ADHF. All-cause mortality during the 2-year follow-up was investigated for the prognosis.ResultsDuring the follow-up (mean follow-up, 591 ± 233 days), 109 deaths (26.0%) were recorded. In the multivariable analysis model, CA-125 was an independent factor associated with all-cause mortality (log CA-125: hazard ratio, 1.23; 95% confidence interval, 1.02 to 1.48; p = 0.030) together with age, sex, New York Heart Association class, β-blocker, and NT-proBNP. The Kaplan-Meier survival analysis demonstrated that the group with both low marker levels showed the best 2-year survival (87.9%) followed by the group with low NT-proBNP and high CA-125 (76.1%), high NT-proBNP and low CA-125 (64.7%) and high NT-proBNP and high CA-125 levels (54.3%) (p < 0.001). Addition of CA-125 in combination with NT-proBNP and established risk factors further increased the predictive power for mortality in patients with ADHF.ConclusionsCA-125 was an independent factor associated with all-cause mortality in patients with ADHF. Combination of CA-125 with NT-proBNP significantly improved the prediction of mortality in patients with ADHF.

Assessment of left ventricular function by two dimentional echocardiography and N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide in patients of heart failure with reduced ejection fraction treated with angiotensin receptor neprilysisn inhibitor

Assessment of left ventricular function by two dimentional echocardiography and N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide in patients of heart failure with reduced ejection fraction treated with angiotensin receptor neprilysisn inhibitor

Comparison of the Diagnostic Accuracy of Plasma N-Terminal Pro-Brain Natriuretic Peptide in Patients 80 Years of Age with Heart Failure

Plasma N-Terminal Pro-Brain Natriuretic Peptide (NTproBNP) is known to increase with age, however, the performance of this biomaker is unclear in patients >80. This study sought to define the diagnostic accuracy of plasma NTproBNP in patients >80 in a large unselected population of heart failure (HF) patients admitted to a Tertiary Hospital in the United Kingdom. 1,995 consecutive patients over a 12 month period were screened for HF through our NTproBNP led HF service. 413 patients had their first presentation of HF and 36.1% of these patients were >80. There was a reduction in accuracy of NTproBNP with age according to the area under the curve, with an area under the curve for all HF patients of 0.734 and a 7.5% reduction in receiver operating characteristic curve area for patients >80 years compared with those under 60 to 79 years of age. The lowest NTproBNP recorded for patients with HF >80 years of age was 466 pg/ml. In HF patients >80, 40.6% patients were diagnosed with HFrEF, 31.1% with HFpEF and 28.2% with HFmrEF. Overall NTproBNP is less accurate at identifying HF in patients >80 years of age and the lowest NTproBNP recorded for a HF patient was 466 pg/ml suggesting that the NTproBNP threshold for ruling out HF in patients >80 years of age should be modified.

Predictive value of circulating N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide in patients after treatment of Hodgkin lymphoma (a 3-year prospective study)

Цель работы – изучение прогностической значимости циркулирующего NT-pro-МНУП в возникновении кардиоваскулярных событий пациентов после лечения лимфомы Ходжкина. Материалы и методы. Выборка состояла из 36 пациентов после лечения лимфомы Ходжкина. Забор плазмы крови производился для определения уровня циркулирующего NT-pro-МНУП с помощью иммуносорбентного метода. Клинические визиты осуществляли каждый месяц на протяжении 3 лет после включения в исследование, во время которых фиксировали кардиоваскулярные события. Результаты. За период наблюдения у 8 (22,2 %) пациентов выявили прогрессию лимфомы Ходжкина, 4 пациента (11,1 %) погибли вследствие причин, не связанных с сердечно-сосудистой системой, 4 (11,1 %) человека выбыли из исследования в связи с отсутствием на очередном визите. У 11 (30,6 %) человек зафиксировано 34 кардиоваскулярных события: 2 смерти вследствие кардиоваскулярной причины, 16 кардиальных аритмий, 6 кардиальных ишемических событий, 1 инсульт, 4 случая возникновения хронической сердечной недостаточности, 5 госпитализаций, связанных с кардиоваскулярными причинами. Медиана циркулирующего NT-pro-МНУП у пациентов без кардиоваскулярных событий составила 5,68 (2,34–7,97) пг/мл, у пациентов с кардиоваскулярными событиями – 13,60 (4,83–17,67) пг/мл (р = 0,072). Существенная разница выявлена при анализе уровня NT-pro-МНУП в зависимости от возникновения сердечной недостаточности на протяжении 3 лет. Так, у пациентов без сердечной недостаточности и с возникшей сердечной недостаточностью медиана уровня циркулирующего NT-pro-МНУП составила 5,68 (3,21–9,65) пг/мл и 27,09 (21,7–29,59) соответственно (р < 0,001). Полученные данные указывают на прямую связь NT-pro-МНУП c фракцией выброса левого желудочка (r = -0,503, р = 0,024). Мультивариантный логистический регрессионный анализ показал, что циркулирующий NT-pro-МНУП является независимым прогностическим фактором возникновения кардиоваскулярных событий (отношение шансов = 1,179; 95 % ДИ 1,043–1,334; р = 0,008) на протяжении 3 лет. В то же время наличие сахарного диабета, артериальной гипертензии, ожирения не показали прогностической значимости. Выводы. Установлено, что на протяжении 3 лет после лечения лимфомы Ходжкина у 55 % пациентов возникли кардиоваскулярные события. У пациентов с возникшей сердечной недостаточностью в течение 3 лет выявили более высокие значения циркулирующего NT-pro-МНУП. Среди пациентов после лечения лимфомы Ходжкина повышение циркулирующего NT-pro-МНУП может быть связано с возникновением кардиоваскулярных событий на протяжении 3 лет.

