N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide but not high-sensitivity C-reactive protein is related to severity of coronary artery stenosis in patients with acute coronary syndrome

Objective Biochemical indicators such as N-terminal pro-brain type natriuretic peptide（NT pro-BNP）and high-sensitivity Creactive protein（hsCRP）predict mortality in acute coronary syndrome（ACS）.However,little is known about the relationship of these factors with severity of coronary artery stenosis in patients with.Methods Three hundred and thirty-one subjects including 246 unstable angina pectoris patients and 85 myocardial infarction patients were recruited and classified into two groups：single-vessel disease group（1-vessel disease,n=93）and multiple-vessel disease group（≥2-vessels disease,n=238）according to selective coronary angiography.Plasma levels of NT pro-BNP and hsCRP were measured and severity of coronary stenosis was determined by Gensini score.Results NT pro-BNP but not hsCRP level was higher in patients with myocardial infarction than in patients with unstable angina pectoris.The patients with multiple-vessel disease had significantly higher NT pro-BNP level but not hsCRP compared with those with single-vessel disease.NT pro-BNP levels increased significantly as left ventricle（LV）function decreased,and only NT proBNP but not hsCRP level was related to Gensini score of severity of coronary stenosis in ACS.Conclusion NT proBNP but not hsCRP level is related to severity of coronary artery stenosis in patients in ACS.

Elevated plasma levels of N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide in patients with chronic hepatitis C during interferon-based antiviral therapy

AIM: To investigate plasma levels of N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), an established marker of cardiac function, in patients with chronic hepatitis C during interferon-based antiviral therapy. METHODS: Using a sandwich immunoassay, plasma levels of NT-proBNP were determined in 48 patients with chronic hepatitis C at baseline, wk 24 and 48 during antiviral therapy and at wk 72 during follow-up.RESULTS: Plasma NT-proBNP concentrations were significantly increased (P < 0.05) at wk 24, 48 and 72 compared to the baseline values. NT-proBNP concentrations at baseline and wk 24 were closely correlated (r = 0.8; P < 0.001). At wk 24, 7 (14.6%) patients had NT-proBNP concentrations above 200 ng/L compared to 1 (2%) patient at baseline (P = 0.059). Six of these 7 patients had been treated with high-dose IFN-α induction therapy. In multiple regression analysis, NT-proBNP was not related to other clinical parameters, biochemical parameters of liver disease or virus load and response to therapy.CONCLUSION: Elevated levels of NT-proBNP during and after interferon-based antiviral therapy of chronic hepatitis C may indicate the presence of cardiac dysfunction, which may contribute to the clinical symptoms observed in patients during therapy. Plasma levels of NT-proBNP may be used as a diagnostic tool and for guiding therapy in patients during interferon-based antiviral therapy.

Association of Atrial Fibrillation and Amino-terminal Pro-brain Natriuretic Peptide Concentrations in Patients After Off-Pump Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting

Objectives To investigate the possible role of amino-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide （NT-proBNP） in the occurrence of atrial fibrillation （AF） after coronary artery bypass grafting （CABG）. Methods This study group included 70 consecutive patients scheduled for elective off-pump CABG. The patients with ejection fraction （EF） less than 0. 30, history of AF, use of class Ⅰ or Ⅲ antiarrhythmic drug, implanted pacemaker, postoperative myocardial infarction or chest reopening for pericardial tamponade were excluded. Preoperative and postoperative serum NT-proBNP levels were measured by radioimmunoassay technique. Results Postoperative AF occurred in 15 patients （21.4%）; these patients had significantly higher median NT-proBNP levels when compared with those without AF after the operation （ P 〈 0. 01 ）. Using multivariate logistic regression analyses, an increase in NT-proBNP level after CABG was found to be independently associated with AF （ OR = 3.78, 95% IC = 1.81 - 4. 89, P 〈 0. 01 ）. Increased age, diabetes mellitus, preoperative use of β-blocker, proximal right coronary artery involvement, and longer operation time were al- so associated with AF. Conclusions These results indicated that AF was associated with higher NT-proBNP concentrations after off pump CABG; the increase in NT-proBNP after CABG may play an important role in the occurrence of AF after the operation. The further studies are needed to define the reason that lead to higher NT-proBNP concentrations among the patients who present AF after off pump CABG.

