Use Of N-terminal Pro-brain Natriuretic Peptide Research Articles

Abstract 17187: The Relationship Between N-Terminal Pro-Brain Natriuretic Peptide Levels and Poor Outcomes in Covid-19 Patients

Introduction: N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) is a biomarker reflecting increased cardiac stress. It is a key variable in assessing patients with various pathologies. However, assessment of NT-proBNP as a variable in the prognostication of poor outcomes in COVID-19 patients is lacking. In addition, COVID-19 has brought its own variables and sequelae along with overlapping pathologies in a variety of systems. Hypothesis: With the systemic impact that COVID-19 can have, NT-proBNP represents a variable that will aid in identifying patients at higher risk of poor outcomes. We aim to assess the utility of NT-proBNP to help predict the incidence of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) and mortality in patients hospitalized with COVID-19. Methods: Using a multi-center observational database, we analyzed 1,692 hospitalized COVID-19 PCR-positive patients at Methodist Health System from March to July 2020. We examined NT-proBNP levels, in-hospital death or hospice referral rates, and incidence of MACE in the cohort. MACE was defined as congestive heart failure (CHF) exacerbation, pericardial effusion, cardiac tamponade, myocarditis, pericarditis, myocardial infarction (MI), stroke, pulmonary embolism/deep vein thrombosis, or shock. The incidence of mortality and MACE were compared between patients with and without elevated NT-proBNP levels. Elevated NT-proBNP levels were those >900 pg/mL. A chi-square ( X 2 ) and odds ratio (OR) test were used to analyze observed variables. Results: Of the 1,692 hospitalized patients, 576 patients (34.0%) arrived with elevated NT-proBNP levels. Patients with elevated NT-proBNP had a higher incidence of mortality (OR=3.2559, 95% CI=2.522-5.203, p<0.0001) and MACE (OR=6.564, 95% CI=5.255-8.199, p<0.0001) compared to patients with NT-proBNP levels <900 pg/mL. Additionally, the elevated NT-proBNP patients had a higher incidence of CHF exacerbation, MI, and shock compared to patients with NT-proBNP levels <900 pg/mL. Conclusions: NT-proBNP levels can be a vital tool in recognizing COVID-19 patients who are at higher risk of poor outcomes. The use of NT-proBNP can further aid in prognostication in patients presenting to the hospital with COVID-19.

Proportion, Precipitators and Prognostic Marker of 30-Day Heart Failure Readmission at MOI Teaching and Referral Hospital, Eldoret, Kenya

Background: Heart failure (HF) affects 26 million people globally. It is associated with a high 30-day readmission rate due to multiple cardiovascular and non-cardiovascular precipitants. Readmissions are associated with high mortality, which may be predicted by pre-discharge N-terminal pro brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP). There is no data on HF readmission rates, its precipitators and use of NT-proBNP as a prognostic marker at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH) in Western Kenya. Objective: To determine the 30-day proportion of HF readmission, the precipitators of HF and the association between NT-proBNP and 30 days’ readmission. Methods:This was a six-month prospective cohort study where we carried out a census and recruited adult participants admitted with HF at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital. At discharge from hospital, an interviewer administered questionnaire was administered and blood samples for NT-proBNP drawn. Upon readmission, precipitators for HF were identified and compliance to therapy assessed using European heart failure Self Care Behavioral Scale. Continuous variables were summarized using median and IQR, categorical variables using frequencies and percentages. Associations were determined using Chi square, Fishers exact and Wilcoxon rank test. A p-value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: From April to November 2018, 94 participants were recruited into the study; with median age 48 years (IQR 31,70), 58 (62%) were female, 35 (38%) consumed alcohol and 25(25%) smoked. Hypertension was the commonest comorbidity 20 (21%) while cardiomyopathy was the underlying etiology for HF in 58 (63%). HF with reduced Ejection Fraction (HFrEF) was present in 76% of the participants while 24% had HF with preserved Ejection Fraction (HFpEF). Sixty percent of the participants had NT-proBNP levels of >4137 pg/ml, which implied poor prognosis. Of 17 readmitted patients, 12 participants (12.8%) were readmitted within 30 days at MTRH. Six (6.4%) participants were lost to follow up. Median time to readmission was 14 days, (IQR 7, 26). Pneumonia (55%) was the commonest precipitator of HF readmissions, followed by arrhythmias (atrial fibrillation) in 5 (42%), anemia 4 (33%), noncompliance 4 (33%), acute kidney injury 2 (16.6%) and no identified precipitator 1 (8.3%). There was no association between NT-proBNP and readmission (p =0.584) or NT-pro BNP and survival (p=0.773). Readmission was associated with a high mortality (p=0.008) with 50% of readmitted participants dying during the readmission period. The total mortality of both readmitted and non-readmitted participants was 16% at the end of the 6 months’ study period. Conclusions:In this cohort of participants with HF the proportion of 30 days readmission was high. Infections, mainly pneumonia was the commonest precipitator of readmission. Discharge NT-proBNP did not predict likelihood of 30 days’ readmission. Mortality was higher among participants readmitted within 30 days. Recommendations: Measures like pneumoccal vaccinations should be implemented to prevent pneumonia. Early appointments to cardiac clinic (less than 2 weeks post discharge) should be given to screen for precipitators and reduce HF readmissions. A follow up study to assess % change in NT pro BNP in relation to 30 days readmission.

