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.

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.

Clinical study of recombinant human brain natriuretic peptide in patients with acute myocardial infarction complicating congestive heart failure

Objectives To observe the efficacy and safety of recombinant human brain natriuretic peptide(rh-BNP) on patients with acute myocardial infarction complicating congestive heart failure.Methods 40 patients with acute myocardial infarction complicated by congestive heart failure were randomly divided into control group and treatment group of 20 cases.The control group,15 cases of acute anterior myocardial infarction,5 cases of acute inferior wall myocardial infarction, 15 males and 5 females,aged 55-70 years,mean age 58±12 years;treated 16 cases of acute anterior myocardial infarction,4 cases of acute myocardial infarction,16 males and 4 females,aged 56-70 years,mean age 59±11 years;two groups of age,gender,severity of disease and vascular lesions no significant difference and comparable(P】0.05).Conventional group were given aspirin,clopidogrel, statins,Inotropic,diuretic and vasodilator therapy.In the con- ventional treatment group based on the use of recombinant human brain natriuretic peptide(new bios,Tibet Pharmaceutical Co.,Ltd.Chengdu Nuodikang biopharmaceutical production, usage:1.5μg/Kg intravenous injection(impact), then 0.0075μg-0.01μg/(kg·min)infusion rate).Continuous medication 72 h.The clinical symptoms observed for 3 days in patients before treatment and after treatment,heart rate,blood pressure and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and tumor necrosis factor(TNF-α),brain natriuretic peptide(BNP) levels were measured.Results In control group,8 cases markedly effect,5 cases effect and 7 cases no effect,the total effective rate was 65%;In treatment group,13 cases markedly effect,6 cases effect and 1 cases no effect,the total effective rate was 95%,compared with two groups P New bios treatment group significantly increased cardiac index(CI) in patients with heart failure and left ventricular ejection fraction(LVEF) than the control group(all P【0.05),further reduce the levels of tumor necrosis (TNF-α) and brain natriuretic peptide(BNP).Conclusions rh-BNP can improve symptoms and heart function,reduced plasma tumor necrosis factor(TNF-α) and BNP levels of acute myocardial infarction patients with congestive heart failure,the treatment safe and reliable.As small sample size observed,larger sample to be accumulated to further evaluate its efficacy and safety.

Plasma brain natriuretic peptide level in older outpatients with heart failure is associated with physical frailty, especially with the slowness domain

Objective To determine the association between plasma brain natriuretic peptide （BNP） level in patients with heart failure （HF） and physical frailty as well as with each domain of physical frailty. Methods Two hundred and six outpatients of cardiovascular medicine aged 60 years and older who had been hospitalized for HF or had been given a prescription medication for HF were included. Physical frailty was assessed using the following five domains： slowness, weakness, exhaustion, low activity, and shrinking, according to the Cardiovascular Health Study. Patients were divided into nonfi-ailty and frailty groups according to frailty scores. Plasma BNP level was measured. The 6-min walk test was performed to measure endurance. Results Plasma BNP was significantly different between the two groups （frailty group： 158.0 i 214.7 pg/mL, nonfrailty group： 65.2 ~ 88.0 pg/mL, P 〈 0.01）. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed log-transformed plasma BNP （Log BNP） was significantly associated with physical frailty （OR： 1.68, 95% CI： 1.11-2.56）, and Log BNP was significantly associated with the slowness domain （walking speed 〈 1.0 m/s） of physical frailty （OR： 1.75, 95% Ch 1.15-2.67）. Additionally, Log BNP was negatively correlated to the 6-minute walk distance （6MWD） （p=0.37, P 〈 0.01）, while 6MWD was positively correlated to walking speed （p = 0.66, P 〈 0.01）. Conclusions Plasma BNP level was related to physical frailty, especially in the slowness domain. Endurance may intervene in the associations between plasma BNP level and walking speed.

Plasma brain natriuretic peptide and atria natriuretic peptide as predictors for diastolic heart failure in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

Objective To study the change of diastolic cardiac function in diabetic patients and to determine the diagnostic value of plasma brain natriuretic peptide （BNP） and atria natriuretic peptide （ANP） for diastolic heart failure in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Methods Twelve healthy subjects and seventy-one diabetic patients were included in the study. Plasma BNP and ANP were measured with immtmoradiometic assay. Results Plasma levels of BNP and ANP increased significantly with increased severity of diastolic heart dysfunction. The ratio of E/A had significant negative correlation with the plasma levels ofBNP （r=0.669,P〈0.001） and ANP （r=0.579, P〈0.01）. AUC of ANP and BNP in ROC model was 91.9% and 65.3%, respectively. Conclusions The plasma level of BNP might be a valuable predictor for differential diagnosis of diastolic cardiac function in diabetic patients.

