title: Serial measurements of the Nt-ProBNP during the dry state in patients with systolic heart failure are predictors of the long-term prognosis.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate the long-term predictive value of serial Nt-ProBNP during dry-state in patients with systolic heart failure (SHF).
  
  
  METHODS
  Nt-ProBNP was measured quarterly during a 6-month dry-state period in 40 SHF outpatients. EVENTS: all-cause mortality or hospitalization.
  
  
  RESULTS
  5 years.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The Nt-ProBNP >1000 pg/ml (baseline and 6 months) and the variation rate (VR) >30% were independently associated with the survival and composite endpoint curve. VR >30% added significant prognostic information to the single Nt-ProBNP 1000 pg/ml cut-off. Patients with at least one Nt-ProBNP determination >1000 pg/ml were at greater risk of death.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Serial Nt-ProBNP measurements in patients with SHF during the dry-state are strong predictors of the long-term prognosis.
authors.affiliation: Heart Failure Unit, Cardiology Department, Pulido Valente Hospital, Lisbon North Hospital Centre , Lisbon , Portugal.
authors.forename: Luis
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Sargento
authors.forename: Susana
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Longo
authors.forename: Nuno
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Lousada
authors.forename: Roberto
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Palma Dos Reis
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D054143:Heart Failure, Systolic / Q000097:blood* / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D020097:Natriuretic Peptide, Brain / Q000097:blood*; D010446:Peptide Fragments / Q000097:blood*; D011379:Prognosis
chemical_list: D010446:Peptide Fragments; C109794:pro-brain natriuretic peptide (1-76); D020097:Natriuretic Peptide, Brain
keywords: Nt-ProBNP; prognosis; serial measurement; systolic heart failure