NT-proBNP Cut-off Values for Risk Stratification in Acute MI and Comparison with Other Risk Assessment Scores

Background: N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) provides prognostic information regarding the risk of death, acute heart failure and the development of AF in patients with acute coronary syndrome. While there are established cut-off values for the association between clinical risk assessment scores and in-hospital mortality, there is no clear cut-off value for NT-proBNP to guide risk stratification in patients with acute MI (AMI). Our study sought to evaluate the cut-off values of NT-proBNP in all-cause mortality post AMI and to compare with other available risk assessment scores. Methods: We conducted a multi-centre, prospective, observational study involving 411 patients admitted for AMI. Plasma NT-proBNP was assessed within 24 hours of admission. Results: One-year all-cause mortality occurred in 31 (7.6%) of 411 patients. NT-proBNP ≥404 pg/ml had an area under the curve of 0.66 (95% CI [0.54–0.77]; p=0.004) to predict all-cause mortality at 1 year (sensitivity: 80.6%; specificity: 36.9%; positive predictive value: 9.47%; negative predictive value: 95.89%). Using the Youden index, an NT-proBNP level ≥1,995 pg/ml was an independent predictor of all-cause mortality at 1 year (adjusted HR 2.6; 95% CI [1.3–5.5]; p=0.010), regardless of cardiovascular disease risk factors or revascularisation status. There were no significant differences among the predictive values of NT-proBNP, Thrombolysis in MI risk score, Global Registry of Acute Coronary Events risk score and left ventricular ejection fraction in predicting all-cause mortality at 1 year (p>0.05). Conclusion: NT-proBNP level ≥1,995 pg/ml measured within 24 hours of admission for AMI was associated with higher all-cause mortality at 1 year. Randomised controlled trials are needed to further validate the usefulness of NT-proBNP for risk stratification in patients with AMI.

N-Terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NTproBNP) in patients with symptomatic multiple myeloma: report from a single institution.

Elevated levels of serum cardiovascular markers including natriuretic peptides (NPs) such as amino terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NTproBNP) have been associated with disease severity and survival in cancer patients and more recently in multiple myeloma (MM). In the present study, we retrospectively reviewed 87 consecutive symptomatic TEMM (transplant-eligible) and 126 TIMM (transplant-ineligible) patients treated at our institution that did undergo NTproBNP testing from 2017 to 2020. Median age at diagnosis was 59.3years and 75.4years for the TEMM and TIMM groups, respectively (p = 0.0001). NTproBNP ≥ 300ng/L was used to assess survival outcomes in the group of symptomatic MM. Patients with AL amyloidosis and symptomatic MM were excluded from the study. Median OS for patients with NTproBNP ≥ 300ng/L was shorter (45.9months) as compared to those with NTproBNP of < 300ng/L (non-reached) (p = 0.0001). In addition, OS was shorter for those with CCI > 2, ISS2-3, and high-risk cytogenetics by FISH and ≥ 70years of age. Multivariate analysis showed that HR cytogenetics and ISS2-3 were independent predictors for OS in the entire cohort of MM patients. When restricted to TIMM, age ≥ 80years and NTproBNP ≥ 800ng/L were predictors for OS in univariate and multivariate analyses. In conclusion, NTproBNP appears to be an independent predictor factor for OS in symptomatic TIMM patients. The use of NTproBNP as a frailty marker remains to be elucidated. However, NTproBNP could potentially be used to guide treatment decisions aimed to minimize cardiovascular and renal toxicity for myeloma therapies that potentially do have cardio-renal implications.