The effect of anesthesia method on serum level of pro-brain natriuretic Peptide in patients undergoing orthopedic surgery.

Background:Surgical stress response is among the most severe stress tolerated by the patient, which needs suppression by anesthesia.Objectives:We assessed the effect of three methods of anesthesia on postoperative levels of pro-brain natriuretic peptide (pro-BNP) to determine the most effective one in preventing surgical stress response.Patients and Methods:In a randomized clinical trial, 120 patients who were 18 to 65 years old and met inclusion and exclusion criteria were selected and randomly allocated to three groups of 40:Group A, general anesthesia plus epidural catheter; Group B, general anesthesia and intravenous patient-controlled analgesia; and Group C, spinal anesthesia plus intravenous patient-controlled analgesia.Results:There was no difference between three groups for basic characteristics and variables and baseline pro-BNP levels; however, postoperative pro-BNP levels in Groups A, B, and C were respectively63.8 ± 10.1, 83.2 ± 12.3, and 51.5 ± 8.5 ng/L (ANOVA, P = 0.01).Conclusions:The results of the current study suggested that spinal anesthesia plus intravenous patient-controlled analgesia have the most favorable cardiac effects regarding postoperative levels of pro-BNP.

Serial measurements of N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide in patients with coronary heart disease.

ObjectiveTo assess the prognostic value of 12-months N-Terminal Pro-Brain Natriuretic Peptide (NT-proBNP) levels on adverse cardiovascular events in patients with stable coronary heart disease.MethodsNT-proBNP concentrations were measured at baseline and at 12-months follow-up in participants of cardiac rehabilitation (median follow-up 8.96 years). Cox-proportional hazards models evaluated the prognostic value of log-transformed NT-proBNP levels, and of 12-months NT-proBNP relative changes on adverse cardiovascular events adjusting for established risk factors measured at baseline.ResultsAmong 798 participants (84.7% men, mean age 59 years) there were 114 adverse cardiovascular events. 12-months NT-proBNP levels were higher than baseline levels in 60 patients (7.5%) and numerically more strongly associated with the outcome in multivariable analysis (HR 1.65 [95% CI 1.33–2.05] vs. HR 1.41 [95% CI 1.12–1.78], with a net reclassification improvement (NRI) of 0.098 [95% CI 0.002–0.194] compared to NRI of 0.047 [95% CI −0.0004–0.133] for baseline NT-proBNP levels. A 12-month 10% increment of NT-proBNP was associated with a HR of 1.35 [95% CI 1.12–1.63] for the onset of an adverse cardiovascular event. Subjects with a 12-month increment of NT-proBNP had a HR of 2.56 [95% CI 1.10–5.95] compared to those with the highest 12-months reduction.ConclusionsTwelve-months NT-proBNP levels after an acute cardiovascular event are strongly associated with a subsequent event and may provide numerically better reclassification of patients at risk for an adverse cardiovascular event compared to NT-proBNP baseline levels after adjustment for established risk factors.

TCTAP A-044 Prognostic Value of N-terminal Pro-brain Natriuretic Peptide in Patients Undergoing Percutaneous Coronary Intervention with Left Main Coronary Artery Disease

TCTAP A-044 Prognostic Value of N-terminal Pro-brain Natriuretic Peptide in Patients Undergoing Percutaneous Coronary Intervention with Left Main Coronary Artery Disease

The severity of coronary artery disease and reversible ischemia revealed by N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide in patients with unstable angina and preserved left ventricular function