Plasma N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide levels in elderly patients with isolated diastolic dysfunction

Objective To investigate plasma N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-BNP) levels and to assess their clinical significance in elderly patients with isolated diastolic dysfunction. Methods Plasma NT-BNP level were measured by electrochemiluminescence immunoassay in 34 symptomatic patients (Group 1), 34 asymptomatic patients (Group 2) with isolated diastolic dysfunction, and in 16 elderly healthy subjects (control group, Group 3), serving controls. Colored Doppler echocardiography was performed to evaluate the patients' cardiac structures and functions. Results The plasma NT-BNP level in Group 1 was significantly higher than those in Group 2 and Group 3 and increased with the severity of heart failure. There was no significant difference of plasma NT-BNP levels between Group 2 and Group 3 (p>0.05). A NT-BNP value of 102.75 pg/mL showed a sensitivity of 88.2%, a specificity of 87.5%, and an accuracy of 88.1% for diagnosing diastolic dysfunction. Patients with restrictive filling pattern on echocardiography had higher NT-BNP levels than those of impaired relaxation pattern (1961.2±304.9 versus 460.1±92.7pg/mL, p<0.001). Conclusion The elevation of plasma NT-BNP level in elderly patients with isolated diastolic dysfunction correlates with the severity of their diastolic abnormalities. The level of plasma NT-BNP has an important clinical value in the diagnosis of elderly patients with isolated diastolic dysfunction.

Increased N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide level predicts atrial fibrillation after surgery for esophageal carcinoma

AIM: To evaluate the value of plasma N-terminal pro- brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) level for predicting postoperative atrial fibrillation (AF) in patients undergoing surgery for esophageal carcinoma. METHODS: NT-proBNP levels were measured in 142 patients 24 h before and 1 h after surgery for esophageal carcinoma. All patients having a preoperative cardiac diagnosis by electrocardiogram (ECG), remained under continuous monitoring for at least 48 h after surgery, and then underwent clinical cardiac evaluation until discharge. RESULTS: Postoperative AF occurred in 11 patients (7.7%). AF patients were significantly older (69.6 ± 12.2 years vs 63.4 ± 13.3 years, P = 0.031) than non-AF patients. There were no significant differences in history of diabetes mellitus, sex distribution, surgical approach, anastomosis site, intraoperative hypotension and postoperative fever. The preoperative plasma NT-proBNP level was significantly higher in patients who developed postoperative AF (121.3 ± 18.3 pg/mL vs 396.1 ± 42.6 pg/mL, P = 0.016). After adjustment for age, gender, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), history of cardiac diseases, hypertension, postoperative hypoxia and thoracic-gastric dilation, NT-proBNP levels were found to be associated with the highest risk factor for postoperative AF (odds ratio = 4.711, 95% CI = 1.212 to 7.644, P = 0.008).CONCLUSION: An elevated perioperative plasma BNP level is a strong and independent predictor of postoperative AF in patients undergoing surgery for esophageal carcinoma. This finding has important implications for identifying patients at higher risk of postoperative AF who should be considered for preventive antiarrhythmic therapy.

Prognostic Value of N-Terminal Pro-Brain Natriuretic Peptide in Acute Pulmonary Embolism

