title: Serum N-terminal-pro-brain natriuretic peptide level and its clinical implications in patients with atrial fibrillation.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) is increasingly being used for screening and monitoring of congestive heart failure. However, the role of BNP in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) and normal left ventricular function has not been determined. This study investigates serum N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) level and its clinical implications in patients with AF.
  
  
  METHODS
  Serum NT-proBNP levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and transthoracic echocardiography was performed in 136 subjects (90 cases with AF and 46 cases with sinus rhythm [SR]). Subjects were excluded if they had a history of myocardial infarction, cardiomyopathy, rheumatic heart disease, or hyperthyroidism that preceded the onset of AF. Controls (n = 30) were from a healthy outpatient primary care population. Potential determinants of serum NT-proBNP levels were identified by univariate and multivariate analyses.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Individuals with AF had higher serum NT-proBNP levels (689.56 +/- 251.87 fmol/ml) than those with SR (456.11 +/- 148.14 fmol/ml, P < 0.01) and control subjects (415.83 +/- 62.02 fmol/ml, P < 0.01). Individuals with SR and control subjects did not show significant difference at serum NT-proBNP levels (P > 0.05). The regression model of serum NT-proBNP levels and clinical predictors showed that presence of AF, older age, and larger right atrial diameter were independently predictive of higher serum NT-proBNP values.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Patients with AF were associated with increased serum NT-proBNP levels. Examining the change of serum NT-proBNP levels is helpful to evaluate the cardiac function in patients with AF.
authors.affiliation: Department of Cardiology, Beijing Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China.
authors.forename: Mei
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Bai
authors.forename: Jiefu
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Yang
authors.forename: Yingying
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Li
mesh_terms: D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D001281:Atrial Fibrillation / Q000097:blood*; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D004452:Echocardiography; D004797:Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; D005260:Female; D006325:Heart Atria / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D020097:Natriuretic Peptide, Brain / Q000097:blood*; D010446:Peptide Fragments / Q000097:blood*; D013318:Stroke Volume
chemical_list: D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists; D010446:Peptide Fragments; C109794:pro-brain natriuretic peptide (1-76); D020097:Natriuretic Peptide, Brain