Changes of Plasma Levels of Brain Natriuretic Peptide in Patients with Chronic Heart Failure

To investigate the changes of plasma brain natriuretic peptide （BNF） levels inpatients with chronic heart failure （CHF）. Methods Plasma BNP concentrations in patients with CHF （n=56） and in normal controls （n=60） were measured with specific radioimmunoassay. Left ventricular ejection fraction in patients with chronic heart failure was measured with 99mTc gated cardiac blood pool scintigraphy. Results The results showed that Plasma BNP concentrations in patients with CHF were significantly higher than normal controls （223±79 ng/L vs 40±15 ng/L, P 〈 0.01）. Plasma BNP concentrations had a significant negative correlation with left ventricular ejection fractions（r=-0.68, P 〈 0.01 ）. Conclusions These results indicates that Plasma BNP levels are increased in patients with CHF, and they markedly increased according to the severity of heart failure classified by NYHA classifi- cation. The plasma BNP levels may be a biochemical parameter for evaluating the left ventricular function.

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.

Effect of recombinant human brain natriuretic peptide on serum inflammatory factors, neuroendocrine hormones and cardiac function in patients with acute myocardial infarction complicated with heart failure

Objective:To investigate the effect of recombinant human brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) on inflammatory factors, neuroendocrine hormones and cardiac function indexes in patients with acute myocardial infarction complicated with heart failure.Methods:A total of91 cases of acute myocardial infarction with heart failure patients were divided into the control group (n=44) and observation group (n=47) according to the random data table, two groups of patients were given conventional treatment, based on this, the control group was given intravenous infusion of Nitroglycerin Injection treatment, the observation group received intravenous injection of recombinant human brain natriuretic peptide treatment, compared serum inflammatory factors, neuroendocrine hormone and cardiac function and other indexes of two groups before and after treatment.Results: there was no significant difference between the two groups before treatment. After treatment, the levels of TNF-α, hs-CRP, IL-6, MCP-1, LVESD and LVEDD in the two groups were significantly lower than those within the group before treatment, and the observation group was significantly lower than the control group;The two groups after treatment LVEF levels were significantly higher than those in the group before treatment, and the observation group was significantly higher than that of control group;the observation group after treatment PRA, Ang II and ALD and NE levels were significantly lower than those before treatment, and was significantly lower than the control group after treatment, the difference was significant, PRA, Ang, ALD and NE levels of control group before and after the treatment was no significant difference.Conclusion:recombinant human brain natriuretic peptide in the treatment of acute myocardial infarction with heart failure can effectively reduce the serum inflammatory factors and neuroendocrine hormone levels, improve heart function, and have a certain clinical value.

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].

Brain natriuretic peptide is a potent vasodilator in aged human microcircula- tion and shows a blunted response in heart failure patients

Background Brain natriuretic peptide （BNP） is normally present in low levels in the circulation, but it is elevated in parallel with the degree of congestion in heart failure subjects （CHF）. BNP has natriuretic effects and is a potent vasodilator. It is suggested that BNP could be a therapeutic alternative in CHF. However, we postulated that the high levels of circulating BNP in CHF may downregulate the response of microvascular natriuretic receptors. This was tested by comparing 15 CHF patients （BNP 〉 3000 ng/L） with 10 matched, healthy controls. Methods Cutaneous microvascular blood flow in the forearm was measured by laser Doppler Flowmetry. Local heating （＋44°C, 10 min） was used to evoke a maximum local dilator response. Results Non-invasive iontophoretic administration of either BNP or acetylcholine （ACh）, a known endothelium-dependent dilator, elicited an increase in local flow. The nitric oxide synthase inhibitor, l-N-Arginine- methyl-ester （L-NAME）, blocked the BNP response （in controls）. Interestingly, responses to BNP in CHF patients were reduced to about one third of those seen in healthy controls （increase in flow： 251% in CHF vs. 908% in controls; P 〈 0.001）. In contrast, the vasodilator responses to ACh and to local heating were only somewhat attenuated in CHF patients. Thus, dilator capacity and nitric oxide signalling were not af- fected to the same extent as BNP-mediated dilation, indicating a specific downregulation of the latter response. Conclusions The findings show for the first time that microvascular responses to BNP are markedly reduced in CHF patients. This is consistent with the hypothesis of BNP receptor function is downregulated in CHF.

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.

Brain natriuretic peptide and optimal management of heart failure

Aside from the important role of brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) in diagnosis, and differential diagnosis of heart failure, this biological peptide has proved to be an independent surrogate marker of rehospitalization and death of the fatal disease. Several randomized clinical trials demonstrated that drugs such as beta blocker, angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor, spiro- nolactone and amiodarone have beneficial effects in decreasing circulating BNP level during the management of chronic heart failure. The optimization of clinical decision-making appeals for a representative surrogate marker for heart failure prognosis. The serial point-of-care assessments of BNP concentration provide a therapeutic goal of clinical multi-therapy and an objective guid- ance for optimal treatment of heart failure. Nevertheless new questions and problems in this area remain to be clarified. On the basis of current research advances, this article gives an overview of BNP peptide and its property and role in the management of heart failure.