Clinical significance of NT-proBNP levels in Chronic Kidney Disease Patients with or without Heart Failure: An Indian Perspective

Objective: N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) levels are extremely useful in detecting heart failure (HF). However, the effects of renal inadequacy on NT-proBNP levels in patients presenting with or without HF remains less clear. We sought to examine the correlation of NT-proBNP levels in all CKD patients and cut-off values of NT pro-BNP level for the diagnosis of HF in stable CKD patients as well as CKD patients who are on haemodialysis (HD). Material and Methods: The study comprises 141 CKD patients of both sexes who presented with or without dyspnea to casualty of Lilavati Hospital, Mumbai, India, were prospectively enrolled, and blood samples collected to estimate NT-proBNP level. Results: NT-proBNP cut-off level of 1850 pg/mL for stable CKD patients not on dialysis has a sensitivity of 95% and specificity of 80 %. NT-proBNP cut-off level of 8000pg/ml for CKD patients on HD has a sensitivity of 87 % and specificity of 79%. NT-proBNP cut-off level of 4200 pg/mL for all CKD patients has a sensitivity of 85% and specificity of 81%, for diagnosis of HF. Conclusion: The clinical use of NT-proBNP is a valuable tool for the evaluation of dyspneic patients with suspected HF, irrespective of renal function. We recommend the above NT-proBNP cut-off levels for diagnosing HF patients in the presence of impaired renal function. Evaluation of the correlation between NT-proBNP levels in CKD is important to identify and to design treatment modalities in order to reduce CVD .Therefore, NT-proBNP measurement can be a valuable tool for diagnosis and evaluation of dyspneic patients for early initiation of HF treatment.

A health economic evaluation of using N-terminal pro brain natriuretic peptide for the management of acute heart failure: A pilot study in an Indonesian tertiary referral hospital

Heart failure represents a major health problem and economic burden also in development countries such as Indonesia. Based on current guidelines, the use of natriuretic peptides can improve diagnosis, risk stratification, and decrease in hospital length of stay. However, mostly due to the related high costs, many Indonesian physicians currently do not routinely use these biomarkers in their daily clinical practice. By comparing the results of guidance with N-terminal pro brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) and without NT-proBNP, this pilot study was aimed to determine the clinical effectiveness and costs of using natriuretic peptides in the management of acute heart failure (AHF) patients admitted at National Cardiovascular Center Harapan Kita Hospital, a tertiary referral hospital in Jakarta, Indonesia. This was a health economic evaluation using a single-blind, randomized controlled trial. AHF patients adjudicated following European Society of Cardiology guidelines were randomly assigned to the 2 groups: NT-proBNP group (group A) and control group (group B). In the group A, NT-proBNP level was obtained at admission and pre-discharge, with the target of achieving a decrease of ≥30%. Randomised patients were followed up to 90 days post-discharge to assess short-term outcomes and costs. In total, one hundred and twelve patients were enrolled, of whom 56 were randomized in group A and 56 patients in group B. Compared to Group B, in Group A the total costs of patients management resulted to be significantly higher (P&lt;0.05), while no significant difference between the 2 groups was observed for inhospital length of stay, total mortality rate, rehospitalization, and emergency department visits within 90 days post-discharge. In this pilot study for the management of AHF at an Indonesian National Cardiovascular Center, the routine use of NT-proBNP compared to the non use, at hospital admission and discharge resulted into a significant increase of medical cost without any evident favourable impact on patients outcomes. Larger study in greater Asia Pacific populations should be performed to confirm these preliminary results.

The N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide as a marker of mitoxantrone-induced cardiotoxicity in multiple sclerosis patients

Background and purposeMitoxantrone (MTX) has been shown to reduce progression of disability and number of clinical exacerbations in patients with progressive multiple sclerosis (MS). Prolonged administration of MTX, however, is limited by the risk of cardiotoxicity. Cardiac monitoring in MTX-treated patients includes usually measurement of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) by means of echocardiography. The N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) represents a novel diagnostic tool in the assessment of heart failure. This study was aimed to evaluate the usefulness of NT-proBNP for early detection of MTX-induced cardiotoxicity in MS patients. Materials and methodsWe measured the NT-proBNP plasma levels in 45 MS patients who completed 24-month MTX therapy and in 37 MS patients of control group. ResultsThe median NT-proBNP plasma value was 15.12pg/mL. In 12 MTX-treated patients (27%), NT-proBNP plasma values were elevated, though this subgroup of patients neither clinical showed evidence of myocardial damage nor had the LVEF value <50%. In five patients with normal NT-proBNP, we observed LVEF decline >10%. We did not observe correlations between the NT-proBNP levels and patient age, MS duration, relapses index, Extended Disability Status Scale (EDSS), MTX single dose and the total cumulative dose of MTX. In 8 patients (22%) from control group, NT-proBNP plasma levels were also elevated. ConclusionsThe results of our study confirm that MTX therapy is safe for carefully selected and closely monitored MS patients. We believe that serial evaluation of NT-proBNP levels (before, during and after MTX therapy) can identify MS patients at high risk for MTX-induced cardiotoxicity.

