Influence of age, race, sex, and body mass index on interpretation of midregional pro atrial natriuretic peptide for the diagnosis of acute heart failure: results from the BACH multinational study

The effects of the atrial natriuretic peptide deficiency on renal cortical mitochondrial bioenergetics in the Dahl SS rat

Atrial Natriuretic Peptide (ANP) plays an important role in blood pressure regulation. Low levels of ANP correlate with the development of salt-sensitive hypertension (SS-HTN). Our previous studies indicated that ANP deficiency exacerbated renal function decline in SS-HTN. In the heart and fat tissue, ANP was reported to affect lipid peroxidation and mitochondrial bioenergetics but the effects of ANP on mitochondrial function in the kidney are unexplored. We hypothesized that ANP deficiency in SS-HTN causes renal bioenergetic shift, leading to disruption of mitochondrial network and oxidative stress. To address the hypothesis, we placed Dahl SS wild-type (SSWT) and ANP knockout (SSNPPA-/-) rats on 4% NaCl high salt (HS) diet to induce HTN or maintained them on 0.4% NaCl normal salt (NS) diet and assessed mitochondrial bioenergetics and dynamics using spectrofluorimetry, Seahorse assay, electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy, Western blotting, electron microscopy, PCR and cytokine assays. We report that under high salt conditions, associated with hypertension and renal damage, the SSNPPA-/- rats exhibit a decrease in mitochondrial membrane potential and elevation in mitochondrial ROS levels compared to SSWT. The redox shift is also evident by the presence of more pronounced medullar lipid peroxidation in the SSNPPA-/- strain. We also revealed fragmented, more damaged mitochondria in the SSNPPA-/- rats, accompanied by increased turnover and biogenesis. Overall, our data indicate that ANP deficiency causes disruptions in mitochondrial bioenergetics and dynamics which likely contributes to aggravation of the renal damage and hypertension in the Dahl SS rat; the major pathological effects are evident in the groups subjected to a combined salt and ANP deficiency-induced mitochondrial stress.

Differences in presentation, diagnosis and management of heart failure in women. A scientific statement of the Heart Failure Association of the ESC

Despite the progress in the care of individuals with heart failure (HF), important sex disparities in knowledge and management remain, covering all the aspects of the syndrome, from aetiology and pathophysiology to treatment. Important distinctions in phenotypic presentation are widely known, but the mechanisms behind these differences are only partially defined. The impact of sex-specific conditions in the predisposition to HF has gained progressive interest in the HF community. Under-recruitment of women in large randomized clinical trials has continued in the more recent studies despite epidemiological data no longer reporting any substantial difference in the lifetime risk and prognosis between sexes. Target dose of medications and criteria for device eligibility are derived from studies with a large predominance of men, whereas specific information in women is lacking. The present scientific statement encompasses the whole scenario of available evidence on sex-disparities in HF and aims to define the most challenging and urgent residual gaps in the evidence for the scientific and clinical HF communities.

Sex Differences in Acute Heart Failure Management: Is There a Gap in Treatment Quality?

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Differences between men and women in demographics and clinical phenotype of heart failure have previously been described, as well as disparities in management and outcomes. This review summarizes the latest evidence concerning sex-related differences in acute heart failure and its most severe form, cardiogenic shock.

RECENT FINDINGS

Data from the last 5 years reaffirm the previous observations, with women with acute heart failure being older, more often having preserved ejection fraction and less frequently having an ischemic cause of the acute decompensation. Despite women still receive less invasive procedures and a less optimized medical treatment, the most recent studies find similar outcomes regardless of sex. These disparities persist in the context of cardiogenic shock, where women receive less mechanical circulatory support devices even if they present with more severe forms. This review reveals a different clinical picture of women with acute heart failure and cardiogenic shock compared to men, which translates into disparities in management. More female representation in studies would be needed in order to better understand the physiopathological basis of these differences and minimize inequalities in treatment and outcomes.

Exercise MR-proANP unmasks latent right heart failure in CTEPH

OBJECTIVE

The present study was designed to investigate the dynamics of right atrial pressure (RAP) and mid-regional pro-atrial natriuretic peptide (MR-proANP) during physical exercise in patients with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) and to determine whether these parameters might serve as a tool to measure exercise-dependent atrial stress as an indicator of right heart failure.

METHODS

This prospective observational cohort study included 100 CTEPH patients who underwent right heart catheterization during physical exercise (eRHC). Blood samples for MR-proANP measurement were taken prior, during, and after eRHC. MR-proANP levels were correlated to RAP levels at rest, at peak exercise (eRAP), and during recovery. RAP at rest ≤7 mmHg was defined as normal and eRAP >15 mmHg as suggestive of right heart failure.

RESULTS

During eRHC mean RAP increased from 6 mmHg (standard deviation, SD 4) to 16 mmHg (SD 7; p < 0.001). MR-proANP levels and dynamics correlated with RAP at rest (r_s = 0.61; p < 0.001) and at peak exercise (r_s = 0.66; p < 0.001). Logistic regression analysis revealed the peak MR-proANP level (B = 0.058; p = 0.004) and the right atrial area (B = 0.389; p < 0.001) to be associated with eRAP dynamics. A peak MR-proANP level ≥139 pmol/L (AUC = 0.81) and recovery level ≥159 pmol/L (AUC = 0.82) predicted an eRAP >15 mmHg. Physical exercise unmasked right heart failure in 39% of patients with normal RAP at rest; these patients were also characterized by a more distinct increase in MR-proANP levels (p = 0.005) and higher peak (p < 0.001) and recovery levels (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

RAP and MR-proANP dynamics unmask manifest and latent right heart failure in CTEPH patients.

