Comparison of B-type natriuretic peptide levels in patients with heart failure with versus without mitral regurgitation

Functional mitral regurgitation (MR) occurs most often in patients with heart failure (HF) and is associated with an adverse prognosis. Recently, B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) has been validated as a marker of cardiac function and prognosis. We sought to assess the relation between functional MR and BNP levels in patients with HF, and hypothesized that MR is associated with higher BNP levels. In all, 201 patients admitted with the diagnosis of HF had a transthoracic echocardiogram and measurement of BNP levels within 48 hours. MR was graded as none/trace, mild, moderate, or severe using recently published guidelines of the American Society of Echocardiography. BNP was measured by a commercially available instrument (Biosite). The relation of MR to BNP was assessed using multivariable linear regression methods with a Tobin estimation to account for the truncation of BNP values at an upper limit of 1,300 pg/ml. Mean age of the patients was 67 +/- 11 years. The median BNP level was 826 pg/ml. The etiology of HF was predominantly diastolic in 64 patients (32%); 137 patients (68%) had significant left ventricular (LV) systolic dysfunction. Mean LV ejection fraction was 37 +/- 17%. MR was present in 112 patients (56%). After adjusting for clinical, hemodynamic, and echocardiographic variables, only LV ejection fraction (p = 0.016) and moderate or severe MR (p = 0.023) were significantly associated with BNP. When MR was grouped as any MR versus no MR, only LV ejection fraction (p = 0.017) and any degree of MR (p = 0.029) were significantly associated with BNP.     

B-type natriuretic peptide levels in obese patients with advanced heart failure.

Although recent studies show that obesity, or elevated body mass index (BMI), is associated with lower levels of B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP), it is unknown whether BMI affects the prognostic value of BNP in heart failure (HF). This study confirms the relationship between high BMI and low BNP in patients with advanced systolic HF. Despite relatively lower levels of BNP in overweight and obesity, BNP predicts worse symptoms, impaired hemodynamics, and higher mortality in HF at all levels of BMI.OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to examine the influence of obesity on the predictive value of the B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) assay in heart failure (HF). BACKGROUND: Recent studies show that obesity, or elevated body mass index (BMI), is associated with lower circulating levels of BNP both in the general population and in patients with HF. METHODS: We analyzed data from 316 systolic HF (left ventricular ejection fraction [LVEF] < or =40%) patients [age, 53 +/- 13 years; mean LVEF, 24 +/- 7%; 48% ischemic] followed up at a university HF center. Patients were divided into categories of BMI: lean (BMI <25 kg/m2), overweight (BMI = 25 to 29.9 kg/m2), and obese (BMI > or =30 kg/m2). RESULTS: The BNP levels were significantly lower in overweight and obese compared with lean patients (p = 0.0001); median BNP (interquartile range) for the lean (n = 131), overweight (n = 99), and obese (n = 86) groups was 747 (272 to 1,300), 380 (143 to 856), and 332 (118 to 617) pg/ml, respectively. In each BMI category, elevated BNP was significantly associated with worse symptoms and higher pulmonary capillary wedge pressure. Higher BNP was also a significant independent predictor of survival independent of BMI. Optimal BNP cutoff for prediction of death or urgent transplant in lean, overweight, and obese HF patients was 590, 471, and 342 pg/ml, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Although BNP levels are relatively lower in overweight and obese HF patients, BNP predicts worse symptoms, impaired hemodynamics, and higher mortality at all levels of BMI.     

B-type natriuretic peptide in heart failure

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This review focuses on recent literature pertaining to the role of B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) in heart failure. RECENT FINDINGS: Heart failure is a common disorder that is associated with significant mortality and morbidity. The diagnosis of heart failure may at times be difficult when using conventional tools. The cardiac natriuretic peptides, particularly BNP, have evolved to be useful biomarkers in heart failure and other cardiovascular disorders. Recent studies have established a close association between plasma BNP and the amino-terminal fragment of the BNP prohormone (NT-proBNP) with the diagnosis of heart failure and independent prediction of mortality and heart failure events. Furthermore, preliminary data from randomized controlled trials suggest that knowledge of BNP and/or NT-proBNP level may optimize the management of patients with heart failure. Exogenous natriuretic peptide in the form of recombinant human BNP (nesiritide) has been shown to improve hemodynamics and dyspnea and is approved in the USA and several other countries for the management of patients with acute decompensated heart failure. The effect of nesiritide on clinical outcome, however, remains unclear. SUMMARY: When used in the appropriate clinical settings, BNP or NT-proBNP testing is extremely useful in establishing diagnosis and predicting prognosis in heart failure. Nesiritide holds promise in the management of patients with acute decompensated heart failure. Large-scale randomized controlled trials to evaluate BNP/NT-proBNP-guided therapy are currently in progress and studies of the impact of exogenous BNP on clinical outcomes in heart failure are likely to be forthcoming.     