Prevalence and prognosis of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction and elevated N‐terminal pro brain natriuretic peptide: a 10‐year analysis from the Copenhagen Hospital Heart Failure Study

The aim of this study was to assess the epidemiological features and prognosis of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFPEF) and to compare these findings with those from patients with reduced ejection fraction. Furthermore the effects of N-terminal pro brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) requirement in the heart failure diagnosis were assessed by repeating the analyses in the subgroup of patients with elevated NT-proBNP. In 1844 patients admitted, a clinical diagnosis of heart failure was made in 433; amongst these 61% had HFPEF. An elevated NT-proBNP applied to the heart failure diagnosis reduced the number of heart failure patients to 191, and amongst these 29% had preserved ejection fraction. Use of NT-proBNP reduced clinical differences between heart failure patients with preserved and reduced ejection fraction. When not using NT-proBNP, patients with reduced ejection fraction had higher mortality [hazard ratio (HR) 1.24, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.01-1.52; P = 0.04], even after adjustment for other significant predictors of mortality, except NT-proBNP (HR 1.29, 95% CI 1.04-1.59; P = 0.02). However, no difference in mortality was observed when NT-proBNP was adjusted for (HR 0.90, 95% CI 0.71-1.15; P = 0.4), or used for the heart failure diagnosis (HR 0.96; 95% CI 0.71-1.29; P = 0.8). Using a heart failure diagnosis requiring elevated NT-proBNP reduces the prevalence of HFPEF and results in a survival similar to that of heart failure with reduced ejection fraction. In contrast, when NT-proBNP is not used for the heart failure diagnosis or adjusted for, HFPEF is associated with a lower mortality in both univariate and multivariate analysis.

Exercise Dependence of N-Terminal Pro-Brain Natriuretic Peptide in Patients with Precapillary Pulmonary Hypertension

Background: N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) is secreted by cardiac ventricular myocytes upon pressure and volume overload and is a prognostic marker to monitor the severity of precapillary pulmonary hypertension and the extent of right heart failure. Objectives: The impact of physical exercise on NT-proBNP levels in patients with left heart disease was demonstrated previously. No data regarding patients with isolated right heart failure and the influence of acute exercise on NT-proBNP serum levels exist. Methods: Twenty patients with precapillary pulmonary hypertension were examined. Hemodynamic parameters were measured during right heart catheterization. Serum NT-proBNP of patients was measured at rest, after a 6-min walking test, during ergospirometry and during recovery, all within 7 h. Significant differences in sequential NT-proBNP values, relative changes compared to values at rest and the correlation between NT-proBNP and obtained parameters were assessed. Results: At rest, the mean serum level of NT-proBNP was 1,278 ± 998 pg/ml. The mean level of NT-proBNP at maximal exercise was increased (1,592 ± 1,219 pg/ml), whereas serum levels decreased slightly during recovery (1,518 ± 1,170 pg/ml). The relative increase of serum NT-proBNP during exercise correlated with pulmonary vascular resistance (r = 0.45; p = 0.026) and cardiac output (r = –0.5; p = 0.015). Conclusions: In this study, we demonstrated acute changes in NT-proBNP levels due to physical exercise in a small group of patients with precapillary pulmonary hypertension. Our results also confirm the predominant usefulness of NT-proBNP as an intraindividual parameter of right heart load.

