Atrial Fibrillation and Older Age Predict Serum Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Levels Among Patients With Heart Failure

Background: Predictors have not been determined of serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels among patients with heart failure (HF).

Objective: The primary purpose was to evaluate history of atrial fibrillation, age, gender, and left ventricular ejection fraction as predictors of serum BDNF levels at baseline, 10 weeks, and 4 and 8 months after baseline among patients with HF.

Methods: This study was a retrospective cohort analyses of 241 patients with HF. Data were retrieved from the patients' health records (coded history of atrial fibrillation, left ventricular ejection fraction), self-report (age, gender), and serum BDNF. Linear multiple regression analyses were conducted.

Results: One hundred three patients (42.7%) had a history of atrial fibrillation. History of atrial fibrillation was a significant predictor of serum BDNF levels at baseline (β = -0.16, P = .016), 4 months (β = -0.21, P = .005), and 8 months (β = -0.19, P = .015). Older age was a significant predictor at 10 weeks (β = -0.17, P = .017) and 4 months (β = -0.15, P = .046).

Conclusions: Prospective studies are needed to validate these results. Clinicians need to assess patients with HF for atrial fibrillation and include treatment of it in management plans.