Usefulness of B-type natriuretic peptide and N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide as biomarkers for heart failure in young children with single ventricle congenital heart disease

Children with single ventricle (SV) physiology have increased ventricular work and are at risk of heart failure (HF). However, a HF diagnosis is especially difficult, because few objective measures of HF have been validated in this cohort. We have previously shown that plasma B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels are sensitive and specific for detecting HF in a small, heterogeneous SV cohort. The aim of the present study was to define the effect of SV morphology and stage of palliation on the correlation between BNP and HF. We also examined the utility of N-terminal pro-BNP (NT-proBNP), a more stable product of pre-BNP processing, as a biomarker of HF in these patients. A cross-sectional observational study of SV children aged 1 month to 7 years was conducted. The presence of HF was defined as a Ross score > 2. The association of BNP or NT-proBNP with HF was assessed using logistic regression analysis and receiver operating characteristic curves. Of the 71 included children, 22 (31%) had clinical HF. A doubling of BNP was associated with an odds ratio for HF of 2.20 (95% confidence interval 1.36 to 3.55, p = 0.001) with a c-statistic > 75%, yielding a detection threshold of ≥ 45 pg/ml. This threshold was preserved when patients were stratified by the right ventricular morphology or stage of surgical palliation. Similarly, a doubling of NT-proBNP was associated with an odds ratio for HF of 1.92 (95% confidence interval 1.17 to 3.14, p = 0.009). In contrast to BNP, the threshold value of NT-proBNP for predicting HF decreased with the stage of palliation. In conclusion, plasma BNP and NT-proBNP are reliable tests for clinical HF in young children with SV physiology, specifically those with right ventricular morphology, regardless of the stage of palliation.     

Stability of B-type natriuretic peptide levels during exercise in patients with congestive heart failure: implications for outpatient monitoring with B-type natriuretic peptide

Background B-natriuretic peptide (BNP), a neurohormone secreted from the cardiac ventricles, reflects left ventricular pressure and correlates to disease severity and prognosis. The fact that BNP levels can now be measured by a rapid assay suggests its potential usefulness in the outpatient clinic. However, if patient activity were to markedly alter BNP levels, its use would be less attractive for monitoring patients in the outpatient clinical setting. Methods A total of 30 patients (10 normal, 10 New York Heart Association [NYHA] class I-II, 10 NYHA class III-IV) exercised with an upright bicycle protocol. Exercise was carried out to 75% of maximum heart rate, and venous blood was sampled before, immediately after, and 1 hour after completion of exercise. Plasma levels of BNP, epinephrine, and norepinephrine were measured. Results BNP levels at baseline were 29 ± 11 pg/mL for normal subjects, 126 ± 26 pg/mL for NYHA I-II subjects, and 1712 ± 356 pg/mL for NYHA III-IV subjects. The change in BNP levels with exercise was significantly lower than the change in epinephrine and norepinephrine (P < .001). In normal subjects, BNP increased from 29 pg/mL to 44 pg/mL with peak exercise, still within the range of normal (<100 pg/mL) . This is compared with larger increases of norepinephrine (716 pg/mL to 1278 pg/mL) and epinephrine (52 pg/mL to 86 pg/mL) with exercise in normal subjects. There were also only small increases in BNP with exercise in patients with congestive heart failure (NYHA I-II, 30%; NYHA III-IV, 18%). For the same groups, epinephrine levels increased by 218% and 312%, respectively, and norepinephrine levels increased by 232% and 163%, respectively. One hour after completion of exercise, there were only minimal changes in BNP levels from baseline state in normal subjects (+0.9%) and patients with NYHA I-II (3.8%). In patients with NYHA III-IV, there was a 15% increase from baseline 1 hour after exercise. Conclusions BNP levels show only minor changes with vigorous exercise, making it unlikely that a normal patient would be classified as having congestive heart failure based on a BNP level obtained after activity. Prior activity should not influence BNP levels in patients with congestive heart failure. Therefore, when a patient presents to clinic with a marked change in their BNP level, it may reflect a real change in their condition. (Am Heart J 2002;143:406-11.)     