Patients with pulmonary embolism (PE) have a high risk of death and it is important to recognize factors associated with high mortality. N-Terminal pro-Brain Natriuretic Peptide (NT-pro BNP) has recently emerged as a promising biomarker for risk assessment in acute pulmonary embolism (PE). The aim of this study is to detect the in hospital prognostic value of NT-pro BNP in patients with acute (PE). Methods: This study included 64 patients diagnosed as (PE) with the mean age of 59.1 ± 16.5 years, 40 patients of them (62.5%) were male. All patients were subjected to 12 leads ECG. X-ray chest, laboratory tests including D-Dimer, troponin I, NT-pro BNP, Doppler ultrasound for the venous system of both lower limbs, Echocardiograhy and 64 multislices CT pulmonary angiography. Results: According to the admission level of NT-pro BNP our patients were divided into two groups: group I included 22 patients with normal NT-pro BNP (less than 300 pg/ml), and group II included 42 patients with elevated NT-pro BNP (more than or equal 300 pg/ml). Patients in group II were found to have a significantly higher incidence of heart failure (28.6% Vs 4.6%, p = 0.025), impaired kidney function (serum creatinine was 1.7 ± 0.6 Vs 1.1 ± 0.2, p = 0.018), tachypnea (85.7% Vs 54.5%, p = 0.006) and cardiogenic shock (26.2% Vs 0%, p = 0.014) but a significantly lower incidence of chest pain (21.4% Vs 45.5%, p = 0.04) and lower left ventricular ejection fraction (51.3% ± 16.9% Vs 67.3% ± 12.8%, p = 0.043) compared to group I. There were a significantly higher treatment with thrombolytic therapy (35.7% Vs 9.1%, p=0.021) and positive inotropics (35.71% Vs 4.55%, p = 0.006) in group II compared to group I. Also group II had a higher need for mechanical ventilation (26.12% Vs 4.55%, p = 0.04) and a longer in hospital stay (19.5 ± 10.3 Vs 5.3 ± 4.5, p = 0.001) than group I. The in hospital mortality was significantly higher in group II compared to group I (19.05% Vs 0.0%, p = 0.042). Conclusion: Elevated NT-pro BNP levels in patients with (PE) are associated with worse short term prognosis in terms of higher morbidity and mortality and it could be used as a valuable prognostic parameter and good indicator for the need of more aggressive therapy.

Effect of milrinone on the cardiac function and N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide levels in patients with senile refractory heart failure

Objective:To study the effect of milrinone on the cardiac function and N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) levels in patients with senile refractory heart failure. Methods:90 patients with senile refractory heart failure who were treated in our hospital between August 2013 and August 2016 were collected and divided into control group (n=45) and observation group (n=45) according to the random number table. The control group received regular clinical treatment, and the observation group received regular + milrinone treatment. The cardiac function and serum NT-proBN contents were compared between two groups of patients before and after treatment.Results: Before treatment, the differences in ultrasound and serum cardiac function indexes and serum NT-proBN levels were not statistically significant between two groups of patients. After treatment, ultrasound serum cardiac function parameter LVEDD level in observation group was lower than that in control group while CI and SV levels were higher than those in control group;serum cardiac function indexes Cys-C, GDF-15, sST2 and H-FABP contents were lower than those in control group;serum NT-proBNP content was lower than that in control group.Conclusion: Milrinone therapy can optimize the cardiac function and reduce the serum NT-proBN levels in patients with senile refractory heart failure.

Effect Study of the Recombinant Human Brain Natriuretic Peptide in Patients with Heart Failure Combined with Hypotension

Objective: This paper aims to investigate the effect of applying recombinant human brain natriuretic peptide in patients with heart failure combined with hypotension. Recombinant human brain natriuretic peptide is a synthetic polypeptide drug that is primarily used to treat acute heart failure. Its mechanism of action closely mimics that of human endogenous brain natriuretic peptide. By binding to receptors on cardiomyocytes, it exerts its pharmacological effects. Methods: For the study, 76 heart failure patients with hypotension were selected from our hospital between May 2022 and June 2023. These patients were divided into two groups: a control group and an observation group, each comprising 38 patients. The control group received dopamine treatment, while the observation group was treated with recombinant brain natriuretic peptide. The objective was to compare the effects of the treatments in both groups by analyzing cardiac function indices and levels of vasoactive substances to identify any significant differences in outcomes. Results: The overall response rate of the patients in the observation group and the control group was 94.74% and 73.68%, significantly higher as compared with the observation group (P 0.05). After the following treatment, BNP, ANNP and urine output in the observation group were significantly different compared with the control group, of the statistical significance (P Conclusion: For the treatment of heart failure patients with hypotension, the clinical application of recombinant human brain natriuretic peptide is the most ideal, and significantly improves the cardiac function of patients, which is worth popularizing.

