The relevance of brain natriuretic peptides investigation in various cardiovascular diseases.
BACKGROUND
Brain natriuretic peptides are relevant markers of heart impairment.


OBJECTIVE
We investigated the relevance of investiging brain natriuretic peptides (NT-proBNP, BNP) in monitoring different types of cardiovascular disease (chronic heart failure due to coronary artery disease, cardiomyopathy, acquired valve disease, congenital heart diseases).


METHODS
The NT-proBNP assay (Roche) was performed on 280 patients (mean age 49 years; range 20-89 years) and 48 healthy controls (mean age 43 years; range 13-65 years) and BNP assay (Bayer Shionoria) was performed in a subgroup of 42 patients (mean age 50 years; range 20-79 years). Patients were divided into four groups characterized by severity of heart failure according to the New York Heart Association classification.


RESULTS
NT-proBNP concentrations differed in patients with cardiovascular diseases from controls (median 371 ng/l versus 41.5 ng/l, p < 0.0001). The cut off value of NT-proBNP determined in 280 patients with cardiovascular diseases was at 130 ng/l (AUC-area under curve = 0.93; sensitivity 98 %; specificity 79 %). Comparison of NT-proBNP and BNP values in patients showed significant correlation (r = 0.93; p < 0.0001). NT-proBNP showed significant differences between groups.


CONCLUSIONS
Measurement of brain natriuretic peptides is useful and relevant in various types of heart diseases including congenital.
Kotaska
Karel
K
Department of Clinical Biochemistry and Pathobiochemistry, 2nd Medical Faculty, Charles University, Faculty Hospital Motol, Prague, Czech Republic. kotaska@email.cz
Popelova
Jana
J
Tiserova
Marie
M
Telekes
Peter
P
Vrzanova
Marie
M
Bronsky
Jiri
J
Halacova
Milada
M
Kukacka
Jiri
J
Prusa
Richard
R
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000097:blood; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000097:blood / Q000175:diagnosis*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D020097:Natriuretic Peptide, Brain / Q000097:blood*; D010446:Peptide Fragments / Q000097:blood; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity
D015415:Biomarkers; D010446:Peptide Fragments; C109794:pro-brain natriuretic peptide (1-76); D020097:Natriuretic Peptide, Brain