The association between the levels of N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) and the severity of coronary artery disease (CAD) diagnosed by coronary angiography and other approaches has been investigated. The clinical application of NT-proBNP is restricted by the drawbacks of these techniques now available in screening out patients who need intensive or conservative treatment. Fractional flow reserve (FFR) is superior to coronary angiography and other functional indicators. Accordingly, we designed to investigate the association between NT-proBNP and myocardial ischemia from the perspective of anatomy and physiology in patients with unstable angina and preserved left ventricular function. Plasma samples were collected from 110 patients and NT-proBNP levels were measured by radioimmunoassay. The severity of coronary artery stenosis in patients was measured by coronary angiography and FFR. Stenosis ≥50% in the left main artery or stenosis of 70%, and fractional flow reserve (FFR) ≤0.80 in one or more coronary branches with diameter ≥2mm were defined as “positive”, which require revascularization. NT-proBNP levels increased progressively between patients with negative and positive angiographic results (p<0.05), and between FFR-negative and FFR-positive patients (p<0.05). A significant correlation was observed between logNT-proBNP and logGS (GS=Gensini score, p<0.001). NT-proBNP level serves as a predictor of positive results of angiographic stenosis and FFR, with the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve being 0.697 and 0.787, respectively. NT-proBNP levels are correlated with the severity of anatomic coronary obstruction and inducible myocardial ischemia, but NT-proBNP per se is insufficient to identify clinically significant angiographic and physiological stenoses.

Effect of low glomerular filtration rate on evaluating the cardiac function by N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide in patients with hypertension

Objective To assess the diagnostic accuracy of NT-proBNP in hypertension patients by observing the effect of decreased GFR on N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) concentration in patients with different cardiac function.Methods Eighty-nine hypertension patients were divided into two groups based on the results of UCG.Forty-three patients had normal left ventricular function and 46 patients had dysfunction.GFR,NT-proBNP and other biochemical markers of cardiac and renal function were measured.The factors affecting the NT-proBNP concentration under normal left ventricular function were analyzed,and the diagnostic value of NT-proBNP affected by normal or decreased GFR(＞ 80 ml/min or ≤80 ml/min) under different left ventricular functions were further assessed.The two-sample t test,rank sum test and multiple regression analysis were used to analyze their statistical difference and relationship.Results In patients with normal left ventricular function,GFR (β =-0.361,P ＜ 0.05) and left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVEDD,β =0.385,P ＜ 0.05) were significant factors to NT-proBNP level.They were both meaningful compared with LVEF (β =0.189,P ＞0.05) and septal thickness (β =0.003,P ＞ 0.05).The median concentration of NT-proBNP was 13.18 and 24.14 μg/L in patients with normal left ventricular function and dysfunction,respectively (Z =-3.19,P ＜ 0.01).While in patients with decreased GFR,6 cases with normal left ventricular function and 19 cases with dysfunction had a median concentration of NT-proBNP of 38.45 and 44.20 μg/L,respectively (Z =-0.45,P ＞ 0.05).In patients with normal GFR,37 cases with normal left ventricular function and 27 cases with dysfunction had a median concentration of NT-proBNP of 12.51 and 20.31 μg/L,which was lower than that of patients with decreased GFR (Z =-2.76,both P ＜ 0.05).The NT-proBNP concentration had no significant difference between patients of normal left ventricular function with decreased GFR and patients of dysfunction with normal GFR (38.45 and20.31 μg/L,Z=-2.18,P＞0.05).Conclusion In hypertension patients,the effect of decreased GFR on assessing the diagnostic accuracy of NT-proBNP for left ventricular dysfunction should be considered. Key words: Hypertension; Glomerular filtration rate ; Natriuretic hormone; Ventricular function, left

Perioperative application of N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide in patients undergoing cardiac surgery

BackgroundThe purpose of the research was to find out the factors which influence plasma N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) levels, then to assess whether preoperative plasma NT-proBNP levels could predict postoperative outcomes of cardiac surgery.MethodsBetween November 2008 and February 2010,225 patients who underwent cardiac surgery in our department were included in the study. The mean age was 61.25 ± 12.54 years, and 156 (69.3%) patients were male. NT-proBNP, CK-MB, cTnT and creatinine levels were measured preoperatively and 24 hours after operation. Postoperatively outcomes including ventilation time, length of stay in ICU and hospital, and mortality were closely monitored. The endpoints includes: 1) use of inotropic agents or intra-aortic balloon pump ≥24 h; 2) creatinine level elevated to hemodialysis; 3) cardiac events; 4) ICU stay ≥5d; 5) ventilation dependence ≥ 72 h; 6) deaths within 30 days of surgery.ResultsNT-proBNP concentrations (median [interquartile range]) increased from 728.4 pg/ml (IQR 213.5 to 2551 pg/ml) preoperatively to 1940.5 pg/ml (IQR 995.9 to 3892 pg/ml) postoperatively (P = 0.015). Preoperative atrial fibrillation, NYHA class III/IV, ejection fraction, pulmonary arterial pressure, left ventricle end-diastolic diameter (LVEDD), preoperative plasma creatinine and cTnT levels were significantly associated with preoperative NT-proBNP levels in univariate analysis. The preoperative NT-proBNP was closely related to ventilation time (P = 0.009), length of stay in ICU (P = 0.004) and length of stay in hospital (P = 0.019). Receiver operating characteristic curves demonstrated a cut-off value above 2773.5 pg/ml was the best cutoff (sensitivity of 63.6% and specificity of 80.8%) to predict the mortality within 30d of surgery.ConclusionsPreoperative plasma NT-proBNP level presents a high individual variability in patients undergoing cardiac surgery. NYHA classification, ejection fraction, pulmonary arterial pressure, LVEDD, atrial fibrillation, preoperative plasma creatinine, and cTnT levels are significantly associated with preoperative NT-proBNP levels. Preoperative NT-proBNP is a valuable marker in predicting postoperative outcomes.

