Objective: To explore the correlation among serum total bilirubin (TBil), invasive hemodynamic parameters, plasma N-terminal proBNP (NT-proBNP) and C reactive protein (CRP) in patients with heart failure.
Methods: Invasive hemodynamic parameters derived from Swan-Ganz catheter, TBil, plasma NT-proBNP and CRP within 12 hours after hospital admission were analyzed in 130 patients with chronic heart failure [New York Heart Association (NYHA) class II-IV].
Results: Compared with those in non-hyperbilirubinemia group, pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (PCWP), NT-proBNP and left ventriculus ejection fraction were different significantly in total hyperbilirubinemia group [(26.09 vs 16.00) mm Hg (1 mm Hg = 0.133 kPa), (3.36 vs 2.91) pmol/L, (34.12 vs 28.92)%, P < 0.05]. The serum TBil increased significantly in higher PCWP, right atrial pressure and NT-proBNP groups than those in lower level groups [(32.22 vs 24.17), (37.52 vs 24.19), (32.14 vs 16.74) pmol/L, P < 0.05]. Partial correlation analysis showed serum TBil was associated with PCWP, right atrial pressure, pulmonary vascular resistance index and NT-proBNP respectively (r = 0.21, P = 0.02; r = 0.33, P < 0.01; r = 0.20, P = 0.04; r = 0.37, P < 0.01, respectively). Multiple linear regression analysis showed both right atrial pressure and NT-proBNP correlated independently with serum TBil (beta = 0.39, P < 0.01; beta = 0.29, P = 0.01, respectively).
Conclusion: For patients with heart failure, serum TBil correlated well with right atrial pressure, PCWP and NT-proBNP; it is a reliable indicator for exact clinical evaluation of heart failure.