Review A State of Natriuretic Peptide Deficiency

Measurement of natriuretic peptides (NPs) has proven its clinical value as biomarker, especially in the context of heart failure (HF). In contrast, a state partial NP deficiency appears integral to several conditions in which lower NP concentrations in plasma presage overt cardiometabolic disease. Here, obesity and type 2 diabetes have attracted considerable attention. Other factors - including age, sex, race, genetics, and diurnal regulation - affect the NP "armory" and may leave some individuals more prone to development of cardiovascular disease. The molecular maturation of NPs has also proven complex with highly variable O-glycosylation within the biosynthetic precursors. The relevance of this regulatory step in post-translational propeptide maturation has recently become recognized in biomarker measurement/interpretation and cardiovascular pathophysiology. An important proportion of people appear to have reduced effective net NP bioactivity in terms of receptor activation and physiological effects. The state of NP deficiency, then, both entails a potential for further biomarker development and could also offer novel pharmacological possibilities. Alleviating the state of NP deficiency before development of overt cardiometabolic disease in selected patients could be a future path for improving precision medicine.

Pathophysiology and genetics of salt-sensitive hypertension

Most hypertensive cases are primary and heavily associated with modifiable risk factors like salt intake. Evidence suggests that even small reductions in salt consumption reduce blood pressure in all age groups. In that regard, the ACC/AHA described a distinct set of individuals who exhibit salt-sensitivity, regardless of their hypertensive status. Data has shown that salt-sensitivity is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular events and mortality. However, despite extensive research, the pathogenesis of salt-sensitive hypertension is still unclear and tremendously challenged by its multifactorial etiology, complicated genetic influences, and the unavailability of a diagnostic tool. So far, the important roles of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, sympathetic nervous system, and immune system in the pathogenesis of salt-sensitive hypertension have been studied. In the first part of this review, we focus on how the systems mentioned above are aberrantly regulated in salt-sensitive hypertension. We follow this with an emphasis on genetic variants in those systems that are associated with and/or increase predisposition to salt-sensitivity in humans.

Effects of elevation of ANP and its deficiency on cardiorenal function

Atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP), encoded by Nppa, is a vasodilatory hormone that promotes salt excretion. Genome-wide association studies identified Nppa as a causative factor of blood pressure development, and in humans, ANP levels were suggested as an indicator of salt sensitivity. This study aimed to provide insights into the effects of ANP on cardiorenal function in salt-sensitive hypertension. To address this question, hypertension was induced in SSNPPA-/- (knockout of Nppa in the Dahl Salt-Sensitive (SS) rat background) or SSWT (wild type Dahl SS) rats by a high salt diet challenge (HS, 4% NaCl for 21 days). Chronic infusion of ANP in SSWT rats attenuated the increase in blood pressure and cardiorenal damage. Overall, SSNPPA-/- strain demonstrated higher blood pressure and intensified cardiac fibrosis (with no changes in ejection fraction) compared to SSWT rats. Furthermore, SSNPPA-/- rats exhibited kidney hypertrophy and higher glomerular injury scores, reduced diuresis, and lower sodium and chloride excretion than SSWT when fed a HS diet. Additionally, the activity of epithelial Na+ channel (ENaC) was found to be increased in the collecting ducts of the SSNPPA-/- rats. Taken together, these data show promise for the therapeutic benefits of ANP and ANP-increasing drugs for treating salt-sensitive hypertension.

Biomarkers in Acute Heart Failure Syndromes: An Update

Heart failure is one of the leading healthcare problems in the world. Clinical data lacks sensitivity and specificity in the diagnosis of heart failure. Laboratory biomarkers are a non-invasive method of assessing suspected decompensated heart failure. Biomarkers such as natriuretic peptides have shown promising results in the management of heart failure. The literature does not provide comprehensive guidance in the utilization of biomarkers in the setting of acute heart failure syndrome. Many conditions that manifest with similar pathophysiology as acute heart failure syndrome may demonstrate positive biomarkers. The following is a review of biomarkers in heart failure, enlightening their role in diagnosis, prognosis and management of heart failure.

Biomarkers in the clinical management of patients with atrial fibrillation and heart failure

Atrial fibrillation (AF) and heart failure (HF) are two cardiovascular diseases with an increasing prevalence worldwide. These conditions share common pathophysiologiesand frequently co-exit. In fact, the occurrence of either condition can 'cause' the development of the other, creating a new patient group that demands different management strategies to that if they occur in isolation. Regardless of the temproral association of the two conditions, their presence is linked with adverse cardiovascular outcomes, increased rate of hospitalizations, and increased economic burden on healthcare systems. The use of low-cost, easily accessible and applicable biomarkers may hasten the correct diagnosis and the effective treatment of AF and HF. Both AF and HF effect multiple physiological pathways and thus a great number of biomarkers can be measured that potentially give the clinician important diagnostic and prognostic information. These will then guide patient centred therapeutic management. The current biomarkers that offer potential for guiding therapy, focus on the physiological pathways of miRNA, myocardial stretch and injury, oxidative stress, inflammation, fibrosis, coagulation and renal impairment. Each of these has different utility in current clinincal practice.

