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.

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.

Marked elevation of B-type natriuretic peptide in patients with heart failure and preserved ejection fraction

Marked elevations of B-type natriuretic peptide （BNP） are not generally seen in patients with heart failure and preserved ejection fraction （HFpEF）. The objective of this study was to examine the clinical and laboratory characteristics of a large cohort of patients with HFpEF and markedly elevated BNP. A retrospective examination of 421 inpatients at a university hospital admitted with a diagnosis of HFpEF was performed. Clinical and echocardiographic data in 4 groups of patients with levels of BNP ≤ 100 pg/mL, 100-400 pg/mL, 400-1,000 pg/mL and 〉 1,000 pg/mL were compared. Patients with HFpEF and BNP 〉 1,000 pg/mL （28% of the population） were characterized by impaired renal function and greater use of anti-hypertensive medications. A subset of these patients with BNP 〉 1,000 pg/mL had normal renal function （21%） and were significantly older, more frequently female, and tended to have lower ejection fractions. Conversely, patients with HFpEF and BNP ≤100 pg/mL were younger and had preserved renal function. BNP was inversely related to the likelihood of subsequent admission for heart failure, but not to myocardial infarction or death. In conclusion： BNP 〉 1,000 pg/mL is seen in almost 1/3 of patients hospitalized with HFpEF. This elevation of BNP often reflects impaired renal function, but can also be seen in patients with preserved renal function but relatively impaired systolic function.

B-type natriuretic peptide in predicting the severity of community-acquired pneumonia

BACKGROUND: Although pneumonia severity index(PSI) is widely used to evaluate the severity of community-acquired pneumonia(CAP), the calculation of PSI is very complicated. The present study aimed to evaluate the role of B-type natriuretic peptide(BNP) in predicting the severity of CAP.METHODS: For 202 patients with CAP admitted to the emergency department, BNP levels, cardiac load indexes, inf lammatory indexes including C-reactive protein(CRP), white blood cell count(WBC), and PSI were detected. The correlation between the indexes and PSI was investigated. BNP levels for survivor and non-survivor groups were compared, and a receiver operating characteristic(ROC) curve analysis was performed on the BNP levels versus PSI.RESULTS: The BNP levels increased with CAP severity(r=0.782, P<0.001). The BNP levels of the high-risk group(PSI classes IV and V) were signifi cantly higher than those of the low-risk group(PSI classes I–III)(P<0.001). The BNP levels were signifi cantly higher in the non-survivor group than in the survivor group(P<0.001). In addition, there were positive correlations between BNP levels and PSI scores(r=0.782, P<0.001). The BNP level was highly accurate in predicting the severity of CAP(AUC=0.952). The optimal cut-off point of BNP level for distinguishing high-risk patients from low-risk ones was 125.0 pg/m L, with a sensitivity of 0.891 and a specifi city of 0.946. Moreover, BNP level was accurate in predicting mortality(AUC=0.823). Its optimal cut-off point for predicting death was 299.0 pg/m L, with a sensitivity of 0.675 and a specifi city of 0.816. Its negative predictive cut-off value was 0.926, and the positive predictive cut-off value was 0.426.CONCLUSION: BNP level is positively correlated with the severity of CAP, and may be used as a biomarker for evaluating the severity of CAP.

The role of B-type natriuretic peptide in the diagnosis and treatment of decompensated heart failure

Heart failure (HF) is a common disease associated with increasing age. B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP), is a cardiac neurohormone, and is released as prepro BNP and then enzyrnatically cleaved to the Ntenninal-proBNP (NT-proBNP) and BNP upon ventricular myocyte stretch. Blood measurements of BNP have been used to identify patients with I-IF. The BNP assay is currently used as a diagnostic and prognostic aid in HF. In general, a BNP level below 100 pg/mL excludes acutely decompensated HF and levels ＞ 500 pg/ml indicate decompensation. Recombinant human BNP (hBNP, nesiritide) is an approved intravenous treatment for acute,decompensated -HF. Nesiritide given in supraphysiologic doses causes vasodilation, natriuresis, diuresis, and improved symptoms over the course of a 48-hour infusion. This paper will sort out the literature concerning the use of this peptide both as a diagnostic test and as an intravenous therapy.