Comprehensive effects of traditional Chinese medicine treatment on heart failure and changes in B-type natriuretic peptide levels: A meta-analysis

BACKGROUND Heart failure(HF),a common cardiovascular condition,is characterized by significant morbidity and mortality.While traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)is often used as a complementary approach in HF management,systematic evalua-tions of its impact on clinical outcomes,TCM syndrome scores,and B-type natriuretic peptide(BNP)levels are lacking.This study fills this gap through a comprehensive analysis of randomized controlled trials(RCTs)focusing on TCM for HF treatment.It encompasses an assessment of methodological quality,a meta-analysis,and an evaluation of evidence quality based on established standards.The results offer crucial insights into the potential advantages and constraints of TCM in HF management.RCTs on TCM for HF treatment published since the establishment of the database were searched in four Chinese and English databases,including China National Knowledge Infrastructure,Wanfang,VIP Information Chinese Science and Technology Journal,and PubMed.Methodological quality was assessed for the included studies with the Cochrane risk-of-bias assessment tool,and the meta-analysis and publication bias assessment was performed with the RevMan5.3 software.Finally,the quality of evidence was rated according to the GRADE criteria.RESULTS A total of 1098 RCTs were initially retrieved.After screening,16 RCTs were finally included in our study,which were published between 2020 and 2023.These RCTs involved 1660 HF patients,including 832 in the TCM group[TCM combined with conventional Western medicine(CMW)treatment]and 828 in the CWM group(CWM treatment).The course of treatments varied from 1 wk to 3 months.TCM syndrome differentiation was analyzed in 11 of the included RCTs.In all included RCTs,outcome indicators included comprehensive clinical outcomes,TCM syndrome scores,and BNP levels.The meta-analysis results showed significant differences between the TCM and CWM groups in terms of comprehensive clinical outcomes[risk ratio=-0.54;95%confidence interval(CI)=-0.61,-0.47;P<0.00001],TCM syndrome scores[weighted mean difference(WMD)=-142.07;95%CI=-147.56,-136.57;P<0.00001],and BNP levels(WMD=-142.07;95%CI=-147.56,-136.57;P<0.00001).According to the GRADE criteria,RCTs where"TCM improves clinical comprehensive outcomes"were rated as low-quality evidence,and RCTs where"TCM reduces TCM syndrome scores"or"TCM decreases BNP levels"were rated as medium-quality evidence.CONCLUSION TCM combined with CWM treatment effectively improves comprehensive clinical outcomes and diminishes TCM syndrome scores and BNP levels in HF patients.Given the low and medium quality of the included RCTs,the application of these results should be cautious.

Association of N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide with the severity of coronary artery disease in patients with normal left ventricular ejection fraction

Backround N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide （NT-proBNP） is a reliable predictor in acute coronary artery disease （CAD）. Little is known about patients with stable CAD, especially Chinese patients with CAD. The aim of the present study was to investigate the association of NT-proBNP levels with the severity of CAD in patients with normal left ventricular ejection fraction. Methods A total of 658 consecutive patients were divided into two groups based on angiograms： CAD group （n=484） and angiographic normal control group （n=174）. The severity of CAD was evaluated by modified Gensini score, and its relationship with NT-proBNP was analyzed. Results The prevalence of risk factors such as age, male gender, diabetes mellitus （DM）, dyslipidemia, smoking, and family history of CAD in the CAD group were higher than that in the control group. In multivariate regression model analysis, age, gender, and DM were determinants of the presence of CAD. NT-pro BNP was found to be an independent predictor for CAD （OR：1.66 （95% CI： 1.06-2.61）, P 〈0.05）. In a receiver operating characteristic （ROC）curve analysis, an NT-proBNP value of 641.15 pmol/L was identified as a cut-off value in the diagnosis or exclusion of CAD （area under curve （AUC）=0.56, 95% CI： 0.51-0.61）. Furthermore, NT-proBNP was positively correlated with Gensini score （r=0.14, P 〈0.001） in patients with CAD. Conclusion NT-proBNP was an independent predictor for Chinese patients with CAD, suggesting that the NT-proBNP level might be associated with the presence and the severity of CAD.