Obesity and suppressed B-type natriuretic peptide levels in heart failure

OBJECTIVES: This investigation evaluated the relationship between obesity and B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) in heart failure. BACKGROUND: Obesity is a major risk factor for the development of heart failure, but the precise mechanisms remain uncertain. Physiologically, natriuretic peptides and lipolysis are closely linked. METHODS: A total of 318 patients with heart failure were evaluated between June 2001 and June 2002. Levels of BNP were compared in obese (body mass index [BMI] > or =30 kg/m(2)) and nonobese (BMI <30 kg/m(2)) patients with respect to New York Heart Association functional class and lean body weight-adjusted peak aerobic oxygen consumption. In a subset of 36 patients, plasma levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-6, and soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 were measured. RESULTS: The population's BMI was 29.4 +/- 6.6 kg/m(2); 24% were lean (BMI <25 kg/m(2)), 31% overweight (BMI > or =25 to 29.9 kg/m(2)), and 45% obese (BMI > or =30 kg/m(2)). Obese patients were younger, more often African American, and more likely to have a history of antecedent hypertension, but less likely to have coronary artery disease and with only a trend toward diabetes mellitus. Levels of BNP were significantly lower in obese than in nonobese subjects (205 +/- 22 and 335 +/- 39 pg/ml, respectively; p = 0.0007), despite a similar severity of heart failure and cytokine levels. Multivariate regression analysis identified BMI as an independent negative correlate of BNP level. There were no differences in emergency department visits, heart failure hospitalization, or death between the obese and nonobese patients at 12-month follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Our investigation indicates that a state of reduced natriuretic peptide level exists in the obese individual with heart failure.     

B-type natriuretic peptide serum levels in acute heart failure.

We read with great interest the article by Cowie et al.¹ onclinical applications of the assessment of B-type natriureticpeptide (BNP). This is an important subject and the articlealso helps to     

B-type natriuretic peptide levels in patients with functionally univentricular hearts after total cavopulmonary connection

AIMS: To assess plasma B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels in patients with univentricular hearts late after volume unloading by total cavopulmonary connection (TCPC). METHODS: Plasma BNP was measured by sandwich immunoassay in 67 patients after a modified Fontan procedure. BNP levels were compared with age and sex-specific normal values, clinical and echocardiographic data, and results of exercise testing. RESULTS: BNP had a wide range of 5-290 pg/ml, but was normal in 81% of patients, and median BNP was only 13 pg/ml. There was no difference between males and females, between patients with left or right ventricular morphology, and no correlation was found between BNP and age, post-operative follow-up period, maximum exercise capability, peak oxygen uptake, or blood oxygen saturation. New York Heart Association class I patients had lower BNP than class II patients (p=0.04). Plasma BNP concentration was positively correlated to the number of specific sequelae (r=0.59, p<0.001), and to severity of atrioventricular regurgitation (r=0.38, p=0.002). 5/13 patients with elevated BNP died during follow-up. CONCLUSION: BNP plasma concentration was normal in the majority of patients up to 15 years after TCPC. Elevated and increasing BNP levels were associated with increased morbidity and late mortality.     

