Correlation between serial measurements of N-terminal pro brain natriuretic peptide and ambulatory cardiac filling pressures in outpatients with chronic heart failure

Eur J Heart Fail. 2006 Dec;8(8):797-803. doi: 10.1016/j.ejheart.2006.03.002. Epub 2006 May 22.

Abstract

Background: Serial measurements of N-terminal pro brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) have been suggested for the management of outpatients with chronic heart failure (CHF). The relationship between NT-proBNP plasma levels and central haemodynamic parameters in this setting is not known.

Methods: In 19 outpatients with CHF, NT-proBNP was related to central haemodynamic information, continuously measured with an implanted haemodynamic monitor (IHM) during 24 h of daily living activities ("24 h") and during supine rest ("rest"). In 13 patients, three to seven serial measurements were obtained with a mean time interval of 39 days (range 19-113).

Results: At the first visit (n=19), NT-proBNP plasma levels were dispersed over a wide range of filling pressures and not correlated with the 24 h median of the right ventricular systolic pressure (RVSP) and the estimated pulmonary artery pressure (ePAD). However, in the individual patient, serial measurements yielded significant positive correlations between NT-proBNP and RVSP (p=0.006) and ePAD (p=0.001). During "24 h" compared with "rest", the median RVSP and ePAD were elevated by 20+/-16% and 32+/-18%, respectively, and corresponded better with NT-proBNP (p<0.05).

Conclusion: In outpatients with CHF, single measurements of NT-proBNP are not correlated with cardiac filling pressures. However, serial measurements of NT-proBNP in each individual patient show a significant positive correlation with central haemodynamic parameters and reflect changes in the haemodynamic state over time.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Blood Pressure
  • Female
  • Heart Failure / blood*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Natriuretic Peptide, Brain / blood*
  • Outpatients*
  • Peptide Fragments / blood*
  • Time Factors

Substances

  • Peptide Fragments
  • pro-brain natriuretic peptide (1-76)
  • Natriuretic Peptide, Brain