Predictive value of N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide in combination with the sequential organ failure assessment score in sepsis

Background The prognostic power of n-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide （NT-proBNP） in sepsis is disputable and unstable among different models. We attempt to evaluate the prognostic potential of NT-proBNP in combination with the sequential organ failure assessment （SOFA） score in sepsis. Methods In this retrospective study, 100 consecutive sepsis patients were enrolled. Clinical data such as admission SOFA, the Acute Physiologic and Chronic Health Evaluation score, shock prevalence, use of lung protective ventilation, vasopressors, and glucocorticoids were recorded. Additionally, serum creatinine （Scrl and Scr3） and NT-proBNP （NT-proBNP1 and NT-proBNP3） were assayed and evaluated at admission and on day 3 respectively. Results ANT-proBNP （NT-proBNP3 minus NT-proBNP1） （P 〈0.001, Hazard ratio （HR）=1.245, 95% confidence interval （CI）, 1.137-1.362） and admission SOFA （P 〈0.001, HR=1.197, 95% CI, 1.106-1.295） were independently related to in-hospital mortality. Their combination was a more robust predictor for in-hospital mortality than either of them individually. Patients with high ANT-proBNP and SOFA had the poorest prognosis. Conclusions In our study, both ANT-proBNP and SOFA were independent predictors of septic patients＇ prognosis. Moreover, the combination of ,~NT-proBNP and admission SOFA provided a novel strategy that contained information regarding both the response to treatment and sepsis severity.

Association between plasma brain natriuretic peptide/N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide levels and atrial fibrillation： evidence from a meta-analysis

Background Several small sample-size observational studies evaluated the association of plasma brain natriuretic peptide （BNP） or N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide （NT-proBNP） with atrial fibrillation （AF）,but the results were contradictory.We aimed to perform a meta-analysis of relevant studies to evaluate the availability of this association.Methods We performed an extensive literature search on PubMed,Web of Science （WOS） and the Cochrane Library databases.Pooled standardized mean difference （SMD） and 95% confidence interval （CI） were calculated to assess the strength of association using random effects models.We performed sensitivity and subgroup analyses to explore the potential sources of heterogeneity.We also estimated publication biases.Statistical analyses were performed using the STATA 12.0 software.Results A total of 11 studies including 777 cases and 870 controls were finally analyzed.Overall,the brain natriuretic peptide/N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide levels were higher in atrial fibrillation patients than controls without atrial fibrillation.Results showed that the SMD in the natriuretic peptide levels between cases and controls was 2.68 units （95%CI 1.76 to 3.60）; test for overall effect z-score=5.7 （P 〈0.001）.There was significant heterogeneity between individual studies （I2=97.8%; P 〈0.001）.Further analysis revealed that differences in the assay of natriuretic peptide possibly account for this heterogeneity.Conclusions Increased BNP/NT-proBNP levels were associated with the presence of atrial fibrillation.This finding indicates that BNP/NT-proBNP may prove to be a biomarker of an underlying predisposition to AF.

Value of Combining Left Atrial Diameter and Amino-terminal Pro-brain Natriuretic Peptide to the CHA2DS2-VASc Score for Predicting Stroke and Death in Patients with Sick Sinus Syndrome after Pacemaker Implantation