心力衰竭患者B型利钠肽的测定与评价

目的:研究B型利钠肽(BNP)在心力衰竭诊断中的应用。方法:采用双抗夹心免疫荧光法检测342例患者的BNP浓度。其中充血性心衰(CHF,心源性)组179例,肺源性心衰组27例,无心衰的对照组136例。结果:(1)在无心衰对照组中,年龄小于55岁组的心源性浓度均值为(35.10±31.93)pg/ml,55～64岁组为(42.85±34.55)pg/ml,65～74岁组为(58.23±25.37)pg/ml,≥75岁组为(60.66±48.95)pg/ml,各组间BNP浓度均值虽随年龄呈上升趋势但无显著差异;(2)对照组中男性BNP浓度为(42.83±38.01)pg/ml,女性为(49.47±48.14)pg/ml,两者无显著差异;(3)在342例患者中BNP以100pg/ml为CHF的判断值时,其敏感性达92.8%,特异性达83.2%,阳性预测值达86.2%,阴性预测值达91.2%;(4)CHF(心源性)患者的BNP浓度均值为(1019.13±972.88)pg/ml,肺源性心衰组为(299.88±275.5)pg/ml,对照组为(45.86±42.89)pg/ml,CHF(心源性)组BNP水平显著高于其他两组,肺源性心衰组又显著高于对照组(P均<0.001)。结论:BNP测定不仅可以作为CHF诊断的一个重要指标,还可用于参考性区分心源性心衰和肺源性心衰,为选择治疗方案提供依据。     

Diverse molecular forms of plasma B-type natriuretic peptide in heart failure

Recent studies have shown that not only plasma B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP)-32, but also plasma proBNP-108 is increased in heart failure (HF), and that the current BNP-32 assay kit crossreacts with proBNP-108. It also was shown that both BNP-32 and proBNP-108 were higher in HF than in normal. The proBNP-108/total BNP (BNP-32 + proBNP-108) ratio was widely distributed and patients with HF with ventricular overload had higher proBNP-108/total BNP ratio than HF patients with atrial overload. Consistent with this finding, proBNP-108 was the major molecular form in ventricular tissue, and BNP-32 was the major molecular form in atrial tissue. In addition, proBNP-108 was the major molecular form of BNP in pericardial fluid. The proBNP-108/total BNP ratio increased with deterioration of HF and decreased with improvement of HF. Thus, not only BNP-32, but also proBNP-108 is increased in HF and the proBNP-108/total BNP ratio also rises in association with pathophysiological conditions such as ventricular overload. A new hypothesis that O-glycosylation at Thr71 in a region close to the cleavage site impairs proBNP-108 processing was proposed. In the future, the precise mechanism of increased proBNP-108 in HF should be elucidated.     

B-type natriuretic peptide measurement in heart failure

Serum testing for the hormone B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) may have clinical utility in congestive heart failure (CHF). This hormone is secreted predominantly by the left ventricular myocardium in patients with CHF. Measurement of serum BNP may improve diagnosis of CHF and may also help guide therapy in patients with CHF. The literature regarding the clinical utility of BNP measurement in CHF is reviewed.     

充血性心力衰竭与肺源性心脏病患者血浆BNP水平的比较

目的:比较充血性心力衰竭（congestive heart failure,CHF）及肺源性心脏病（pulmonary heart disease,PHD）患者急性呼吸困难发作时及缓解后1周血浆脑钠尿肽(BNP)水平的变化并分析其临床意义。方法: 采用全血化学发光法测定CHF及PHD患者急性呼吸困难发作时及缓解后1周血浆BNP水平。结果: CHF患者呼吸困难发作时血浆BNP水平明显高于病情缓解后1周血浆BNP水平［(1997±865)ng/L vs.(184±114)ng/L,P＜0.05］,PHD患者呼吸困难发作时血浆BNP水平明显高于病情缓解后1周血浆BNP水平［(679±202)ng/L vs.(145±48)ng/L,P＜0.05］,呼吸困难发作时CHF组患者血浆BNP水平明显高于PHD组（P＜0.05）,呼吸困难缓解后1周两组间无显著差异。结论: BNP水平可作为CHF患者病情严重程度及疗效判断的评价指标。也可作为临床协助鉴别CHF呼吸困难与PHD重度肺功能不全呼吸困难的检测指标之一。     