The Utility of B-type Natriuretic Peptide to Predict Prognosis of Acute Myocardial Infarction Patients Complicated With Cardiogenic Shock Treated With Intra-aortic Ballon Counterpulsation

Objectives To assess the prognostic value of B-type natriuretic peptide （BNP） in severe AMI patients treated with intra-aortic ballon counterpulsation（IABP）. Methods A total of 42 AMI patients with cardiogenic shock were retrospectively studied. BNP plasma level was recorded in the 24th hour and 4th day after myocardial infarction. The different mortality were compared among patients with different BNP levels. Results With aggressive treatment, 20 patients survived short term hospitalization. Plasma concentration of BNP in dying patients is much higher than in survivals（1369 ± 353 vs 651 ± 302 pg/ml. P〈 0.01）.Patients with BNP higher than 1474 pg/mL had a mortality of 92.9 %. Conclusions Elevated BNP level in AMI patients with cardiogenic shock treated with IABP is highly associated with poor prognosis.

Comparative study of galectin-3 and B-type natriuretic peptide as biomarkers for the diagnosis of heart failure

BackgroundHeart 失败(HF ) 是有复杂 pathophysiological 原因的普通疾病。HF 的诊断通常依靠病历和症状的全面分析，并且源于 echocardiography 和生物化学的测试。Galectin-3，在 HF 的相对新的 biomarker，被 US 食物药品管理局为 HF 在风险的层化作为一个标记在 2010 同意。我们与保存喷射部分(pEF ) 在病人为 HF 诊断作为 biomarker 估计了 galectin-3 并且把它的性能与 B 类型 natriuretic 的作比较肽(BNP ).MethodsThirty -- 有 HF (HFpEF 组) 的五个 pEF 病人和没有 HF (控制组) 的 43 个 pEF 病人被注册。在 HFpEF 和控制题目的 galectin-3 和 BNP 的血浆层次是坚定的。象为 HF 诊断的标记的 galectin-3 和 BNP 的敏感，特性，预兆的价值，和精确性被计算， galectin-3 和 BNP 的 compared.ResultsLevels 是 23.09 &#x000b1；6.97 ng/mL 和 270.46 &#x000b1；在 HFpEF 组的 330.41 pg/mL，和 16.74 &#x000b1；2.75 ng/mL 和 59.94 &#x000b1；在控制组的 29.93 pg/mL 分别地。在在二个组之间的 galectin-3 和 BNP 的层次的差别是重要的(P &#x0003c；0.01 ) 。作为为在学习题目的 HF 诊断的 biomarker，分别地， galectin-3 在 17.8 ng/mL 的截止价值显示出 94.3% 和 65.1% 的敏感和特性。分别地， BNP 在 100 pg/mL 的截止价值显示出 77.1% 和 90.7% 的敏感和特性。Galectin-3 是一显著地更敏感(P &#x0003c；0.05 ) 但是不太特定(P &#x0003c；0.01 ) biomarker 与 BNP 相比。在在 galectin-3 和 BNP 标记之间的积极预兆的价值，否定预兆的价值，和精确性的差别不是重要的(P &#x0003e；0.05 ) 。在操作典型曲线(95% 信心间隔) 的接收装置下面的区域是 0.891 (0.808-0.974 ) 并且(0.809-0.984 ) 分别地， 0.896 没有二之间的重要差别为 galectin-3 和 BNP 珍视(P &#x0003e；0.05 ) galectin-3 的 .ConclusionsThe 水平显著地与 HF 在病人被提高。Galectin-3 和 BNP 是为在有 pEF 的病人的 HF 的诊断的有用 biomarkers。

The role of B-type natriuretic peptide in the evaluation of congestive heart failure patients in emergency department