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

Background Heart failure （HF） is a common disease with complex pathophysiological causes. The diagnosis of HF commonly relies on comprehensive analyses of medical history and symptoms, and results from echocardiography and biochemical tests. Galectin-3, a rela-tively new biomarker in HF, was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration in 2010 as a marker in the stratification of risk for HF. We assessed galectin-3 as a biomarker for HF diagnosis in patients with preserved ejection fraction （pEF） and compared its performance with that of B-type natriuretic peptide （BNP）. Methods Thirty-five pEF patients with HF （HFpEF group） and 43 pEF patients without HF （control group） were enrolled. Plasma levels of galectin-3 and BNP in HFpEF and control subjects were determined. Sensitivity, specificity, pre dictive values, and accuracy of galectin-3 and BNP as markers for HF diagnosis were calculated and compared. Results Levels of galec- tin-3 and BNP were 23.09 ±6.97 ng/mL and 270.46 ± 330.41 pg/mL in the HFpEF group, and 16.74 ± 2.75 ng/mL and 59.94 ± 29.93 pg/mL in the control group, respectively. Differences in levels of galectin-3 and BNP between the two groups were significant （P 〈 0.01）. As a bio- marker for HF diagnosis in study subjects, galectin-3 showed sensitivity and specificity of 94.3% and 65.1%, respectively, at a cutoff value of 17.8 ug/mL. BNP showed sensitivity and specificity of 77.1% and 90.7%, respectively, at a cutoff value of 100 pg/mL. Galectin-3 was a significantly more sensitive （P 〈 0.05） but less specific （P 〈 0.01） biomarker compared with BNP. Differences in positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and accuracy between galectin-3 and BNP markers were not significant （P 〉 0.05）. Areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve （95% confidence interval） were 0.891 （0.808-0.974） and 0.896 （0.809-0.984） for galectin-3 and BNP, respec- tively, with no significant difference between the two values （P 〉 0.05）. Conclusions The level of galectin-3 is significantly elevated in patients with HF. Galectin-3 and BNP are useful biomarkers for the diagnosis of HF in patients with pEF.

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.

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.

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.

Understanding heart failure in the elderly with respect to diastolic dysfunction and role for natriuretic peptides

The current issue of the Journal of Geriatric Cardiology contains an interesting paper by Dr. Yixin Song and colleagues raising important issues in the diagnosis and management of heart failure in elderly patients. Readers of this journal are in all likelihood aware that the epidemic of heart failure is of great impact medically and economically worldwide.

Effects of highly potent atrial natriuretic peptide on circulating reninangiotensin-aldosterone system and cardiac function in dogs with ischemic heart failure

The effects of highly-potent atrial natriuretic peptide (HPANP) on circulating re nin-angiotensin-aldos-terone system (RAAS) and cardiac function were studied in an acute ischemic heart failure model. HPANP (6 μg/kg and 3 μg/kg) was infused intracoronarily. It was found that both doses of HPANP could cause significant decrease in plasma renin activity (PRA), angiotensin II (AII) and aldosterone (Ald). After the administraticn of HPANP, PRA, AII and Ald in the coronary sinus were decreased by 73. 2% (P<0.01), 68. o% (P<0.01) and 73. 6% (P<0.01), and the hormones in peripheral venous blood by 63. 3% (P<0.01), 53. 3% (P<0.01) and 64. 9% (P<0.01), respectively at the dose of 6 μg/kg. While PRA, AII and Ald in the coronary sinus and in peripheral venous blood decreased by 55. 9%, 55. 3%, 61. 9%, and 54. 0%, 42. 3%, 53, 3%, respectively at the 3μg/kg dose level. At the higher dose, HPANP increased left ventricular systolic pressure (LVSP, +13. 1%, P<0. 05), +dP/dtmax(+24.1 %, P<0.01), -dp/dtmax (+35.9%, P<0.01), and VCE(+28.9%, P<0.05). Mean arterial pressure and left ventricular end-diastolic pressure (LVEDP) were decreased (-15.0%, P<0.01, and 29. 6%, P<0.01, respectively). In contrast, the lower dose caused no significant changes of LVSP, +dp/dtmex,dp/dtmax and VCE(not including LVEDP, - 20. 5 %, P<0.05). Neither of the doses caused significant changes in heart rate and T value- Normal saline infusion has no effects on cardiac function and circulating RAAS- We conclude that in ischemic heart failure, intracoronary administration of HPANP can significantly suppress the activity of circulating RAAS, and improve cardiac function by reducing pre- and after-load of the heart, but has no direct myocardial effects.

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.