NT-proBNP and Echocardiographic Parameters in Patients with Acute Heart Failure

Abstract

Aim. The aim of this study was to analyse the relation between clinical, haemodynamic and X-ray parameters and plasma NT-proBNP level in pts with symptoms of left ventricular dysfunction. Methods. The plasma NT-proBNP levels, chest x-ray, transthoracic 2-d and Doppler echocardiography were performed at the time of admission in a group of 96 consecutive patients (mean age 68 ± 11 years) with symptoms of acute heart failure. NT-proBNP levels were assessed with the use of commercial tests (Roche Diagnostics). Results. All patients have significant increase in NT-proBNP (8 000 ± 9 000 pg/mL vs. controls 90 ± 80 pg/mL, p < 0.001). The group of all patients has shown a significant increase in cardiothoracic ratio (CTR, 0.6 ± 0.1, vs. 0.4 ± 0.1, p <0.001), left atrium diameter (LAD, 4.4 ± 0.8 cm, vs.3.5 ± 0.4 cm, p <0.01). Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was decreased (37 ± 15%, vs. 64 ± 5%, p <0.001). In patients with acute heart failure, NT-proBNP significantly correlated with end-systolic and end-diastolic left ventricle diameters, ejection fraction, vena cava inferior diameter and plasma creatinine levels. Conclusion. Increased plasma NT-proBNP level is influenced by the clinical severity of acute heart failure and correlates with LVEF and IVCD. NT-proBNP can serve as a marker for the clinical severity of the disease.

Keywords

• B-type natriuretic peptide
• Acute heart failure
• Clinical symptoms
• Ejection fraction
• Inferior vena cava