Variability of N-Terminal Probrain Natriuretic Peptide in Stable Chronic Heart Failure and Its Relation to Changes in Clinical Variables

We investigated the variability of N-terminal probrain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) and its relation to known confounding variables in patients with stable chronic heart failure who were on a stable optimized medication regimen. At 4 sampling intervals (14-day, 1-month, 2-month, and 3-month) the results for NT-proBNP measurements and several clinical variables were measured in samples from 41 patients with chronic systolic dysfunction who met 21 prespecified criteria for stability. Mean within-person NT-proBNP variabilities expressed as percentage CV were 17.6%, 18.9%, 15.5%, and 16.2% at 14-day, 1-month, 2-month, and 3-month follow-up, respectively, and the corresponding reference change values were 34.6%, 52.5%, 43.1%, and 45.0%, respectively. Within-person variability of NT-proBNP was not found to be associated with renal function, weight, or waist circumference. Likewise, age, sex, baseline NT-proBNP, New York Heart Association functional class, and ejection fraction did not influence variability of NT-proBNP. The index of individuality ranged from 0.07-0.15 depending on the time interval between test results. Although other reported studies have revealed variations in the range of 80%, in this prespecified stable heart-failure population variation of NT-proBNP at 14-day, 1-month, 2-month, and 3-month follow-up was lower and was not related to renal function or weight. In view of the low index of individuality we observed, within-person variation is quite low compared to between-person variation. Consideration of these facts is important for the interpretation of clinical trials and the use of NT-proBNP in monitoring patients with heart failure.

Usefulness of combined high-sensitive C-reactive protein and N-terminal-probrain natriuretic peptide for predicting cardiovascular events in patients with suspected coronary artery disease

We examined whether the combined use of high-sensitive C-reactive protein (hsCRP) and N-terminal-probrain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) could increase the predictive value for future cardiovascular events. hsCRP and NT-proBNP both have been shown to be strong predictors of cardiovascular events in patients with coronary artery disease. Few data are, however, available to assess whether combined use of these two distinct biomarkers improves the risk stratification in predicting cardiovascular events. A total of 205 participants with suspected coronary artery disease referred for coronary angiography were enrolled in the study. Plasma levels of hsCRP and NT-proBNP were measured before coronary angiography. Cox regression analyses were conducted for the 205 participants, with cardiovascular events being defined as nonfatal myocardial infarction, percutaneous coronary intervention, coronary artery bypass grafting, and ischemic stroke. All patients were divided into four groups by using median values of hsCRP (1.1 mg/l) and NT-proBNP (472.6 fmol/ml): group 1, low hsCRP/low NT-proBNP (n=60); group 2, high hsCRP/low NT-proBNP (n=42); group 3, low hsCRP/high NT-proBNP (n=42); and group 4, high hsCRP/high NT-proBNP (n=61). During a median follow-up of 4 years, there were 84 cardiovascular events (41%): 11 events (18%) in group 1, 13 events (31%) in group 2, 20 events (48%) in group 3, and 40 events (66%) in group 4 (P<0.001). Patients with cardiovascular event had significantly attenuated flow-mediated vasodilation (3.6+/-3.4 vs. 5.3+/-3.5%, P=0.001) and increased plasma levels of NT-proBNP (627+/-330 vs. 458+/-196 fmol/ml, P<0.001). Simple linear regression analysis on all studied participants demonstrated significant associations between levels of hsCRP and NT-proBNP (hsCRP vs. NT-proBNP: r=0.354, P<0.001). Cox regression hazards model showed that combined use of NT-proBNP and hsCRP significantly increased predictive value for future cardiovascular events [hazard ratio (HR) 4.922, 95% confidence interval (CI), 2.519-9.617; P<0.0001 for high hsCRP/high NT-proBNP vs. low hsCRP/low NT-proBNP]. These findings demonstrated that a simple combination of distinct biomarkers of hsCRP and NT-proBNP might provide additional information for predicting cardiovascular events.

Correlation between N‐Terminal Pro B‐Natriuretic Peptide and Ultrasonic Backscatter: Implications for Diastolic Dysfunction in Hypertension

This study was designed to determine how N-terminal pro brain-natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) levels correlate with cyclic variation of integrated backscatter (CVIBS) as a reflection of abnormal diastolic function in hypertension. Forty essentially hypertensive patients were studied. CVIBS values were obtained from the septal wall in the parasternal long-axis view. Twelve had normal diastolic function, 18 had impaired relaxation, and 10 had pseudonormal pattern. Patients with normal diastolic function had a mean NT-proBNP concentration of 34 +/- 17 pg/ml and a mean CVIBS value of 7.1 +/- 0.9 dB; those with impaired relaxation had a mean NT-proBNP concentration of 71 +/- 25 pg/ml and a mean CVIBS value of 6.7 +/- 1.1 dB. Patients with pseudonormal pattern had the highest NT proBNP levels (206 +/- 75 pg/ml) and lowest CVIBS values (5.7 +/- 0.9 dB). An NT-proBNP value of 62 pg/ml had a sensitivity of 83% and a specificity of 91%; a CVIBS value of 7.2 dB had a sensitivity of 83.3% and a specificity of 66.7% for detecting diastolic dysfunction. An NT-proBNP value of 120 pg/ml had a sensitivity of 76% and a specificity of 96%; a CVIBS value of 6.1 dB had a sensitivity of 87.5% and a specificity of 75% for detecting severe diastolic dysfunction. A close correlation was found between the NT-proBNP and CVIBS values (r: 0.54, P < 0.05). Combinative use of NT-proBNP and CVIBS can detect the presence of diastolic abnormalities on echocardiography. A good correlation was found between the NT-proBNP and CVIBS values in detecting diastolic dysfunction in essentially hypertensive patients.

