Brain natriuretic peptide and the severity of aortic regurgitation: is there any correlation?
We aimed to evaluate the correlation between aortic regurgitation severity and brain natriuretic (BNP) levels as a marker for left ventricular dysfunction. Sixty consecutive male patients (mean age 22 +/- 3 years) with isolated chronic aortic regurgitation were enrolled in the study together with a control group of 30 age-matched healthy volunteers (group A). Patients were classified with regard to aortic regurgitation vena contracta width as follows: group B, < 3 mm, mild (n = 16); group C, > or = 3 and < 6 mm, moderate (n = 26); group D, > or = 6 mm, severe (n = 18). BNP measurements were performed with a fluorescence immunoassay kit. BNP levels were increased in patients with aortic regurgitation, and severity of regurgitation had a significant influence on BNP levels. This effect can be explained by the volume loading effect of aortic regurgitation.
Ozkan
M
M
Faculty of Medicine, Department of Cardiology, Gulhane Military Medical Academy, Ankara, Turkey. musozkan@gata.edu.tr
Baysan
O
O
Erinc
K
K
Koz
C
C
Yokusoglu
M
M
Uzun
M
M
Sag
C
C
Genc
C
C
Karaeren
H
H
Isik
E
E
D000328:Adult; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D001022:Aortic Valve Insufficiency / Q000097:blood* / Q000175:diagnosis*; D015415:Biomarkers; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D004452:Echocardiography; D005470:Fluorometry / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D007118:Immunoassay / Q000379:methods; D008297:Male; D020097:Natriuretic Peptide, Brain / Q000096:biosynthesis*
D015415:Biomarkers; D020097:Natriuretic Peptide, Brain