Atrial fibrillation in patients with systolic heart failure: pathophysiology mechanisms and management

Heart failure (HF) and atrial fibrillation (AF) demonstrate a constantly increasing prevalence during the 21^st century worldwide, as a result of the aging population and the successful interventions of the clinical practice in the deterioration of adverse cardiovascular outcomes. HF and AF share common risk factors and pathophysiological mechanisms, creating the base of a constant interrelation. AF impairs systolic and diastolic function, resulting in the increasing incidence of HF, whereas the structural and neurohormonal changes in HF with preserved or reduced ejection fraction increase the possibility of the AF development. The temporal relationship of the development of either condition affects the diagnostic algorithms, the prognosis and the ideal therapeutic strategy that leads to euvolaemia, management of non-cardiovascular comorbidities, control of heart rate or restoration of sinus rate, ventricular synchronization, prevention of sudden death, stroke, embolism, or major bleeding and maintenance of a sustainable quality of life. The indicated treatment for the concomitant HF and AF includes rate or/and rhythm control as well as thromboembolism prophylaxis, while the progress in the understanding of their pathophysiological interdependence and the introduction of the genetic profiling, create new paths in the diagnosis, the prognosis and the prevention of these diseases.

Mid-regional pro-atrial natriuretic peptide and copeptin as indicators of disease severity and therapy response in CTEPH

BACKGROUND

Chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) leads to right heart failure. Pulmonary endarterectomy (PEA) or balloon pulmonary angioplasty (BPA) restore pulmonary haemodynamics and allow cardiac recovery. This study examined the relationship of copeptin and mid-regional pro-atrial natriuretic peptide (MR-proANP) levels to disease severity and therapy response.

METHODS

This observational cohort study included 125 patients (55 PEA/70 BPA) who underwent treatment and completed a 6-/12-month follow-up. Biomarkers, measured at baseline, prior to every BPA and at follow-up, were compared to 1) severe disease at baseline (right atrial pressure (RAP) ≥8 mmHg and cardiac index ≤2.4 L·min-1·m-2) and 2) optimal therapy response (no persistent pulmonary hypertension combined with a normalised RAP (mean PAP ≤25 mmHg, pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) ≤3 WU and RAP ≤6 mmHg) or a reduction in mean PAP ≥25%, PVR ≥35% and RAP ≥25%).

RESULTS

Severely diseased patients had higher levels of MR-proANP (320 (246-527) pmol·L-1 versus 133 (82-215) pmol·L-1; p=0.001) and copeptin (12.7 (7.3-20.6) pmol·L-1 versus 6.8 (4.4-12.8) pmol·L-1; p=0.015) at baseline than the rest of the cohort. At baseline, MR-proANP (area under the curve (AUC) 0.91; cut-off value 227 pmol·L-1; OR 56, 95% CI 6.9-454.3) and copeptin (AUC 0.70; cut-off value 10.9 pmol·L-1; OR 1.5, 95% CI 1.2-1.9) identified severely diseased patients. After PEA/BPA, levels of MR-proANP (99 (58-145) pmol·L-1; p<0.001) and copeptin (6.3 (3.7-12.6) pmol·L-1; p=0.009) decreased and indicated optimal therapy response (MR-proANP <123 pmol·L-1 (AUC 0.70) and copeptin <10.1 pmol·L-1 (AUC 0.58)).

CONCLUSION

MR-proANP and copeptin levels are affected in CTEPH and decrease after therapy. MR-proANP identifies a severe disease status and optimal therapy response.

Galectin-3, GDF-15, and sST2 for the assessment of disease severity and therapy response in patients suffering from inoperable chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension

PURPOSE

This study examined sST2, GDF-15, and galectin-3 as indicators of disease severity and therapy response in chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH).

METHODS

This study included 57 inoperable CTEPH patients who underwent balloon pulmonary angioplasty and 25 controls without cardiovascular disease. Biomarker levels were examined in relation to advanced hemodynamic impairment [tertile with worst right atrial pressure (RAP) and cardiac index], hemodynamic therapy response [normalized hemodynamics (meanPAP ≤25 mmHg, PVR ≤3 WU and RAP ≤6 mmHg) or a reduction of meanPAP ≥25%; PVR ≥ 35%, RAP ≥25%].

RESULTS

GDF-15 [820 (556-1315) pg/ml vs. 370 (314-516) pg/ml; p < 0.001] and sST2 [53.7 (45.3-74.1) ng/ml vs. 48.7 (35.5-57.0) ng/ml; p = 0.02] were higher in CTEPH patients than in controls. At baseline, a GDF-15 level ≥1443 pg/ml (AUC 0.88; OR 31.4) and a sST2 level ≥65 ng/ml (AUC 0.80; OR 10.9) were associated with advanced hemodynamic impairment. At follow-up GDF-15 ≤ 958 pg/ml (AUC = 0.74, OR 18) identified patients with optimal hemodynamic therapy response and ≤760 pg/ml (AUC = 0.79, OR 14).

CONCLUSION

GDF-15 and sST2 levels are higher in CTEPH and identified patients with advanced hemodynamic impairment. Further, decreased GDF-15 levels at follow-up were associated with hemodynamic therapy response. The diagnostic strength was not superior to NT-proBNP.

Accuracy of B-type natriuretic peptide in a multiethnic Asian population with acute dyspnea

Background:

Optimal cut-offs for B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) for the diagnosis of heart failure differ based on ethnicity. There are no data for Southeast Asian patients. We aimed to define the optimal cut-off points and the strength of B-type natriuretic peptide as a predictor of heart failure in Southeast Asian multiethnic population.

Methods:

Bedside B-type natriuretic peptide (SOB panel (Biosite®)) was measured for patients (>50 years) presenting with dyspnea. Emergency physicians (blinded to B-type natriuretic peptide result) assessed the probability of acute heart failure on a scale of 0%–100%. Heart failure diagnosis was adjudicated by two cardiologists.