Background： The CHA2DS2-VASc score is used clinically for stroke risk stratification in patients with atrial fibrillation （AF）. We sought to investigate whether the CHA2DS2-VASc score predicts stroke and death in Chinese patients with sick sinus syndrome （SSS） after pacemaker implantation and to evaluate whether the predictive power of the CHA2DS2-VASc score could be improved by combining it with left atrial diameter （LAD） and amino-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide （NT-proBNP）. Methods： A total of 481 consecutive patients with SSS who underwent pacemaker implantation from January 2004 to December 2014 in our department were included. The CHA2DS2-VASc scores were retrospectively calculated according to the hospital medical records before pacemaker implantation. The outcome data （stroke and death） were collected by pacemaker follow-up visits and telephonic follow-up until December 3 l, 2015. Results： During 2151 person-years of follow-up, 46 patients （9.6%） suffered stroke and 52 （10.8%） died. The CHA2DS2-VASc score showed a significant association with the development of stroke （hazard ratio [HR] 1.45, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.20-1.75, P 〈 0.00 1） and death （HR 1.45, 95% CI 1.22-1.71, P 〈 0.001）. The combination of increased LAD and the CHA2DS2-VASc score improved the predictive power for stroke （C-stat 0.69, 95% CI 0.61-4）.77 vs. C-stat 0.66, 95% CI 0.57-0.74, P = 0.013）, and the combination of increased NT-proBNP and the CHA2DS2-VASc score improved the predictive power for death （C-stat 0.70, 95% CI 0.64-0.77 vs. C-stat 0.67, 95% CI 0.60--0.75, P= 0.023）. Conclusions： CHA2DS2-VASc score is valuable for predicting stroke and death risk in patients with SSS after pacemaker implantation. The addition of LAD and NT-proBNP to the CHA2DS2-VASc score improved its predictive power for stroke and death, respectively, in this patient cohort. Future prospective studies are warranted to validate the benefit of adding LAD and NT-proBNP to the CHA2DS2-VASc score for predicting stroke and death risk in non-AF populations.

Lyophilized recombinant human brain natriuretic peptide: A promising therapy in patients with chronic heart failure

Lyophilized recombinant brain natriuretic peptide(BNP)is an exogenous peptide synthesized by artificial recombination technology,with a similar structure and similar physiological effects with the endogenous natriuretic peptide secreted by the human body.It’s main mechanism of action is to increase cyclic guanosine monophosphate by binding with its corresponding receptor in the body,regulating,thus,the imbalance of the vascular system and cardiac hemodynamics,improving the heart’s pumping capacity,and inhibiting sympathetic excitability and myocardial remodeling.Moreover,it can promote mitochondrial metabolism and enhance the use of adenosine triphosphate in cardiomyocytes.In the present study,102 chronic heart failure(HF)patients were randomly assigned to a control and an observation group consisting of 51 patients each.Patients of the control group were treated with standard HF therapy for 3 d including oral metoprolol tartrate tablets,spironolactone,and olmesartanate while patients of the observation group were administered the recombinant human BNP injection for the same time-period,plus the standard HF therapy.The recombinant human BNP group(observation group)demonstrated better physical,emotional,social,and economic scores,as well as cardiac and inflammatory biomarkers such as serum hypersensitive C-reactive protein,N-terminal pro BNP and troponin I levels,compared to the control group.Moreover,cardiac function was also improved,as left ventricular ejection fraction and stroke volume were significantly higher in the observation group than in the control group.Interestingly,adverse reactions were not different between the 2 groups.However,these results are not generalizable and the need of large multicenter randomized controlled trials examining the safety and efficacy of recombinant human BNP in HF patients is of major importance.

Association between high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T and N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide in a community based population

Background N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide （NT-proBNP） and high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T （hs-cTnT） are excellent biomarkers for detecting heart failure and subclinical myocardial injury.However,it remains unclear whether subclinical myocardial injury is associated with NT-proBNP elevation in a community based population.Methods In a community based study,levels of hs-cTnT and of NT-proBNP were determined in 1 497 participants older than 45 years.The lower detection limit of the hs-cTnT assay used in the present study was 0.003 ng/ml.The association of hs-cTnT levels and NT-proBNP levels was analyzed.Results When the subjects with undetectable （〈0.003 ng/ml）,intermediate （0.003-0.014 ng/ml）,and elevated （≥0.014 ng/ml） levels of hs-cTnT were compared （r=0.175,P 〈0.001）,a strong association between the hs-cTnT levels and NT-proBNP levels was observed （β=-0.206,P 〈0.001; β=-0.118,P 〈0.001,respectively）.In multivariable analyses,older age and hs-cTnT were positively and independently associated with NT-proBNP levels （β=0.341,P 〈0.001; β=0.143,P 〈0.001,respectively）,and male gender and the levels of eGFR were inversely and independently associated with NT-proBNP levels.When the subjects with normal or elevated NT-proBNP were analyzed separately,the hs-cTnT level was not an independent predictor for the NT-proBNP level in the normal NT-proBNP group,whereas the hs-cTnT level was the only independent predictor for NT-proBNP level in the elevated NT-proBNP group （β=0.399,P 〈0.01）.Conclusions In this community based population,NT-proBNP elevation was common.In addition to female gender and older age,subclinical myocardial injury indicated by the hs-cTnT level was another important factor in NT-proBNP elevation.