Long-term clinical variation of NT-proBNP in stable chronic heart failure patients

Here, the aim is to assess long-term clinical variation (CV) of N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) in stable chronic heart failure (CHF) patients. The proposed use of NT-proBNP for monitoring of CHF patients will require accurate information about long-term CV of the peptide. Medication, biochemical variables, and NYHA class were recorded at 1-year and 2-year follow-up in patients treated in our heart failure clinic. Only patients without changes in medication and the NYHA class who were not hospitalized or died in the period from first follow-up to 12 months after the second follow-up were included. A total of 78 patients fulfilled the criteria, and year-to-year CV was calculated to 30% (median) (range: 0-111%) (% changes range: -87 to 397%). Log transformation of NT-proBNP (skewed to the right) reduced the year-to-year CV to 4.7% (range: 0-22%) (% changes range: -18 to 38%). Long-term CV of plasma concentrations of NT-proBNP in stable CHF patients is 30%, but the variation is substantial. Therefore, high long-term CV of NT-proBNP does not necessarily carry prognostic significance within the subsequent 12 months. Plasma concentrations of NT-proBNP followed a lognormal distribution, and the low CV of log(NT-proBNP) indicate that NT-proBNP levels are constant during stable conditions.

N-Terminal Probrain Natriuretic Peptide and C-reactive Protein in Stable Coronary Heart Disease

Purpose C-reactive protein (CRP) and N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) provide prognostic information in patients with stable coronary heart disease. The aim of the study was to investigate whether combined use of NT-proBNP and CRP improves risk stratification in these patients. Methods This cohort study included 989 patients with stable coronary heart disease who underwent coronary stenting. CRP and NT-proBNP were measured before angiography. The primary end point of the study was all-cause mortality. Using median values of NT-proBNP (279.9 ng/L) and CRP (1.2 mg/L), patients were divided into 4 groups: low NT-proBNP-low CRP group (305 patients with NT-proBNP<median and CRP<median); low NT-proBNP-high CRP group (190 patients with NT-proBNP<median and CRP≥median; high NT-proBNP-low CRP group (237 patients with NT-proBNP≥median and CRP<median); and high NT-proBNP-high CRP group (257 patients with NT-proBNP≥median and CRP≥median). Results During a median follow-up of 3.6 years (interquartile range 3.3 to 4.5 years), there were 85 deaths: 6 deaths in the low NT-proBNP-low CRP group, 11 deaths in the low NT-proBNP-high CRP group, 20 deaths in the high NT-proBNP-low CRP group, and 48 deaths in the high NT-proBNP-high CRP group with Kaplan-Meier mortality estimates of 2.7%, 8.9%, 12.1% and 35.6%, respectively ( P <.001). Cox proportional hazards model showed that combination NT-proBNP-CRP was the strongest independent correlate of mortality (hazard ratio [HR] 4.3, 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.0-9.3; P <.001 for high NT-proBNP-high CRP vs low NT-proBNP-low CRP). Conclusion Combined use of NT-proBNP and CRP improves long-term risk prediction of mortality in patients with stable coronary heart disease.

NT-ProBNP in Non–ST-Elevation Acute Coronary Syndrome

Background The role of N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) in the early treatment of patients with non–ST-elevation acute coronary syndrome (NSTACS) has been evaluated in 6 large studies that include >12,000 patients. Methods and Results These studies convincingly show that this marker of cardiac performance is associated strongly with death and the risk of future congestive heart failure and carry important prognostic information that is independent from previous known risk factors in NSTACS. As such, NT-proBNP can be added to existing risk stratification models and multimarker approaches. There is some data that indicate that this marker might also be helpful in guiding decisions about coronary revascularization in these patients, but further studies are needed. Conclusion Before routine use of NT-proBNP in NSTACS, the extra cost of adding this new marker to the current routine markers and its impact on selection of treatment should be considered.