Results:

In all, 43% (n = 87) of the 203 dyspneic patients (54.7% males, 453% females) had a final diagnosis of acute heart failure. B-type natriuretic peptide values ranged from 3.2 to 4960 pg/mL (median, 189 pg/mL). Median B-type natriuretic peptide values of patients with the final diagnosis of “acute heart failure,” “no acute heart failure but history of heart failure,” and “no heart failure” were 600, 301, and 68 pg/mL, respectively. The optimum cut-off was 186 pg/mL. The receiver operating characteristic curve of the emergency physician’s assessment of the probability of heart failure based on clinical assessment had an area under the curve of 85% (95% confidence interval: 80%–90%). Combining receiver operating characteristic curves of physician assessment and B-type natriuretic peptide values yielded an area under the curve of 96% (95% confidence interval: 93%–98%). B-type natriuretic peptide levels less than 100 pg/mL were the strongest predictor of heart failure (odds ratio: 26.36; confidence interval: 6.85–101.41), followed by upper lobe diversion and cardiomegaly.

Conclusion:

The accuracy of bedside B-type natriuretic peptide was validated in a multiethnic Asian population. Optimum cut-off is 186 pg/mL. A B-type natriuretic peptide >100 pg/mL is the single strongest independent predictor of heart failure.

Racial/ethnic differences in circulating natriuretic peptide levels: The Diabetes Prevention Program

Natriuretic peptides are cardiac-derived hormones that enhance insulin sensitivity and reduce fat accumulation. Low natriuretic peptide levels are associated with increased risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2); a condition with variable prevalence across racial/ethnic groups. Few studies have examined whether circulating natriuretic peptide levels and their response to preventive interventions for DM2 differ by race/ethnicity. The Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) is a clinical trial (July 31, 1996- July 31, 2001) that randomized participants to preventive interventions for DM2. Using stored serum samples, we examined N-terminus pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) levels in 3,220 individuals (56% white; 19% African-American; 15% Hispanic; 5% American-Indian; 5% Asian). The influence of race/ethnicity on NT-proBNP concentrations at baseline and after two years of treatment with placebo, lifestyle, or metformin was examined with multivariable-adjusted regression. At baseline, NT-proBNP differed significantly by race (P < .001), with the lowest values in African-American individuals. Hispanic individuals also had lower baseline NT-proBNP levels compared with whites (P< .001), while NT-proBNP levels were similar between white, American-Indian, and Asian individuals. At two years of follow-up, NT-proBNP levels decreased in African-Americans in each of the DPP study arms, whereas they were stable or increased in the other racial/ethnic groups. In the DPP, African-American individuals had lower circulating NT-proBNP levels compared with individuals in other racial/ethnic groups at baseline and after two years of preventive interventions. Further studies should examine the cardio-metabolic implications of lower natriuretic peptide levels in African-Americans.

Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT00004992

Diagnostic value of MR-proANP for heart failure in patients with acute dyspnea：a meta-analysis

Objectives: This study aimed to review the diagnostic value of mid-regional pro-atrial natriuretic peptide (MR-proANP) for heart failure (HF) in patients who presented to the emergency department (ED) with acute dyspnoea.Methods: Relevant studies were searched on the databases of PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, with publication date limited to 30 March 2018. Literature identification, quality assessment, data extraction, synthesis, and statistical analysis were performed by standard meta-analysis methods. Individual and pooled sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio (PLR), negative likelihood ratio (NLR), and diagnostic odds ratio (DOR) were calculated.Results: A total of eight studies were retrieved, involving 1562 HF patients and 2249 non-HF patients. The sensitivity for each included study ranged from 80 to 97%, with a pooled sensitivity of 90% (95% CI: 88-91%), while the specificity ranged from 37 to 86%, with a pooled specificity of 68% (95% CI: 66-70%). The pooled PLR for included studies was 2.88(95% CI: 2.12-3.93), with a pooled NLR of 0.16 (95% CI: 0.11-0.24), and a pooled DOR of 18.97 (95% CI: 11.73-30.68).Conclusions: With a decent sensitivity, MR-proANP is a useful biomarker for correctly identifying HF in patients with acute dyspnoea.

Refining the prognostic impact of functional mitral regurgitation in chronic heart failure

Aims

Significant efforts are currently undertaken to reduce functional mitral regurgitation (FMR) in patients with chronic heart failure in the hope to improve prognosis. We aimed to assess the prognostic impact of FMR in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) under optimal medical therapy (OMT) and various conditions of HFrEF. We further intended to identify a heart failure phenotype, where FMR is most likely a driving force and not a mere bystander of the disease.

Methods and results

We prospectively included 576 consecutive HFrEF patients into our long-term observational study. Functional [i.e. New York Heart Association (NYHA) class], echocardiographic, invasive haemodynamic, and biochemical (i.e. NT-proBNP, MR-proANP, MR-proADM, CT-proET-1, copeptin) measurements were performed at baseline. During a median follow-up of 62 months (interquartile range 52-76), 47% of patients died. Severe FMR was a significant predictor of mortality [hazard ratio (HR) 1.76, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.34-2.30; P < 0.001], independent of clinical (adjusted HR 1.61, 95% CI 1.22-2.12; P = 0.001), and echocardiographic (adjusted HR 1.46, 95% CI 1.09-1.94; P = 0.01) confounders, OMT (adjusted HR 1.81, 95% CI 1.25-2.63; P = 0.002), and neurohumoral activation (adjusted HR 1.38, 95% CI 1.03-1.84; P = 0.03). Subanalysis revealed that severe FMR was associated with poor outcome in an intermediate-failure phenotype of HFrEF i.e. patients with NYHA class II (adjusted HR 2.17, 95% CI 1.07-4.44; P = 0.03) and III (adjusted HR 1.80, 95% CI 1.17-2.77; P = 0.008), moderately reduced left ventricular function (adjusted HR 2.37, 95% CI 1.36-4.12; P = 0.002), and within the second quartile (871-2360 pg/mL) of NT-proBNP (adjusted HR 2.16, 95% CI 1.22-3.86; P = 0.009).

