title: Usefulness of serial measurement of N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide plasma levels in asymptomatic patients with aortic stenosis to predict symptomatic deterioration.
abstract: In 29 initially asymptomatic patients with aortic stenosis followed for an average of 18 months, patients with a N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-pro-BNP) level above the normal range at baseline were more likely to develop symptoms during follow-up compared with patients with NT-pro-BNP within normal limits. The average increase in NT-pro-BNP per year was greater for patients who developed symptoms compared with patients who remained asymptomatic. Aortic valve area, peak aortic velocity, and the ejection fraction were less reliable predictors of symptom onset. Measurement of NT-pro-BNP in addition to clinical assessment and echocardiography may allow more reliable follow-up and timing of valve replacement for aortic stenosis.
authors.affiliation: Department of Cardiology, Auckland City Hospital, Auckland New Zealand. ivorg@adhb.govt.nz
authors.forename: Ivor L
authors.initials: IL
authors.lastname: Gerber
authors.forename: Malcolm E
authors.initials: ME
authors.lastname: Legget
authors.forename: Teena M
authors.initials: TM
authors.lastname: West
authors.forename: A Mark
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Richards
authors.forename: Ralph A H
authors.initials: RA
authors.lastname: Stewart
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001024:Aortic Valve Stenosis / Q000097:blood* / Q000503:physiopathology; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000097:blood; D018450:Disease Progression; D005260:Female; D006439:Hemodynamics; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D020097:Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; D009419:Nerve Tissue Proteins / Q000097:blood*; D010446:Peptide Fragments / Q000097:blood*; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests
chemical_list: D015415:Biomarkers; D009419:Nerve Tissue Proteins; D010446:Peptide Fragments; C109794:pro-brain natriuretic peptide (1-76); D020097:Natriuretic Peptide, Brain