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  • Title: Accuracy of N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide in the identification of left ventricular dysfunction in high-risk asymptomatic patients.
    Author: Romano S, Necozione S, Guarracini L, Fratini S, Cisternino P, di Orio F, Penco M.
    Journal: J Cardiovasc Med (Hagerstown); 2009 Mar; 10(3):238-44. PubMed ID: 19262210.
    Abstract:
    OBJECTIVE: The role of natriuretic peptides in the screening of left ventricular dysfunction is still unclear. The aim of this study was to assess the usefulness of N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) measurement in asymptomatic patients at high risk of developing left ventricular dysfunction. METHODS: One hundred and thirty-four consecutive ambulatory patients (mean age 56.1 +/- 7 years) were studied and selected on the basis of a history of hypertension of at least 5 years. Systolic dysfunction was defined as an ejection fraction of 45% or less. Statistical analysis was performed by both parametric and nonparametric approaches. Diagnostic accuracy was evaluated by receiver operating characteristic analysis. RESULTS: Echocardiography showed normal left ventricular function in 40 patients, diastolic dysfunction in 80 patients and systolic dysfunction in 14 patients. NT-proBNP levels were significantly higher in patients with systolic dysfunction (356.1 +/- 294.8 vs. 85.2 +/- 85.8 pg/ml; P < 0.05). Receiver operating characteristic analysis showed a high value of the area under the curve (0.89) for the detection of systolic dysfunction with a sensitivity of 83% and a specificity of 80% for a cut-off value of 114 pg/ml and with a negative predictive value of 0.98. CONCLUSION: In asymptomatic patients at high risk for heart failure because of a history of hypertension, the measurement of NT-proBNP levels may represent a useful screening test for left ventricular systolic dysfunction. Therefore, more expensive examinations, such as echocardiography, may be restricted only to patients with higher NT-proBNP levels.
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