Conclusion

In a patient cohort under OMT, the adverse prognostic impact of FMR is given predominantly in a sub-cohort of a specific intermediate-failure phenotype-well-defined functionally, haemodynamically, biochemically, and morphologically.

Mid-regional pro-atrial natriuretic peptide for the early detection of non-acute heart failure

BACKGROUND

Diagnosing non-acute heart failure (HF) remains challenging, notably in the early stages of the syndrome. The diagnostic value of mid-regional pro-atrial natriuretic peptide (MR-proANP) has been proven in acute onset HF, but its role in early non-acute HF is unknown. We aimed to determine the diagnostic value of MR-proANP in suspected non-acute HF.

METHODS AND RESULTS

In total, 721 people suspected of non-acute HF in primary care underwent standardised diagnostic work-up including chest X-ray, electrocardiogram, N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) measurement and echocardiography. Of these, 245 people underwent additional MR-proANP measurements. The outcome of HF was assessed by an expert panel comprised of two cardiologists and one expert physician, who used all available diagnostic information including echocardiography, but were blinded to biomarker results. Of the 245 people (mean age 71.0 years, 62.9% female), 72 (29.4%) were diagnosed with HF. The c-statistics of MR-proANP and NT-proBNP as single diagnostic test were 0.77 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.70-0.84] and 0.79 (95% CI 0.73-0.86), respectively. The cut-point with the highest accuracy for MR-proANP was 120 pmol/L [sensitivity/specificity/positive predictive value (PPV)/negative predictive value (NPV) 0.72, 0.69, 0.46, and 0.86, respectively], and the best exclusionary cut-point was 40 pmol/L (sensitivity/specificity/PPV/NPV 0.99, 0.06, 0.30, and 0.92, respectively). After addition of MR-proANP on top of a previously validated clinical model, the c-statistic rose from 0.82 (95% CI 0.76-0.88) to 0.86 (95% CI 0.80-0.92), and with the addition of NT-proBNP to 0.87 (95% CI 0.81-0.92). No sex interactions between the biomarkers and HF were found in the multivariable models.

CONCLUSION

MR-proANP provides added diagnostic value in suspected non-acute HF, similar to NT-proBNP.

Clinical Applications of Natriuretic Peptides in Heart Failure and Atrial Fibrillation

Natriuretic peptides (NPs) have become important diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers in cardiovascular diseases, particularly in heart failure (HF). Diagnosis and management of coronary artery disease and atrial fibrillation (AF) can also be guided by NP levels. When interpreting NP levels, however, the caveat is that age, sex, body mass index, renal dysfunction, and race affect the clearance of NPs, resulting in different cut-off values in clinical practice. In AF, NP levels have been associated with incident AF in the general population, recurrences after catheter ablation, prediction of clinical prognosis, and the risk of stroke. In this article, we first review and summarize the current evidence and the roles of B-type NP and atrial NP in HF and coronary artery disease and then focus on the increasing utility of NPs in the diagnosis and management of and the research into AF.

Gender disparities in head and neck cancer chemotherapy clinical trials participation and treatment

OBJECTIVES

To characterize the representation of women in clinical trials directing the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guidelines for chemotherapy use in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), as well as the relationship between gender and chemotherapy administration in the definitive treatment of HNSCC in the United States.

METHODS

A review of all HNSCC chemotherapy clinical trials cited by the 2018 NCCN guidelines was performed. Sex-based proportions were compared with the corresponding proportions in the general U.S. population of patients with HNSCC between 1985 and 2015, derived from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) program. A second analysis using the National Cancer Database (NCDB), identified 63,544 adult patients diagnosed with stages III-IVB HNSCC between 2004 and 2014 and treated with definitive radiotherapy or chemoradiotherapy. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to identify predictors of chemotherapy administration.

RESULTS

While women comprised 26.2% of U.S. patients with HNSCC between 1985 and 2015, they comprised only 17.0% of patients analyzed in U.S. NCCN-cited chemotherapy clinical trials between 1985 and 2017. On multivariable analysis, women had decreased odds of receiving chemotherapy (Odds Ratio [OR]: 0.875; 95% Confidence Interval [CI]: 0.821-0.931; p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Women are underrepresented in HNSCC chemotherapy clinical trials cited by the national guidelines. Additionally, women are less likely than men to receive definitive chemoradiotherapy as oppose to definitive radiotherapy. Reasons for these disparities warrant further investigation as well as re-evaluation of eligibility criteria and enrollment strategies, in order to improve relevance of clinical trials to women with HNSCC.

Midregional pro-atrial natriuretic peptide is a superior biomarker to N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide in the diagnosis of heart failure patients with preserved ejection fraction

OBJECTIVES

To explore that if mid-regional sequence of pro-A-type natriuretic peptide (MR-proANP) may have a good value of diagnosis in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) compared with N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP).

METHODS

Participants with cardiovascular disease who were enrolled in this study were divided into the nonheart failure (non-HF) group (n = 75), HFpEF group (n = 65), and HF with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) group (n = 50). The MR-proANP and NT-proBNP levels in plasma from all patients were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

RESULTS

The plasma levels of MR-proANP and NT-proBNP in HFpEF and HFrEF groups were higher than those in non-HF group (P < .05). MR-proANP levels were significantly different (P < .05) in different New York Heart Association class patients with HFpEF. In the diagnostic analysis area under the curve of MR-proANP (0.844) was higher than that of NT-proBNP (0.518, P < .001). The left atrial volume index in the HFrEF group was higher than HFpEF group (P < .05); however, both of these groups had a higher index than non-HF group (P < .05).

