Relationship between plasma B-type natriuretic peptide and ventricular function in adult cardiac surgery patients

Plasma concentrations of B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) were analysed during the peri- and post-operative periods in cardiac surgery patients, and the relationship between plasma BNP concentrations and various clinical parameters was explored. Thirty patients (17 women, 13 men) of age 54.5 +/- 17.1 years undergoing cardiac surgery between June 2004 and March 2005 were enrolled. Plasma BNP concentrations were measured pre-operatively, immediately post-operatively, and on the first, second, fourth and seventh post-operative days. On the first post-operative day, the BNP level was significantly increased but levels returned to baseline values by the seventh post-operative day. The pre-operative BNP level correlated with left ventricular ejection fraction and age, and the level 24 h after surgery correlated with left ventricular end-diastolic dimension and pre-operative BNP levels. These results showed that the plasma BNP concentration becomes markedly and acutely elevated after cardiac surgery, reflecting temporary ventricular dysfunction.     

心功能不全多参数的相关性

目的探究患者心功能不全对血浆B型脑钠肽(BNP)水平与心功能分级、左室射血分数(EF)、P波终末电势(PtfV1)等多参数的相关性。方法对82例慢性心功能不全患者就诊后24 h内取静脉血测定血浆BNP,并行超声心动图、心电图检查,分析血浆BNP与NYHA心功能分级、EF、PtfV1之间的关系。结果心功能Ⅰ～Ⅳ级患者血浆BNP水平逐级增加(P0.05或P0.01);BNP与EF呈正相关,PtfV1值大的患者血浆BNP水平显著高于PtfV1值小的患者,BNP与PtfV1、心功能分级呈正相关。结论血浆BNP水平与传统的评价心功能指标有明确相关性,可作为临床评价心功能状况的良好指标;床边心电图PtfV1≥0.03 mm.s可作为左心功能不全评估的初步依据。     

Serum cardiac troponin T in patients hospitalized with heart failure is associated with left ventricular hypertrophy and systolic dysfunction

BACKGROUND: Cardiac troponin T (cTnT) is a highly sensitive and specific marker of acute myocardial infarction. Serum cTnT is also slightly elevated in patients with severe heart failure and is associated with left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) in patients treated with haemodialysis. In this study serum cTnT concentrations and echocardiographic findings were investigated in heart failure patients without acute coronary syndrome. cTnT was also compared with other cardiac markers and plasma levels of brain natriuretic peptide (BNP). METHODS: Twenty-six patients hospitalized with heart failure were included in the study. Echocardiographic measurements and blood sampling were carried out 12-36 h after admission. Serum cTnT (3rd generation assay), cardiac troponin I (cTnI), creatine kinase MB (CKMB) and CK were measured. Plasma BNP was analysed using the Shionoria assay. LVH was defined as left ventricular mass index (LVMI) > 125 g/m for males and > 110 g/m for females. Left ventricular systolic function was estimated from the mitral annulus motion (AV-mean LV). RESULTS: Median cTnT was 0.012 (< 0.010-0.032) microg/L. Sixty-two percent of the patients (16 of 26) had elevated serum cTnT >or= 0.010 micro/L. cTnT was positively correlated with CKMB (rho = 0.40, p = 0.04) and BNP (rho = 0.43, p = 0.03), but not with cTnI and CK. A negative correlation was found between cTnT and AV-mean LV (rho = -0.58, p = 0.007), and there was a positive correlation between cTnT and LVMI (rho = 0.44, p = 0.03). No other analyte was correlated to LVMI. CONCLUSIONS: Serum cTnT but not cTnI was associated with left ventricular dysfunction and LVH in patients hospitalized with heart failure. This explains why cTnT tends to be slightly elevated in patients with heart failure without symptoms of acute myocardial ischaemia.     

