Objective: To determine the relationship between N-terminal pro-brain-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) and angiographic no-reflow phenomenon in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) after primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).
Methods: The data of 106 consecutive AMI patients undergoing primary PCl were collected and analyzed retrospectively. NT-proBNP was obtained pre-PCI at admission. According to the NT-proBNP level, they were divided into normal and elevated NT-proBNP groups. The no-reflow phenomenon was defined as an angiographic outcome of Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) grade < 3 without accompanying mechanical factors.
Results: The patients with elevated NT-proBNP on admission had a higher incidence of no-reflow phenomenon than those with NT-proBNP level. Compared to normal reflow counterparts, no-reflow patients had a higher NT-proBNP level [1883 ng/L (484 ∼ 5500 ng/L) vs 220 ng/L (87 ∼ 926 ng/L) P = 0.046]. Multivariate analysis showed that a high NT-proBNP level (NT-proBNP > 1765 ng/L) on admission was an independent predictor of no-reflow. This cut-off value yielded a sensitivity of 60.0% and a specificity of 87.5% respectively.
Conclusion: The NT-proBNP level on admission may be a prognostic biomarker in the prediction of the development of angiographic "no-reflow" phenomenon after primary PCI for AMI patients.