Lyophilized recombinant human brain natriuretic peptide for chronic heart failure:Effects on cardiac function and inflammation

BACKGROUND Chronic heart failure(CHF)is a serious and prevalent condition characterized by impaired cardiac function and inflammation.Standard therapy for CHF has limitations,prompting the exploration of alternative treatments.Recombinant human brain natriuretic peptide(BNP)has emerged as a potential therapy,with evidence suggesting that it can improve cardiac function and reduce inflammation in patients with CHF.However,further research is required to determine the efficacy and safety of lyophilized recombinant human BNP in CHF patients and its impact on microinflammatory status.This study aimed to investigate the effects of lyophilized recombinant human BNP therapy on CHF patients’cardiac function and microinflammatory status.AIM To investigate the effects of freeze-dried recombinant human BNP therapy on cardiac function and microinflammatory status in patients with CHF.METHODS In total,102 CHF patients admitted to our hospital from January 2021 to January 2022 were randomly assigned to control and observation groups(n=51 patients/group).The control patients were treated with standard HF therapy for 3 d,whereas the observational patients were injected with the recombinant human BNP for 3 d.Clinical efficacy,inflammatory factor levels,myocardial damage,cardiac function before and after the treatment,and adverse reactions during treatment were compared between the two groups.RESULTS The overall clinical efficacy was higher in the observation group than in the control group.Compared with baseline,serum hypersensitive C-reactive protein,N-terminal proBNP,and troponin I level,and physical,emotional,social,and economic scores were lower in both groups after treatment,with greater reductions in levels and scores noted in the observation group than in the control group.The overall incidence of adverse reactions in the observation group was not significantly different compared with that in the control group(P>0.05).CONCLUSION Freeze-dried recombinant human BNP therapy can improve heart function and enhance microinflammatory status,thereby improving overall quality of life without any obvious side effects.This therapy is safe and reliable.

The Lebanese Society of Cardiology Consensus Statement on the Use of Natriuretic Peptides for the Management of Heart Failure

Plasma concentration of Natriuretic Peptide (NP) is a valuable diagnostic tool for heart failure (HF). It can help rule out or confirm a diagnosis of HF based on symptoms, but its use is not clearly defined. NPs should be used in conjunction with physical examination and other diagnostic tests. However, it is important to note that several conditions besides the diagnosis of HF may cause NPs levels to be elevated. Additionally, there are situations when NP concentrations may be below diagnostic thresholds in [1]. This consensus statement aims to provide a straightforward diagnostic flowchart for clinicians in both the emergency department and outpatient settings to aid in diagnosing both acute and chronic HF. The diagnosis of acute HF can be ruled out with a BNP level of 100 pg/mL or NTproBNP level of 300 pg/mL, regardless of the patient’s age. To identify HF, a 3-level cut-off point based on the patient’s age is recommended. Chronic heart failure can be ruled out with a BNP level of 35 pg/mL or NTproBNP level of 125 pg/mL, regardless of thepatient’s age [1].