CONCLUSION

Results indicated that MR-proANP may be more sensitive and specific than NT-proBNP in diagnosing HFpEF. It may be used as a potential diagnostic biomarker in patients with HFpEF.

Natriuretic Peptides in Heart Failure: Atrial and B-type Natriuretic Peptides

The natriuretic peptides play a vital role in normal physiology and as counter-regulatory hormones in heart failure (HF). Clinical assessment of their levels (for B-type natriuretic peptide [BNP], N-terminal proBNP, and the midregion of N-terminal pro-atrial natriuretic peptide) have become valuable tools in diagnosing patients with HF as well as risk stratifying and guiding therapy. Their roles have further expanded beyond HF to other cardiovascular conditions and for risk stratification in asymptomatic individuals. Understanding the clinical use of these hormones is vital to achieving their full potential.

N-Terminal B-type Natriuretic Peptide in Heart Failure

Plasma amino-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) is a guideline-mandated biomarker in heart failure (HF). Used as an inclusion criterion for therapeutic trials, NT-proBNP enriches trial populations and is a valid surrogate endpoint. Its diagnostic performance is best validated in acute decompensated HF (ADHF). NT-proBNP offers prognostic information independent of standard clinical predictors and refines risk stratification. With the advent of combined angiotensin 2 type 1 receptor blockade and neprilysin inhibition (ARNI) NT-proBNP retains its relationship to cardiac status and is the marker of choice in assessment of possible ADHF and in serial monitoring of HF patients receiving ARNI treatment.

Differences in Natriuretic Peptide Levels by Race/Ethnicity (From the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis)

Natriuretic peptides (NP) are cardiac-derived hormones with favorable cardiometabolic actions. Low NP levels are associated with increased risks of hypertension and diabetes mellitus, conditions with variable prevalence by race and ethnicity. Heritable factors underlie a significant proportion of the interindividual variation in NP concentrations, but the specific influences of race and ancestry are unknown. In 5597 individuals (40% white, 24% black, 23% Hispanic, and 13% Chinese) without prevalent cardiovascular disease at baseline in the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis, multivariable linear regression and restricted cubic splines were used to estimate differences in serum N-terminal pro B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) levels according to, ethnicity, and ancestry. Ancestry was determined using genetic ancestry informative markers. NT-proBNP concentrations differed significantly by race and ethnicity (black, median 43 pg/ml [interquartile range 17 to 94], Chinese 43 [17 to 90], Hispanic 53 [23 to 107], white 68 [34 to 136]; p = 0.0001). In multivariable models, NT-proBNP was 44% lower (95% confidence interval -48 to -40) in black and 46% lower (-50 to -41) in Chinese, compared with white individuals. Hispanic individuals had intermediate concentrations. Self-identified blacks and Hispanics were the most genetically admixed. Among self-identified black individuals, a 20% increase in genetic European ancestry was associated with 12% higher (1% to 23%) NT-proBNP. Among Hispanic individuals, genetic European and African ancestry were positively and negatively associated with NT-proBNP levels, respectively. In conclusion, NT-proBNP levels differ according to race and ethnicity, with the lowest concentrations in black and Chinese individuals. Racial and ethnic differences in NT-proBNP may have a genetic basis, with European and African ancestry associated with higher and lower NT-proBNP concentrations, respectively.

The natriuretic peptide MR-proANP predicts all-cause mortality and adverse outcome in community patients: a 10-year follow-up study

BACKGROUND

The precursor peptide of atrial natriuretic peptide (MR-proANP) has a physiological role in fluid homeostasis and is associated with mortality and adverse clinical outcomes in heart failure patients. Little is known about the prognostic potential of this peptide for long-term mortality prediction in community-dwelling patients. We evaluated associations of MR-proANP levels with 10-year all-cause mortality in patients visiting their general practitioner for a respiratory tract infection.

METHODS

In this post-hoc analysis including 359 patients (78.5%) of the original trial, we calculated cox regression models and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) to assess associations of MR-proANP blood levels with mortality and adverse outcome including death, pulmonary embolism, and major adverse cardiac or cerebrovascular events.

RESULTS

After a median follow-up of 10.0 years, 9.8% of included patients died. Median admission MR-proANP levels were significantly elevated in non-survivors compared to survivors (80.5 pmol/L, IQR 58.6-126.0; vs. 45.6 pmol/L, IQR 34.2-68.3; p<0.001) and associated with 10-year all-cause mortality (age-adjusted HR 2.0 [95% CI 1.3-3.1, p=0.002]; AUC 0.79). Results were similar for day 7 blood levels and also for the prediction of other adverse outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

Increased MR-proANP levels were associated with 10-year all-cause mortality and adverse clinical outcome in a sample of community-dwelling patients. If diagnosis-specific cut-offs are confirmed in future studies, this marker may help to direct preventive measures in primary care.

Mid-regional pro-adrenomedullin (MR-proADM) and mid-regional pro-atrial natriuretic peptide (MR-proANP) in severe aortic valve stenosis: association with outcome after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI)

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to assess the association of mid-regional (MR) pro-adrenomedullin (MR-proADM) and MR-pro-A-type natriuretic peptide (MR-proANP) in comparison to N-terminal pro-natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) with outcome in patients with aortic stenosis (AS) treated with transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI).

METHODS

One hundred consecutive TAVI patients were included in this prospective study. Association of preinterventional levels of MR-proADM, MR-proANP, NT-proBNP, C-reactive protein (CrP), and high-sensitive cardiac Troponin T (hsTN) with 30-day and 1-year outcome was analyzed.

RESULTS

There was no association with 30-day outcome, but all markers were associated with 1-year cardiovascular events and all-cause mortality. The combined biomarker analysis further improved risk prediction.

