International Journal of COPD (May 2023)
NT-proBNP in Different Patient Groups of COPD: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Abstract
Xiaojie Su,1,2 Ting Lei,1,2 Haichuan Yu,1,2 Lu Zhang,1,2 Zhouzhou Feng,1,2 Tiankui Shuai,1,2 Hong Guo,1,2 Jian Liu1,2 1The First Clinical Medical College of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou City, Gansu Province, People’s Republic of China; 2Lanzhou University, Lanzhou City, Gansu Province, People’s Republic of ChinaCorrespondence: Jian Liu, Department of Clinical Medicine, the First Clinical Medical College of Lanzhou University, No. 1, Donggang West Road, Chengguan District, Lanzhou City, Gansu Province, People’s Republic of China, Tel +86 136 0935 4197, Email [email protected]: NT-proBNP, a peptide biomarker synthesized and secreted by cardiomyocytes in response to cardiac load, has gained attention in recent years for its potential role in respiratory diseases. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), a chronic and progressive inflammatory condition affecting the respiratory system, is frequently associated with comorbidities involving the cardiovascular system. Consequently, the aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to evaluate the variations in NT-proBNP levels across distinct patient groups with COPD and establish a foundation for future investigations into the precise clinical significance of NT-proBNP in COPD.Methods: The search databases for this study were conducted in PubMed, Excerpt Medica database (Embase), Web of Science (WOS), and Cochrane Library databases. Databases were searched for studies on the predictive value of NT-proBNP in adult COPD patients.Results: A total of 29 studies (8534 participants) were included. Patients with stable COPD exhibit elevated levels of NT-proBNP [standardized mean difference(SMD) [95CI%]=0.51 [0.13,0.89]; p=0.0092]. COPD patients with predicted forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) < 50% exhibit significantly elevated levels of NT-proBNP compared to those with FEV1 ⩾50%[SMD [95CI%]=0.17 [0.05,0.29]; p=0.0058]. NT-proBNP levels were significantly higher in acute exacerbations (AECOPD) compared to patients with stable COPD [SMD [95CI%]=1.18 [0.07,2.29]; p=0.037]. NT-proBNP levels was significantly higher in non-survivors than in survivors of hospitalised AECOPD patients [SMD [95CI%]=1.67 [0.47,2.88]; p=0.0063]. Both COPD patients with pulmonary hypertension(PH) [SMD [95CI%]=0.82 [0.69,0.96]; p< 0.0001] and chronic heart failure(CHF) [SMD [95CI%]=1.49 [0.96,2.01]; p< 0.0001] showed higher NT-proBNP level.Conclusion: NT-proBNP, a biomarker commonly used in clinical practice to evaluate cardiovascular disease, demonstrates significant variations in different stages of COPD and during the progression of the disease. The fluctuations in NT-proBNP levels could be indicative of the severity of pulmonary hypoxia and inflammation and cardiovascular stress among COPD patients. Therefore, assessing NT-proBNP levels in COPD patients can aid in making informed clinical decisions.Keywords: amino-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, chronic heart failure, meta-analysis