B型钠尿肽在心功能评价及慢性充血性心力衰竭诊断中的应用价值

目的:研究B型钠尿肽(BNP)对心功能的评价作用及其在诊断慢性充血性心力衰竭中的应用价值。方法:选择慢性心衰患者152例,正常对照组48例,测定血清BNP浓度、LVEF等指标,分析其相关性。结果:心衰组BNP水平显著高于对照组(P<0.01),NYHA分级与BNP呈显著正相关(r=0.823,P<0.01),LVEF与BNP呈显著负相关(r=-0.652,P<0.01)。ROC曲线分析,BNP诊断心衰和左室收缩功能不全的诊断界值分别为100ng/L和580ng/L,此时诊断心衰和左室收缩功能不全的灵敏度和特异度分别为78%、98%和92.5%、88.5%;诊断心衰的阳性预测值为98%,阴性预测值为62%。结论:BNP可以客观准确评价心功能,对心衰及左室收缩功能不全的诊断具有理想的灵敏度和特异度,可作为诊断心衰的实验室指标之一,值得临床推广应用。     

Prognostic value of combination of cardiac troponin T and B-type natriuretic peptide after initiation of treatment in patients with chronic heart failure

BACKGROUND: Recent studies have suggested that cardiac troponin T (cTnT) and troponin I may detect ongoing myocardial damage involved in the progression of chronic heart failure (CHF). This study was prospectively designed to examine whether the combination of cTnT, a marker for ongoing myocardial damage, and B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP), a marker for left ventricular overload, would effectively stratify patients with CHF after initiation of treatment. METHODS: We measured serum cTnT, plasma BNP, and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) on admission for worsening CHF [New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class III to IV] and 2 months after initiation of treatment to stabilize CHF (n = 100; mean age, 68 years). RESULTS: Mean (SD) concentrations of cTnT [0.023 (0.066) vs 0.063 (0.20) micro g/L] and BNP [249 (276) vs 753 (598) ng/L], percentage increased cTnT (>0.01 micro g/L; 35% vs 60%), NYHA functional class [2.5 (0.6) vs 3.5 (5)], and LVEF [43 (13)% vs 36 (12)%] were significantly (P <0.01) improved 2 months after treatment compared with admission. During a mean follow-up of 391 days, there were 44 cardiac events, including 12 cardiac deaths and 32 readmissions for worsening CHF. On a stepwise Cox regression analysis, increased cTnT and BNP were independent predictors of cardiac events (P <0.001). cTnT >0.01 micro g/L and/or BNP >160 ng/L 2 months after initiation of treatment were associated with increased cardiac mortality and morbidity rates. CONCLUSION: The combination of cTnT and BNP measurements after initiation of treatment may be highly effective for risk stratification in patients with CHF.     

Utility of cardiac troponin measurement after cardiac surgery

Postoperative cardiac failure due to myocardial necrosis remains a major complication in cardiac surgical procedures and its diagnosis is still difficult. In fact, cardiac enzymes, electrocardiogram and echographic signs are often misleading. The prognostic valve of troponin I after coronary artery bypass or conventional value surgery has been evaluated in 500 adult patients. Postoperative troponin I concentrations after cardiac surgery represent an independent variable associated with mortality (in-hospital death) and morbidity (low cardiac output and acute renal failure).     

曲美他嗪对冠状动脉介入术后患者B型利尿钠肽及心功能的影响

目的评价曲美他嗪对冠状动脉介入治疗术(PCI)后患者B型利尿钠肽(BNP)及心功能的影响。方法入选拟行冠脉介入术的稳定性或不稳定性心绞痛患者72例,随机分为曲美他嗪组38例和对照组34例,曲美他嗪组PCI术前7 d开始口服曲美他嗪20 mg,每天3次,术后继续服用3个月;所有入选患者给予阿司匹林及常规药物治疗。每例在PCI术前及术后1、3个月分别测定血清B型利尿钠肽(BNP)、超声心动图左室射血分数(LVEF)、NYHA分级。结果术前两组患者血清B型利尿钠肽(BNP)、超声心动图左室射血分数(LVEF)、NYHA分级水平差异均无统计学意义(P>0.05),但PCI术后1、3个月曲美他嗪组BNP较治疗前显著减少(P<0.01),术后1、3个月曲美他嗪组LVEF显著高于对照组(P<0.01)、NYHA分级水平也高于对照组(P<0.05)。结论曲美他嗪可改善PCI术后的左心功能。     

血浆脑钠素水平与心衰患者左心功能变化的关系

[目的]探讨血浆脑钠素（BNP）水平与心力衰竭患者临床心功能变化之间的关系.[方法] 采用免疫放射分析法（IRMA）测定患者血浆BNP水平,同时采用纽约心脏协会心功能分级（NYHA）心功能分级和超声心动图检查评定患者左心功能.[结果] 随着心功能恶化,血浆BNP水平呈上升趋势,各级心功能间差异均有显著性（P〈0.01）.经抗心衰药物综合治疗后,BNP水平降低（P〈0.01）.BNP水平与左心室射血分数（LVEF）、左心室短轴缩短率（△D%）呈负相关;与左室收缩末内径（LVSd）、左室舒张末内径（LVDd）呈正相关.[结论] 在患者心力衰竭的进展中其血浆BNP水平与心衰程度密切相关,测定患者血浆BNP水平是监测心衰程度的有效手段之一.     