Aim: Congestive heart failure (CHF) is a severe cardiovascular disorder seen in the Emergency Department (ED). B-type Natriuretic Peptide (BNP) is usually ordered to evaluate the CHF severity. However, it is difficult to interpret serum BNP level when different clinical entities existed. The aim of this study is to illustrate the correlation between serum BNP level and relevant clinical variables and further determine the role of serum BNP in different CHF patients. Methods: Univariate comparisons between 26 clinical variables and serum BNP level were analyzed. In order to avoid confounding factors, potential independent clinical variables were analyzed together using multivariate regression. Results: 529 CHF patients were reviewed and divided into different groups by 26 clinical variables. Serum BNP levels were found statistically significant different by univariate compareson between groups divided by 8 clinical variables that included obesity, diastolic/systolic heart failure (HF), serum blood urea nitrogen (BUN) level, serum creatinine (Cr) level, serum sodium (Na) level, patients taking loop diuretics, history of cerebrovascular accident (CVA), and history of dementia. Among all 8 clinical variables, obesity, serum BUN, Cr level, and diastolic/systolic HF had weak-to-moderate correlation effects with serum BNP level by correlation coefficient analysis. However, only obesity and dia- stolic/systolic HF were two moderately stronger clini- cal variables that can affect the serum BNP levels by multivariate regression. Analyzing CHF patients separately by obesity and diastolic/systolic HF subsets showed longer hospitalization in diastolic HF patients with relatively higher serum Cr level. In addition, poor correlation was found between serum BNP level and length of hospitalization (LOH) as well. Conclusion: High variability of serum BNP levels exists in CHF patients with weak-to-moderate correlation effects particularly on obesity and diastolic/systolic HF.It is recommended that physicians should be cautious on interpreting BNP in different CHF populations.

Diagnostic Value of Combined Detection of Galectin-3 and N-Terminal B-Type Natriuretic Peptide in Patients with Acute Heart Failure

Background: Acute heart failure timely and effective diagnosis and treatment directly affects the prognosis of patients, so early diagnosis of acute heart failure treatment is very important. The current diagnosis of acute heart failure has yet to be further improved. To investigate the relationship between plasma levels of Galectin-3 and NT-proBNP in cardiac structure and function in patients with acute heart failure (AHF) Early detection of failure. Methods: The clinical data of 86 patients with acute heart failure in our hospital were analyzed and followed up. Twenty-six healthy subjects with normal cardiac function were used as control group. The plasma Galectin-3 and NT-proBNP levels were compared between the two groups to observe the value of plasma Galectin-3 combined with NT-proBNP in the diagnosis of acute heart failure. Results: There was no significant difference in the level of Galectin-3 and NT-proBNP between heart function group II and control group, and the levels of cardiac function III and IVG plasma Galectin-3 and NT-proBNP were significantly higher in patients with heart failure Compared with the healthy control group, the patients’ LVEF decreased and their cardiac function increased. The levels of plasma Galectin-3 and NT-proBNP increased significantly (P 0.01). Multivariate Logistic regression analysis demonstrated that plasma levels of Galectin-3 and NT-proBNP were independent of cardiac function. The area under the ROC curve for the combined detection of plasma Galectin-3 and NT-proBNP was greater than the area under the two alone tests. Conclusion: The combined detection of Galectin-3 and NT-proBNP has high sensitivity and specificity in the diagnosis of acute heart failure and can be used as a new detection mode.

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.

Effects of short-acting β-adrenergic blocker on B-type natriuretic peptide at early stage of postresuscitation in rabbits

Postresuscitation myocardial dysfunction is reversible heart failure and B-type natriuretic peptide （BNP） is a biochemical marker of ventricular disorders secreted from ventricle, which can be used to assess the status of left ventricular function. This study investigated the effect of β-adrenergic blocker on concentration of BNP and cardiac function after cardiopulmonary resuscitation in rabbits.

Observation of blood B-type natriuretic peptide level changes in different periods and different cardiac pacing modes

In recent years, the indications of cardiac pacing have extended continuously with the rapid development of pacing technique. Pacemaker treatment has not only limited in arrhythmias of bradycardia and the number of pacemaker treatment has increased year by year. However, more and more new congestive heart failure （ CHF ） and aggravated CHF have appeared in patients after pacing therapy. Therefore, it is a hot topic that how to select reasonable pacing mode to reduce CHF occurrence or relieve CHF symptoms in patients with CHF.

Use of B-type natriuretic peptide in evaluation of early percutaneous coronary intervention in patients with acute coronary syndrome