基础血浆B型利钠肽水平对心力衰竭患者应用重组人B型利钠肽短期临床疗效的预测价值

目的评价基础血浆B型利钠肽(BNP)水平对心力衰竭患者应用重组人B型利钠肽(rhBNP)短期临床疗效的预测价值。方法选取2012年12月至2013年12月在河北医科大学第二医院心内科住院的心力衰竭患者共46例,其中男性24例,女性22例,入院后在常规抗心力衰竭治疗基础上加用rhBNP,分别计量静脉应用rhBNP前24 h、后第1、2和3个24 h液体出入量,计算每日净出量,分别将用药后每日净出量减去用药前净出量计为患者应用rhBNP后连续3个24 h的利尿效果,结合患者用药后整体临床状况改善程度评估rhBNP的短期临床疗效。基础血浆BNP值于应用rhBNP之前测定,依据其四分位数进行分组,比较血浆BNP不同水平组间rhBNP利尿效果及整体临床状况改善程度。采用双变量相关分析评价rhBNP利尿效果与基础血浆BNP水平之间的相关性。结果所有患者基础血浆BNP值380~5 000 pg/ml[1 225 pg/ml(1 689 pg/ml)]。依据基础血浆BNP水平四分位数进行分组,基础血浆BNP不同水平组间应用rhBNP后第1个24 h的利尿效果差异有统计学意义(F=3.132,P=0.035)。应用rhBNP泵点后第1个24 h利尿效果与基础血浆BNP值呈负相关(r=-0.412,P<0.01);第2个24 h利尿效果与基础血浆BNP值呈负相关趋势(r=-0.059,P=0.69);第3个24 h利尿效果与基础血浆BNP值呈负相关(r=-0.292,P=0.049)。基础血浆BNP不同水平组间患者整体临床情况改善程度差异有统计学意义(χ2=18.815,P=0.03)。结论基础血浆BNP水平高的心力衰竭患者较BNP水平低的患者应用rhBNP的短期临床效果欠佳;心力衰竭患者应用rhBNP的短期利尿效果与基础血浆BNP水平呈负相关;基础血浆BNP水平对心力衰竭患者应用rhBNP的短期治疗效果具有一定预测价值。     

血浆B型利钠肽水平对心力衰竭患者的临床评价

目的 采用超声心动图评价心力衰竭患者的心功能指标,探讨其与血浆B型利钠肽（BNP）的相关性,观察应用心脉隆注射液对心力衰竭患者血浆BNP的影响.方法 入选2010年10月至2013年3月我院心内科临床诊断为心力衰竭的住院患者96例,随机分为两组：观察组49例（常规应用传统抗心力衰竭药物基础上加用心脉隆注射液）和对照组47例（常规应用传统抗心力衰竭药物）,2周后比较两组治疗前后血浆BNP水平及左室射血分数（LVEF）、左室舒张末内径（LVDd）大小,评价BNP与左心室功能的相关性.结果 两组治疗2周后LVEF均较前提高,LVDd及血浆BNP均较前下降,观察组有效率为91.84％,对照组有效率为78.72％,两组疗效差异有统计学意义（P＜0.05）.心力衰竭患者血浆BNP水平与LVDd大小呈正相关（r=0.536,P＜0.05）,与LVEF呈明显负相关（r=-0.619,P＜0.05）.结论 血浆BNP水平是评价心力衰竭的良好指标,可作为心力衰竭治疗后疗效评估的一个重要指标.在传统治疗心力衰竭的基础上联合应用心脉隆注射液能显著改善心功能,降低心力衰竭患者的血浆BNP水平,值得临床推广应用.     

肥胖对重症心力衰竭患者血浆脑钠肽水平的影响

目的探讨肥胖对重度心力衰竭患者血浆脑钠肽(BNP)水平的影响。方法纳入心功能分级为Ⅳ级的冠心病心力衰竭患者293例,采用ELISA法测定血浆BNP浓度。以体重指数(BMI)将患者分为肥胖组(BMI28 kg/m2,n=198)和非肥胖组(BMI28 kg/m2,n=95),比较两组患者BNP水平差异。结果肥胖组与非肥胖组患者比较,年龄、性别构成及左室射血分数(LVEF)、左室舒张末容积(LVEDd)水平、合并高血压病及2型糖尿病情况均差异无统计学意义(P0.05)。肥胖组血浆BNP水平(623.4±405.5 pg/ml)明显低于非肥胖组患者(948.7±607.4 pg/ml),差异具有统计学意义(P0.05)。男、女性肥胖患者、高血压、2型糖尿病肥胖患者血浆BNP水平同样低于非肥胖者,差异均具有统计学意义(P0.05)。结论心力衰竭患者BNP水平均明显增高,但肥胖患者增高程度低于非肥胖患者,临床诊断治疗中应考虑肥胖对心衰患者BNP水平的影响。