踝臂指数与心力衰竭患者左心功能关系的研究

目的研究踝臂指数与心力衰竭患者左心功能的关系。方法选取左心功能不全患者95例,按纽约心功能分级分为三组:心功能Ⅱ级组、心功能Ⅲ级组、心功能Ⅳ级组。测量患者的踝臂指数(ABI)、左室射血分数(LVEF)、左室舒张末期内径(LVEDD)、抽静脉血查B型脑钠肽(BNP)等,并研究左心功能与上述指标之间的关系。结果随着心功能分级的增加,患者血浆BNP、LVEDD逐渐增加,LVEF逐渐减低,ABI也随着心功能分级的增加而逐渐减低(P0.05)。心功能Ⅱ、Ⅲ、Ⅳ级组间资料比较,上述各指标的差异均有统计学意义(P0.05)。且ABI与LVEF呈明显正相关,与BNP、LVEDD呈明显负相关,相关系数分别为0.332、-0,328、-0.229(P0.05)。结论 ABI与左心功能不全程度密切相关,与传统反映心功能不全的指标具有很好的相关性,能较好的反应心力衰竭患者的左室功能,为左心功能不全的诊断及治疗提供依据。     

Serum cardiac troponin T in patients hospitalized with heart failure is associated with left ventricular hypertrophy and systolic dysfunction

Background: Cardiac troponin T (cTnT) is a highly sensitive and specific marker of acute myocardial infarction. Serum cTnT is also slightly elevated in patients with severe heart failure and is associated with left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) in patients treated with haemodialysis. In this study serum cTnT concentrations and echocardiographic findings were investigated in heart failure patients without acute coronary syndrome. cTnT was also compared with other cardiac markers and plasma levels of brain natriuretic peptide (BNP). Methods: Twenty-six patients hospitalized with heart failure were included in the study. Echocardiographic measurements and blood sampling were carried out 12-36?h after admission. Serum cTnT (3rd generation assay), cardiac troponin I (cTnI), creatine kinase MB (CKMB) and CK were measured. Plasma BNP was analysed using the Shionoria assay. LVH was defined as left ventricular mass index (LVMI)&;gt;125?g/m&;lt;formula&;gt;²&;lt;/formula&;gt; for males and&;gt;110?g/m&;lt;formula&;gt;²&;lt;/formula&;gt; for females. Left ventricular systolic function was estimated from the mitral annulus motion (AV-mean LV). Results: Median cTnT was 0.012 (&;lt;0.010-0.032)?μg/L. Sixty-two percent of the patients (16 of 26) had elevated serum cTnT≥0.010?μg/L. cTnT was positively correlated with CKMB (ρ=0.40, p=0.04) and BNP (ρ=0.43, p=0.03), but not with cTnI and CK. A negative correlation was found between cTnT and AV-mean LV (ρ=?0.58, p=0.007), and there was a positive correlation between cTnT and LVMI (ρ=0.44, p=0.03). No other analyte was correlated to LVMI. Conclusions: Serum cTnT but not cTnI was associated with left ventricular dysfunction and LVH in patients hospitalized with heart failure. This explains why cTnT tends to be slightly elevated in patients with heart failure without symptoms of acute myocardial ischaemia.     