Background Previous studies showed that blood B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) level could predict the prognosis of acute coronary syndromes (ACS) This study investigated the evaluation value of circulating BNP for early percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in patients with ACS Methods Nine hundred and sixty consecutive patients with ACS were enrolled Circulating BNP level was measured when each patient arrived at the emergency room All patients underwent PCI in 90 minutes in spite of contraindication Cardiac events (death from any cause, heart failure, and recurrence of acute myocardial infarction or ACS) were recorded during follow-up KH*2/5DResults In patients with BNP ≥80 pg/ml, mortality from all causes within 1 month and 6 months in those underwent delayed PCI (≥6 hours) was significantly higher than those received early PCI (<6 hours) (9 53% vs 3 49%, P =0 027; 13 61% vs 5 24%, P =0 010, respectively) Similarly, the incidence rate of heart failure in delayed PCI patients was significantly higher than those received early PCI within 1 month and 6 months (12 93% vs 4 66%, P =0 008; 14 97% vs 6 98%, P =0 021, respectively) The recurrence rate of acute myocardial infarction or ACS, however, was not significantly different between early PCI and delayed PCI patients in group BNP ≥80 pg/ml In patients with BNP <80 pg/ml, no significant difference was observed between early PCI and delayed PCI patients with any of the above cardiac events within 1 month or 6 months Conclusion While early level of circulating BNP ≥80 pg/ml, the incidence of mortality and heart failure, but not recurrence of acute myocardial infarction, is significantly reduced in patients with ACS provided by early PCI

Association between N-terminal proB-type Natriuretic Peptide and Depressive Symptoms in Patients with Acute Myocardial Infarction

Background： While depression and certain cardiac biomarkers are associated with acute myocardial infarction （AM1）, the relationship between them remains largely unexplored. We examined the association between depressive symptoms and biomarkers in patients with AMI. Methods： We performed a cross-sectional study using data from 103 patients with AM1 between March 2013 and September 2014. The levels of depression, N-terminal proB-type natriuretic peptide （NT-proBNP）, and troponin 1 （Tnl） were measured at baseline. The patients were divided into two groups： those with depressive symptolns and those without depressive symptoms according to Zung Self-rating Depression Scale （SDS） score. Baseline comparisons between two groups were made using Student＇s t-test for continuous variables, Chi-square or Fisher＇s exact test for categorical variables, and Wilcoxon test for variables in skewed distribution. Binomial logistic regression and multivariate linear regression were performed to assess the association between depressive symptoms and biomarkers while adjusting for demographic and clinical variables. Results： Patients with depressive symptoms had significantly higher NT-proBNP levels as compared to patients without depressive symptoms （ 1135.0 [131.5, 2474.0] vs. 384.0 [ 133.0, 990.0], Z = -2.470, P 0.013）. Depressive symptoms were associated with higher NT-proBNP levels （odds ratio [OR] 2.348, 95% CI： 1.344 to 4.103, P= 0.003） and higher body mass index （OR = 1.169, 95% confidence interval [CI]： 1.016 to 1.345, P = 0.029）. The total SDS score was associated with the NT-proBNP level （[3 ： 0.327, 95% CI：1.674 to 6.119, P = 0.001） after multivariable adjustment. In particular, NT-proBNP was associated with three of the depressive dimensions, including core depression （β = 0.299, 95% CI：0.551 to 2.428, P=0.002）, cognitive depression （β= 0.320, 95% CI：0.476 to 1.811, P=0.001）, and somatic depression （β= 0.333, 95% CI： 0.240 to 0.847, P = 0.001）. Neither the overall depressive symptomatology nor the individual depressive dimensions were associated with TnI levels. Conclusions： Depressive symptoms, especially core depression, cognitive depression, and somatic depression, were related to high NT-proBNP levels in patients with AMI.

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.

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.

N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide and diastolic function measurements by adenosine stress echocardiography in prediction of coronary stenosis in patients

Background Stress echocardiography is mainly used in detection of coronary artery disease （CAD） and to assess risk.This study aimed to use adenosine stress echocardiography （ASE） and N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide （NT-proBNP） to noninvasively assess coronary stenosis in patients with chest pain syndromes or anginal equivalent.Methods NT-proBNP was measured after overnight fast in fifty patients, 42 males and 8 females, who were （57＋11）years old. They then underwent echocardiography before and during adenosine administration. Left ventricular （LV）diastolic function analyzed included mitral annular early （E＇） and late velocity （A＇） both at the mitral septal and lateral level and the mitral inflow to annulus ratio （E/E＇）. Coronary angiography was performed the following day after which patients were assigned to three groups： normal results （16 patients）, stenosis 50%-69%（17 patients） and stenosis≥70% （17 patients）.Results NT-proBNP levels in the groups of stenosis 50%-69% and≥ 70% were significantly higher than that in the group with normal results （P=0.014 and P=0.040）. During adenosine stress, the E/E＇ in the group of stenosis≥70% was higher than in the group of normal results （P=0.024）. E＇lateral/A＇lateral in the group of stenosis 50%-69% and E＇septal/A＇septal and E＇lateral/A＇lateral in the group of stenosis≥70% were also decreased during stress compared with baseline （P=0.003,P=0.001, P=0.022）. The variation of E＇septal/A＇septal before and during adenosine stress （△E＇septal/A＇septal） between the groups of normal results and stenosis ≥70% were significantly different （P=0.001）. By receiver operating characteristic （ROC）, the specificity of △E＇septal/A＇septal ≥0.037 predicting coronary stenosis ＜70% was 94%. The sensitivity and specificity of NT-proBNP≥544.6 fmol/ml in predicting coronary stenosis ≥70% were 93% and 75%, respectively.NT-proBNP inversely correlated with E＇lateral/A＇lateral （r=-0.390, P=0.014） and positively correlated with E/E＇lateral（r=0.550,P=0.001）.Conclusions Adenosine might induce diastolic dysfunction in patients with coronary stenosis more than 70% and NT-proBNP could reflect LV diastolic function to a certain extent. We support the prediction that most patients having chest pain syndromes or anginal equivalent with NT-proBNP＜544.6 fmol/ml and in ASE AE＇septal/A＇septal≥0.037 might be spared coronary angiography.