Effect of nasal intermittent positive pressure ventilation on N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide in patients with acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and type II respiratory failure

To investigate the effect of nasal intermittent positive pressure ventilation (NIPPV) on N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) in patients with acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD) and type II respiratory failure. Forty patients with AECOPD and type II respiratory failure and 40 patients with stable phase chronic obstructive pulmonary disease were randomly assigned into study. Plasma levels of NT-proBNP, arterial blood gas, APACHE II scores, and pulmonary artery pressures were measured. The plasma level of NT-proBNP was compared between the two groups. Effect of NIPPV on NT-proBNP was studied in patients with AECOPD and type II respiratory failure. There were negative correlations between NT-proBNP and pH, and between NT-proBNP and PaO2 (r=-0.691,r=-0.704,respectively;P<0.001),positive correlations between NT-proBNP and PaCO2, and between NT-proBNP and APACHE II scores (r=0.774, r=0.810, respectively, P< 0.001), and positive correlation between NT-proBNP and PAP (r=0.965, P<0.001) in all patients. In patients with AECOPD and type II respiratory failure, there were negative correlations between NT-proBNP and pH,and between NT-proBNP and PaO2 (r=-0.636, r=-0.616,respectively; P<0.001); there were positive correlations between NT-proBNP and PaCO2, and between NTproBNP and APACHE II scores (r=0.545, r=0.475, respectively; P=0.001, P=0.002); and there were positive correlation between NT-proBNP and pulmonary artery pressure (r=0.833,P<0.001). The plasma levels of NT-proBNP were significantly higher in patients with AECOPD and type II respiratory failure than in control subjects [(939.60 ± 250.00) pg/mL vs (151.55 ± 111.20) pg/mL;P<0.01]. NIPPV decreased plasma levels of NT-proBNP [(229.15 ± 98.26) pg/mL vs (939.60 ± 250.00) pg/mL; P<0.01] in patients with AECOPD and type II respiratory failure, as well as improved arterial blood gas and APACHE II scores. Although NIPPV appeared to decrease pulmonary artery pressure somewhat between pre-treatment and post-treatment groups, the differences were not statistically significant (P=0.056). The plasma level of NT-proBNP reflects the severity of patients with AECOPD and type II respiratory failure. NIPPV can decrease a patient's splasma level of NT-proBNP, which has clinical value for evaluating the effect of NIPPV.

Elevated Levels of N-Terminal Pro-Brain Natriuretic Peptide in Patients with Chronic Dyspnea and Moderate Renal Dysfunction: Decreased Clearance or Increased Cardiac Stress

Background/Aims: Serum levels of N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) are often increased in patients with impaired renal function. The objective of this study was to investigate whether the increase in NT-proBNP is predominantly due to a reduced renal clearance or an increased cardiac secretion. Methods: A series of 697 outpatients (age: 57.5 ± 16.4 years) referred for evaluation of dyspnea were assigned to 4 groups according to their estimated glomerular filtration rate [eGFR (ml/min per 1.73 m²)]: group 1, eGFR <60 (n = 77); group 2, eGFR ≧60 to <75 (n = 139); group 3, eGFR ≧75 to <90 (n = 191), and group 4, eGFR ≧90 (n = 289). The patients were also grouped into 2 categories based on the presence (n = 176) or absence (n = 521) of heart disease. Results: In patients with heart disease, the adjusted values for NT-proBNP were higher in eGFR group 1 than in eGFR groups 2–4 (p ≤ 0.01). In patients without heart disease, eGFR group 1 membership had no effect on NT-proBNP. Conclusion: A reduced renal clearance does not explain increased NT-proBNP levels in patients with moderate renal impairment and dyspnea. Our data suggest that a moderate reduction in renal function places additional stress on the heart in patients with established cardiac disease.