充血性心力衰竭患者血清肌钙蛋白T、肌钙蛋白Ⅰ检测及临床分析

目的研究充血性心力衰竭患者血清肌钙蛋白T(cTnT)和肌钙蛋白Ⅰ(cTnI)水平与心功能的关系及其对预后的判断。方法检测110例不同病因、不同心功能分级的充血性心力衰竭患者的cTnT、cTnI及左室射血分数(LVEF),并与40名健康对照组的结果进行比较。结果心功能Ⅱ级组cTnT为(78.56±25.65)pg/mL,cTnI为(0.85±0.57)ng/mL,LVEF值为57.46%±4.42%;心功能Ⅲ级分别为(249.25±76.21)pg/mL、(3.75±1.83)ng/mL、44.27%±10.13%;心功能Ⅳ级组分别为(375.62±81.29)pg/mL、(8.57±2.56)ng/mL、36.75%±5.66%,与健康对照组[分别为(3.65±0.96)pg/mL、(0.02±0.01)ng/mL、65.52%±8.01%]比较,差异有统计学意义(P<0.01),且心功能越差,cTnT、cTnI浓度越高;cTnT、cTnI与LVEF值均呈负相关,r分别为-0.487、-0.360,差异有统计学意义(P<0.01)。结论检测cTnT、cTnI对于判断充血性心力衰竭患者病情严重程度及预后具有重要的临床价值,是早期评估患者风险的重要方法。     

Beneficial hemodynamic and renal effects of intravenous enalaprilat following coronary artery bypass surgery complicated by left ventricular dysfunction

OBJECTIVE: Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors are an effective therapy for all stages of heart failure due to reduced systolic left ventricular function. Because sufficient data on intravenous angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors following coronary artery bypass surgery complicated by postoperative left ventricular dysfunction are unavailable, the efficacy and safety of intravenously administered enalaprilat were evaluated. DESIGN: A placebo-controlled, randomized, double-blind protocol. SETTING: Postoperative intensive care unit at the German Heart Institute Berlin. PATIENTS: Forty patients with a left ventricular ejection fraction <35% following coronary artery bypass surgery on the second postoperative day or after weaning from intra-aortic balloon counterpulsation. INTERVENTIONS: A loading dose of enalaprilat 0.625 mg infused over 1 hr was followed by 5 mg/24 hrs administered continuously for up to 72 hrs. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Systemic and pulmonary hemodynamic variables, blood gases, hormonal variables, renal function, and electrolytes were measured before and repeatedly during therapy. Acute effects were as follows: At 1 hr, enalaprilat increased the cardiac index (p <.001), stroke volume index (p <.001), and right ventricular stroke work index (p <.03) compared with placebo, whereas mean arterial pressure (p <.008) and both systemic (p <.001) and pulmonary (p <.02) vascular resistance decreased. Continuous effects were as follows: Over 72 hrs, enalaprilat decreased diastolic pulmonary artery pressure (p <.019), pulmonary artery occlusion pressure (p <.02), and central venous pressure (p <.02). The cardiac and stroke volume indexes were consistently higher in the enalaprilat group, whereas systemic and pulmonary vascular resistances were lower. The arterial blood-pressure lowering effect was blunted and heart rate remained unchanged. Mixed venous oxygenation (p <.02) was higher and arterial oxygenation was not modified. Finally, enalaprilat increased creatinine clearance (p <.002) and decreased creatinine (p <.02) and urea (p <.03). CONCLUSIONS: Intravenous enalaprilat safely and effectively improves cardiac and renal function following coronary artery bypass surgery complicated by postoperative left ventricular dysfunction.     

心脉隆注射液对PCI围手术期心力衰竭患者疗效观察

目的:通过观察经皮冠状动脉介入治疗(Percutaneous Coronary Intervention,PCI)围手术期心力衰竭患者左室射血分数(Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction,LVEF)、血浆N端B型脑钠肽(N-terminal Brain Natriuretic Peptide,NT-pro BNP)水平、左室舒张末期内径(Left Ventricular and Diastolic Diameter LVDD)及6 min步行距离变化,探讨心脉隆注射液对PCI围手术期心力衰竭患者临床疗效。方法:将100例行PCI治疗且围手术期出现心力衰竭的患者随机分为对照组和治疗组,每组50例。两组均给予常规治疗,治疗组在常规治疗的基础上加用心脉隆注射液6 ml+0.9%氯化钠溶液200 ml静脉滴注,2次/d,疗程10 d。通过测定治疗前、治疗10 d后LVEF、LVDD、血浆NT-pro BNP水平比较两组治疗效果。结果:两组治疗后左室射血分数较治疗前明显升高,差异具有统计学意义(P0.05),且治疗组改善程度高于对照组,差异也具有统计学意义(P0.05);两组治疗后LVDD、NT-pro BNP较治疗前明显下降,差异具有统计学意义(P0.05),且治疗10 d后,治疗组LVDD、NT-pro BNP下降程度高于对照组(P0.05);1个月后治疗组6 min步行距离较对照组远,差异具有统计学意义(P0.05)。结论:心脉隆注射液可明显改善PCI围手术期心力衰竭患者心功能,显著降低血浆NT-pro BNP水平。     