Advances in diagnosis and management of chronic heart failure in China： reference limits of N-terminal-pro-B-type natriuretic peptide, pharmacal management, and community care

Heart failure,the final outcome of various heart diseases,has an increasingly high prevalence in China.Diagnosis,medical treatments,and community managements of heart failure are substantial clinical challenges.N-terminal-pro-B-type natriuretic peptide （NT-proBNP） is a useful biomarker for diagnostic and prognostic predictions in heart failure patients;however,the levels of reference value in normal Chinese populations are lacking.The usage of classic Western medicines has greatly improved;furthermore,the treatment pattem of the integration of Western treatments and traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） is also widely explored.Moreover,community managements of heart failure have been paid more attention and the long-term mechanism is being built.Here,we summarize the range of reference values of NT-proBNP in normal Chinese subjects,current therapies including Western treatments and especially TCM,as well as community care among people with chronic heart failure patients in China.Keywords：chronic heart failure; N-terminal-pro-B-type natriuretic peptide; pharmacology; community care

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].

Value of neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio,N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide,urea,and creatinine for the prediction of acute kidney injury in acute heart failure:a retrospective observational study

Objective:Early identification of acute kidney injury(AKI)is essential to improve the prognosis of patients with acute heart failure(AHF).We aimed to determine the utility of neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio(NLR),N-terminal prohormone of brain natriuretic peptide(NT-proBNP),urea,and creatinine(Cr),as well as combinations of these,for the prediction of AKI in patients with AHF.Methods:A total of 153 patients with AHF under the care of Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital,Sun Yat-sen University from October 2009 to October 2019 were included in this retrospective observational study.Their NLR,NT-proBNP,urea,and Cr concentrations were measured on admission.AKI was defined using the Acute Kidney Injury Network criteria.Receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curves,the areas under the curves(AUCs),sensitivity,and specificity were employed to evaluate the ability of each biomarker and their combinations to identify AKI.This study was approved by the Ethics Committee of Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital,Sun Yat-sen University(approval No.SYSEC-KY-KS-2021-126)on June 22,2021.Results:Forty-six(30.1%)participants developed AKI during hospitalization.The NLR and NT-proBNP of the participants with AKI were higher than those without(NLR:median 7.886 vs 4.717,P<0.0001;NT-proBNP,median 6774 vs 2786pg/mL,P<0.0001).ROC analyses demonstrated that high NLR and NT-proBNP were associated with higher incidences of AKI(NLR:cut-off 5.681,AUC 0.716,sensitivity 58.9%,specificity 80.4%;NT-proBNP:cut-off 5320pg/mL,AUC 0.700,sensitivity 72.9%,specificity 65.2%).Moreover,a combination of NLR,NT-proBNP,urea,and Cr yielded an AUC of 0.815,sensitivity 80.4%,and specificity of 74.8%.In addition,the AUCs for the prediction of AKI in the participants with New York Heart Association(NYHA)classes II,III,and IV were 0.936,0.860,and 0.772,respectively,using this combination.Conclusion:A combination of NLR,NT-proBNP,urea,and Cr,measured at admission,may represent a promising tool for the prediction of AKI in patients with AHF.This method performs best for AKI risk assessment in patients with NYHA II,followed by those with NYHA III or IV.