Elevated plasma levels of N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide in patients with chronic hepatitis C during interferon-based antiviral therapy.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate plasma levels of N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), an established marker of cardiac function, in patients with chronic hepatitis C during interferon-based antiviral therapy.


METHODS
Using a sandwich immunoassay, plasma levels of NT-proBNP were determined in 48 patients with chronic hepatitis C at baseline, wk 24 and 48 during antiviral therapy and at wk 72 during follow-up.


RESULTS
Plasma NT-proBNP concentrations were significantly increased (P<0.05) at wk 24, 48 and 72 compared to the baseline values. NT-proBNP concentrations at baseline and wk 24 were closely correlated (r = 0.8; P<0.001). At wk 24, 7 (14.6%) patients had NT-proBNP concentrations above 200 ng/L compared to 1 (2%) patient at baseline (P = 0.059). Six of these 7 patients had been treated with high-dose IFN-alpha induction therapy. In multiple regression analysis, NT-proBNP was not related to other clinical parameters, biochemical parameters of liver disease or virus load and response to therapy.


CONCLUSIONS
Elevated levels of NT-proBNP during and after interferon-based antiviral therapy of chronic hepatitis C may indicate the presence of cardiac dysfunction, which may contribute to the clinical symptoms observed in patients during therapy. Plasma levels of NT-proBNP may be used as a diagnostic tool and for guiding therapy in patients during interferon-based antiviral therapy.
Bojunga
Jorg
J
Internal Medicine II, Saarland University Hospital, Kirrberger Strasse, 66421 Homburg/Saar, Germany. dr_bojunga@web.de
Sarrazin
Christoph
C
Hess
Georg
G
Zeuzem
Stefan
S
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000998:Antiviral Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000097:blood; D005260:Female; D006331:Heart Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000175:diagnosis; D019698:Hepatitis C, Chronic / Q000097:blood* / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D000077190:Interferon alpha-2; D016898:Interferon-alpha / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D020097:Natriuretic Peptide, Brain / Q000097:blood*; D010446:Peptide Fragments / Q000097:blood*; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D012044:Regression Analysis
D000998:Antiviral Agents; D015415:Biomarkers; D000077190:Interferon alpha-2; D016898:Interferon-alpha; D010446:Peptide Fragments; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; C109794:pro-brain natriuretic peptide (1-76); D020097:Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols; C417083:peginterferon alfa-2b; C100416:peginterferon alfa-2a