The role of intracardiac hemodynamic parameters in prognosis of cardiac failure in myocardial infarction patients

Two-dimensional echocardiography was used to study intracardiac hemodynamics (end systolic, end diastolic volumes and left atrial ejection fraction; end systolic, end diastolic volumes and left ventricular fraction; mean pressure in the pulmonary artery; myocardial mass of the left ventricle) in 49 patients 2, 10 and 30 days after onset of macrofocal myocardial infarction (MI). It was found that patients with and without cardiac failure after one year of the diseases significantly differed by volume and function of the left ventricle and atrium registered since MI day 2. Probability of cardiac failure in the postinfarction period may be estimated since the disease day 2 by an increase in the end-systolic and end-diastolic volumes and left ventricular ejection fraction. A restrictive type of left ventricular diastolic dysfunction is one of the early prognostic criteria of cardiac failure in postinfarction period.     

Effects of perstarium on the systolic and diastolic functions of the myocardium in patients with chronic cardiac failure

The aim of the study was to assess prestarium effects on systolic and diastolic cardiac functions in 38 patients with ischemic heart disease and chronic cardiac failure (NYHA functional class II-IV) by biventricular balanced radioventriculography. Both left and right ventricular diastolic dysfunction was found. A course of prestarium treatment caused different alterations in ventricular contractility. 64.2% patients of those who had right ventricular ejection fraction < 40% achieved an increase in right and left ventricular ejection fraction. Improved diastolic function of the myocardium was registered in 71% patients.     

脑钠肽在左心功能不全诊断中的检测及临床价值

目的 探讨检测血浆脑钠肽(BNP)在诊断左心功能不全中的价值.方法 用微粒子酶免疫法(MEIA)检测96例左心功能不全患者的血浆BNP水平,同时用心脏彩色多普勒超声仪检查左心室射血分数(LVEF),分析BNP与心功能分级以及LVEF的相关性.结果 96例左心功能不全患者BNP及LVEF分别为(627.26±358.47)pg/mL、(58.52±8.35)％,二者呈负相关关系.心功能Ⅰ、Ⅱ、Ⅲ、Ⅳ级患者BNP水平分别为(127.32±38.40)、(487.08±308.68)、(1206.10±575.10)、(1603.31±647.62) pg/mL,血浆BNP水平与心功能分级呈正相关.结论 血浆BNP检测可减少心脏彩超对左心功能不全诊断的漏诊率,是心力衰竭诊断、疗效观察、预后评估的理想指标.     

血清游离脂肪酸与急性心力衰竭患者心功能的相关性

目的探究血清游离脂肪酸(FFA)与急性心力衰竭(AHF)患者心功能的相关性。方法将163例AHF患者依左心室射血分数(LVEF)分为LVEF<40%组及LVEF≥50%组。检测患者入院时FFA、N末端前体脑利钠肽(NT-proBNP)、心肌肌钙蛋白I(cTnI)等相关指标,行心脏彩色超声检查监测LVEF、左心室短轴缩短率(FS)、左心室舒张末内径(LVEDD)以及左心室收缩末内径(LVESD)、心肌做功指数(TEi指数)等指标。结果LVEF<40%组FFA、NT-proBNP、cTnI明显高于LVEF≥50%组(P<0.05)。FFA、NT-proBNP、cTnI是AHF患者LVEF<40%发生的危险因素。FFA、NT-proBNP预测AHF患者LVEF<40%发生的AUC分别为0.856、0.810。在AHF患者中高FFA组较低FFA组患者的心功能明显降低(P<0.05)。结论FFA、NT-proBNP、cTnI是AHF患者LVEF<40%发生的危险因素,其中FFA对于患者心功能的恶化具有一定的预测价值。     

