Sarcopenia is linked to higher levels of B-type natriuretic peptide and its N-terminal fragment in heart failure: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Aims: Sarcopenia is linked to impaired physical function and exercise tolerance. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to examine the association of sarcopenia and low appendicular skeletal muscle (ASM) with biomarkers of cardiac function, B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) and its N-terminal fragment (NT-proBNP), in patients with heart failure (HF).

Methods and results: From inception until May 2023, a systematic literature search of observational studies was undertaken utilizing the PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Cochrane Library databases. A meta-analysis employing a random-effects model was used to compute the pooled effects (CRD42023418465). Overall, 16 studies were included in this systematic review and meta-analysis. Our main analysis showed that sarcopenia in HF was linked to significantly higher levels of BNP (MD: 87.76, 95% CI 20.74-154.78, I² = 61%, P = 0.01) and NT-proBNP (MD: 947.45, 95% CI 98.97-1795.93, I² = 35%, P = 0.03). Similarly, low ASM was associated with significantly higher levels of BNP (MD: 118.95, 95% CI 46.91-191.00, I² = 93%, P < 0.01) and NT-proBNP (MD: 672.01, 95% CI 383.72-960.30, I² = 2%, P < 0.01). The quality of the included cohort studies was considered moderate, using the binary AXIS checklist and the Cochrane Tool to Assess the Risk of Bias in Cohort Studies.

Conclusions: In patients with HF, sarcopenia and reduced ASM are associated with considerably higher plasma levels of BNP and NT-proBNP. Future research is required to investigate whether sarcopenia may express dysregulated biomarkers of cardiac function.