CONCLUSIONS

In TAVI patients MR-proADM, MR-proANP, and NT-proBNP are promising predictors of adverse events within 1 year. Integration of these biomarkers into decision pathways may help to identify patients at higher risk.

The influence of confounders in the analysis of mid-regional pro-atrial natriuretic peptide in patients with chronic heart failure

BACKGROUND

Natriuretic peptides play an important role in the diagnosis and risk stratification of patients with acute and chronic heart failure. Multiple studies have shown that these peptides are liable to the influence of individual factors. For N-terminal-pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) some of these confounding factors have been evaluated over the years such as age, gender, New York Heart Association (NYHA) class and body mass index (BMI). The aim of this study was to establish confounding factors of mid-regional pro-atrial natriuretic peptide (MR-proANP) assessment.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We studied 684 patients (94% male, age 61.2±11.2, left ventricular ejection fraction [LVEF]<35%-45%, NYHA class (I/II/III/IV: 8.4/45.8/39.5/6.3%), ischaemic aetiology 71%, body mass index [BMI] 26.5±4.3kg/m(2), mean MR-proANP 296.0±281.0pmol/L, mean NT-proBNP 2792.0±5328.6pg/mL, mean creatinine level 110.2±38.0μmol/L and mean haemoglobin 13.9±1.5g/dL) with clinically stable chronic heart failure. MR-proANP levels increased with increasing NYHA class (p<0.0001) and an increasing BMI category was associated with decreasing values of MR-proANP (p<0.0001). We found MR-proANP to be independently associated with BMI, creatinine, ischaemic aetiology, LVEF and NYHA class. Meanwhile, NT-proBNP was independently associated with BMI, creatinine, haemoglobin, LVEF and NYHA class.

CONCLUSION

MR-proANP is subject to the almost identical influencing factors like NT-proBNP. The effects of anaemia warrant further study.

Serial measurement of N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide and cardiac troponin T for cardiovascular disease risk assessment in the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA)

BACKGROUND

N-terminal-pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) and cardiac troponin T (TnT) predict cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk in a variety of populations. Whether their predictive value varies by ethnicity is unknown. We sought to determine whether NT-proBNP and TnT improve prediction of incident coronary heart disease (CHD) and CVD, independent of CVD risk factors, in a multiethnic population; whether NT-proBNP improves prediction compared with the Framingham Risk Score or the Pooled Cohort Risk Equation; and whether a second NT-proBNP further improves prediction.

METHODS

Both NT-proBNP and TnT were measured in 5,592 MESA white, black, Hispanic, and Chinese participants (60% nonwhite; mean age 62.3 ± 10.3 years) in 2000 to 2002 and 2004 to 2005. We evaluated adjusted risk of incident CHD and CVD based on baseline and change in biomarker concentration.

RESULTS

Participants were followed up through 2011 and incurred 370 CVD events (232 CHD). Concentrations of NT-proBNP and TnT varied by ethnicity. Both NT-proBNP and TnT were associated with an increased risk of events (adjusted hazard ratio [HR] for CHD [95% CI] for fifth quintile vs other 4 quintiles of NT-proBNP, 2.03 [1.50-2.76]; HR for CHD for detectable vs undetectable TnT, 3.95 [2.29-6.81]). N-terminal-pro-B-type natriuretic peptide improved risk prediction and classification compared with the Framingham Risk Score and the Pooled Cohort Risk Equation. Change in NT-proBNP was independently associated with events (HR for CHD per unit increase in ΔlogNT-proBNP, 1.95 [1.16-3.26]). None of the observed associations varied by ethnicity.

CONCLUSIONS

Both NT-proBNP and TnT are predictors of incident CHD, independent of established risk factors and ethnicity, in a multiethnic population without known CVD. Change in NT-proBNP may add additional prognostic information.

Diagnosis and management of acute heart failure

Acute heart failure (AHF) is a life threatening clinical syndrome with a progressively increasing incidence in general population. Turkey is a country with a high cardiovascular mortality and recent national statistics show that the population structure has turned to an 'aged' population.As a consequence, AHF has become one of the main reasons of admission to cardiology clinics. This consensus report summarizes clinical and prognostic classification of AHF, its worldwide and national epidemiology, diagnostic work-up, principles of approach in emergency department,intensive care unit and ward, treatment in different clinical scenarios and approach in special conditions and how to plan hospital discharge.

Biomarkers in Acute Heart Failure - Cardiac And Kidney

Natriuretic peptides (NP) are well-validated aids in the diagnosis of acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF). In acute presentations, both brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) and N-terminal of the prohormone brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) offer high sensitivity (>90 %) and negative predictive values (>95 %) for ruling out ADHF at thresholds of 100 and 300 pg/ml, respectively. Plasma NP rise with age. For added rule-in performance age-adjusted thresholds (450 pg/ml for under 50 years, 900 pg/ml for 50-75 years and 1,800 pg/ml for those >75 years) can be applied to NT-proBNP results. Test performance (specificity and accuracy but not sensitivity) is clearly reduced by renal dysfunction and atrial fibrillation. Obesity offsets the threshold downwards (to ~50 pg/ml for BNP), but overall discrimination is preserved. Reliable markers for impending acute kidney injury in ADHF constitute an unmet need, with candidates, such as kidney injury molecule-1 and neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin, failing to perform sufficiently well, and new possibilities, including the cell cycle markers insulin growth factor binding protein 7 and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases type 2, remain the subject of research.