Plasma N-terminal pro-Brain natriuretic peptide levels after hybrid therapy with pulmonary vein isolation and amiodarone for atrial fibrillation

Background The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of hybrid therapy and the relationship between the plasma N-terminal pro-Brain natriuretic peptide （NT-pro BNP） levels and the recurrence rate of the atrial fibrillation （AF） patients underwent pulmonary vein isolation （PVI） with or without amiodarone. Methods There were two groups in this study： control group and hybrid group. In the control group, 54 patients （36 males, 54±13 years） including paroxysmal （PAF） 22, persistent （Pers-AF） 15, and permanent AF （perm-AF） 17, respectively, underwent the PVI procedure only; In the hybrid, 63 AF patients （41 males, 53±12 years） including PAF 24, Pers-AF 18, and perm-AF 21, respectively,underwent the PVI procedure and used amiodarone to enhance the effect of PVI. Blood samples were collected before and 3 months after PVI. NT-pro BNP concentrations were determined by immunoassays. Results In the control group, AF recurred in 29 patients （PAF 5 in 22, Pers-AF 11 in 15, and perm-AF 13 in 17） after the initial PVI procedure; And in the hybrid group, AF recurrred in 20 patiens （PAF 3 in 24, Pers-AF 7 in 18, and perm-Af 11 in 21 ）. The average recurrent rate decreased significantly in the hybrid group （53.7% vs 31.7%, P0.01）. While the NT pro- BNP level （pg/mL） was significantly different between the 2 groups （PAF 294.34±54.4 versus 241.69±17.6 pg/mL, P=0.047; Pers-AF 487.51±47.9 versus 248.76±19.4, P=0.001; Perm-AF 490.91±38.3 versus 300.86±31.8, P=0.032）, While the NT pro- BNP level was also much lower in hybird group than control group in total （263.43±26.1 versus 409.88±49.7, P=0.02）. Conclusions Sinus rhythm（SR）following AF ablation is associated with a dramatic decrease in NT-pro BNP. The hybrid group which had the administration of amiodarone after PVI would significantly decrease the plama NT pro-BNP levels and the recurrent rate of AF.

Early monitoring of pro-brain natriuretic peptide and its diagnostic value in burn victims

Background Myocardial impairment is often precipitated after burn. Previously, cardiac enzyme profile was often measured to determine myocardial injury, but was hardly specific. In this study, we investigated early changes of plasma N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide （NT-proBNP） over time and its diagnostic value in burn patients. Methods 131 patients with heat burn were assigned to mild group （n = 19）, moderate group （n = 31）, severe group （n = 35） and extremely severe group （n = 35） based on their conditions. NT-proBNP and troponin I （cTnI） were continuously measured on days 1, 3, 5 and 7, respectively after admission. Results Significant differences were found on day 3, 5 and 7 between moderate burn group and mild burn group （P 0.05）; increase appeared earlier and lasted longer in severe group and extremely severe group as compared to mild and moderate groups （P 0.05）. Conclusions NT-proBNP is related to the severity of burn and can well reflect the status of myocardial injury in patients with severe burn, making it an ideal marker for myocardial injury in burn patients.

Value of N-Terminal Pro B-Type Natriuretic Peptide,High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein,and Homocysteine Levels in Predicting Cardiovascular Events in Chronic Heart Failure Patients After Discharge

Objective:To investigate the value of N-terminal pro B-type natriuretic peptide(NT-proBNP),high-sensitivity C-reactive protein(hs-CRP),and homocysteine(Hcy)levels in predicting cardiovascular events(CV)in patients with chronic heart failure(CHF).Methods:A total of 63 patients with CHF admitted to our hospital between June 2019 and July 2021 were selected.Their NT-proBNP,hs-CRP,and Hcy levels were detected at discharge,and a 12-month follow-up was done after their discharge to collect clinical data.The collected data were inclusive of data from 21 CHF patients with cardiovascular disease and 42 CHF patients without cardiovascular disease.The effect of NT-proBNP,hs-CRP,and Hcy levels on the occurrence of CV was analyzed.Results:The levels of NT-proBNP,hs-CRP,and Hcy in the group with cardiovascular disease were significantly higher than those in the group without cardiovascular disease(P<0.05);the levels of serum NT-proBNP,hs-CRP,and Hcy at discharge had certain value in predicting short-term CV in CHF patients(P<0.05).Conclusion:NT-proBNP,hs-CRP,and Hcy levels can be used to predict CV in CHF patients,thus having clinical application value.