Plasma brain natriuretic peptide in takotsubo cardiomyopathy

BACKGROUND: Takotsubo cardiomyopathy is a reversible left ventricular dysfunction with symptoms resembling acute myocardial infarction, but without coronary lesions. Patients have wall motion abnormalities (apical akinesis and basal hyperkinesis), and characteristic left ventricular morphology. AIM: To investigate plasma brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) concentrations in takotsubo cardiomyopathy. METHODS: Ten consecutive patients with takotsubo cardiomyopathy underwent cardiac catheterization on their first hospital day, and blood was collected to measure BNP. To evaluate acute basal hyperkinesis, the difference in diameter between systole and diastole was measured at 10 mm below the aortic valve (the deltaBase value). RESULTS: Coronary angiography revealed no significant stenosis in any patient. Initial ejection fraction was 42.2 +/- 7.3%, cardiac index was 1.90 +/- 0.39 l/min/m(2), and plasma BNP was 522.5 +/- 632.9 pg/ml. Ventricular contraction and the ejection fraction were normalized on echocardiography after 17.9 +/- 6.3 days. BNP was significantly correlated with deltaBase, but not with other cardiac parameters. DISCUSSION: Initial deltaBase value seems to be a good indicator of the severity of basal hyperkinesis in patients with takotsubo cardiomyopathy. In contrast to other diagnoses, a high BNP concentration is not associated with a poor prognosis in this condition.     

N氨基末端脑钠肽前体水平对急性心力衰竭患者近期预后评估的临床研究

目的探讨床旁检测N氨基末端脑钠肽前体(NT-proBNP)在急性心力衰竭患者预后评估中的临床价值。方法选取因急性心力衰竭住院的患者162例,正常对照30例。床旁检测患者入院时NT-proBNP和肌钙蛋白I(cTnI)水平,入院后72 h内进行心脏超声检测左心室射血分数(LVEF)、左室舒张末期内径(LVEDD)。心力衰竭组治疗7 d后复查NT-proB-NP。对所有患者随访30 d,观察两组随访期内主要心血管事件(全因死亡、恶性心律失常、心力衰竭加重或再入院)发生情况。结果 NT-proBNP水平可用于急性心力衰竭的预后评估,NT-proBNP水平升高者其心血管事件发生率高,NT-proBNP联合cTnI检测能提高对心血管事件的预测价值治疗后NT-proBNP下降<30%者,其主要心血管事件发生率升高。结论 NT-proBNP水平同急性心力衰竭患者病情严重性相关,对判定疗效及评估预后有重要价值。     

Circulating natriuretic peptide concentrations in patients with end-stage renal disease: role of brain natriuretic peptide as a biomarker for ventricular remodeling.

OBJECTIVES: To determine levels of natriuretic peptides (NPs) in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and to examine the relationship of these cardiovascular peptides to left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) and to cardiac mortality. PATIENTS AND METHODS: One hundred twelve dialysis patients without clinical evidence of congestive heart failure underwent plasma measurement of NP concentrations and echocardiographic investigation for left ventricular mass index (LVMI). RESULTS: Plasma atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) and brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) concentrations correlated positively with LVMI and inversely with left ventricular ejection fraction, whereas C-type NP and Dendroaspis NP levels did not correlate with LVMI. In dialysis patients with LVH (LVMI >125 g/m2), plasma ANP and BNP concentrations were increased compared with those in dialysis patients without LVH (both P<001). In a subset of 15 dialysis patients without LVH or other concomitant diseases, plasma BNP concentrations were not significantly increased compared with those in 35 controls (mean +/- SD, 20.1+/-13.4 vs 13.5+/-9.6 pg/mL; P=.06), demonstrating that the BNP concentration was not increased by renal dysfunction alone. Furthermore, the BNP level was significantly higher in the 16 patients who died from cardiovascular causes compared with survivors (mean +/- SD, 129+/-13 vs 57+/-7 pg/mL; P<.003) and was significantly associated with greater risk of cardiovascular death in Cox regression analysis (P<.001), as was the ANP level (P=.002). CONCLUSIONS: Elevation of the plasma BNP concentration is more specifically related to LVH compared with the other NP levels in patients with ESRD independent of congestive heart failure. Thus, BNP serves as an important plasma biomarker for ventricular hypertrophy in dialysis patients with ESRD.