Cardiovascular biomarkers and sex: the case for women

Measurement of biomarkers is a critical component of cardiovascular care. Women and men differ in their cardiac physiology and manifestations of cardiovascular disease. Although most cardiovascular biomarkers are used by clinicians without taking sex into account, sex-specific differences in biomarkers clearly exist. Baseline concentrations of many biomarkers (including cardiac troponin, natriuretic peptides, galectin-3, and soluble ST2) differ in men versus women, but these sex-specific differences do not generally translate into a need for differential sex-based cut-off points. Furthermore, most biomarkers are similarly diagnostic and prognostic, regardless of sex. Two potential exceptions are cardiac troponins measured by high-sensitivity assay, and proneurotensin. Troponin levels are lower in women than in men and, with the use of high-sensitivity assays, sex-specific cut-off points might improve the diagnosis of myocardial infarction. Proneurotensin is a novel biomarker that was found to be predictive of incident cardiovascular disease in women, but not men, and was also predictive of incident breast cancer. If confirmed, proneurotensin might be a unique biomarker of disease risk in women. With any biomarker, an understanding of sex-specific differences might improve its use and might also lead to an enhanced understanding of the physiological differences between the hearts of men and women.

Mid-regional pro-atrial natriuretic peptide and the assessment of volaemic status and differential diagnosis of profound hyponatraemia

BACKGROUND

Hyponatraemia is common and its differential diagnosis and consequent therapy management is challenging. The differential diagnosis is mainly based on the routine clinical assessment of volume status, which is often misleading. Mid-regional pro-atrial natriuretic peptide (MR-proANP) is associated with extracellular and cardiac fluid volume.

METHODS

A total of 227 consecutive patients admitted to the emergency department with profound hypo-osmolar hyponatraemia (Na < 125 mmol L(-1) ) were included in this prospective multicentre observational study conducted in two tertiary centres in Switzerland. A standardized diagnostic evaluation of the underlying cause of hyponatraemia was performed, and an expert panel carefully evaluated volaemic status using clinical criteria. MR-proANP levels were compared between patients with hyponatraemia of different aetiologies and for assessment of volume status.

RESULTS

MR-proANP levels were higher in patients with hypervolaemic hyponatraemia compared to patients with hypovolaemic or euvolaemic hyponatraemia (P = 0.0002). The area under the curve (AUC) to predict an excess of extracellular fluid volume, compared to euvolaemia, was 0.73 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.62-0.84]. Additionally, in multivariate analysis, MR-proANP remained an independent predictor of excess extracellular fluid volume after adjustment for congestive heart failure (P = 0.012). MR-proANP predicted the syndrome of inappropriate antidiuresis (SIAD) versus hypovolaemic and hypervolaemic hyponatraemia with an AUC of 0.77 (95% CI 0.69-0.84).

CONCLUSION

MR-proANP is associated with extracellular fluid volume in patients with hyponatraemia and remains an independent predictor of hypervolaemia after adjustment for congestive heart failure. MR-proANP may be a marker for discrimination between the SIAD and hypovolaemic or hypervolaemic hyponatraemia.

Racial Differences in Natriuretic Peptide Levels: The Dallas Heart Study

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this study was to assess whether N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) levels differ according to race/ethnicity.

BACKGROUND

Natriuretic peptides (NP) are hormones with natriuretic, diuretic, and vasodilatory effects. Experimental NP deficiency promotes salt-sensitive hypertension and cardiac hypertrophy, conditions that are more common among black individuals.

METHODS

We examined plasma NT-proBNP levels according to race/ethnicity in 3,148 individuals (51% black, 31% white, 18% Hispanic) free of prevalent cardiovascular disease in the Dallas Heart Study. NT-proBNP values in the bottom sex-specific quartile were defined as low. Multivariable linear and logistic regression analyses were performed adjusting for clinical covariates and magnetic resonance imaging measurements of cardiac structure and function.

RESULTS

Hypertension was present in 41%, 25%, and 16% of black, white, and Hispanic individuals, respectively. Unadjusted NT-proBNP levels were lowest in black (median: 24 pg/ml; interquartile range [IQR]: 10 to 52 pg/ml) as compared with Hispanic (30 pg/ml; IQR: 14 to 59 pg/ml) and white individuals (32 pg/ml; IQR: 16 to 62 pg/ml), p < 0.0001. In multivariable-adjusted models, black individuals still had significantly lower NT-proBNP levels (-39% [95% confidence interval: -46% to -31%]; p < 0.0001) and greater odds of having low NT-proBNP (odds ratio: 2.46 [95% confidence interval: 1.86 to 3.26]), compared with white individuals. In contrast, NT-proBNP levels did not significantly differ between Hispanic and white individuals (p = 0.28). The finding of lower NT-proBNP levels in black individuals was similar when analyses were restricted to healthy participants without cardiovascular risk factors.

CONCLUSIONS

In this multiethnic cohort, NT-proBNP levels differ substantially according to race/ethnicity. Despite a higher prevalence of hypertension, black individuals had significantly lower NP levels than white and Hispanic individuals. A relative NP "deficiency" among black individuals may lead to greater susceptibility to salt retention and hypertension.

Increased plasma concentrations of midregional proatrial natriuretic Peptide is associated with risk of cardiorenal dysfunction in type 1 diabetes

BACKGROUND

To examine possible associations between midregional proatrial natriuretic peptide (MR-proANP) and diabetic complications at baseline and risk of mortality and end-stage renal disease (ESRD) during follow-up in type 1 diabetes.

METHODS

Observational study including 667 patients, with plasma MR-proANP measured at baseline. Complications were defined as micro- (n = 168) or macroalbuminuria (n = 190) (urinary albumin excretion rate (UAER) 30-299 or ≥ 300 mg/24h), previous cardiovascular disease (CVD) (n = 143), cardiac autonomic dysfunction (heart rate variability < 11 beats/min) (n = 369), and retinopathy (n = 523). Adjustments included gender, age, systolic blood pressure, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), UAER, HbA1c, total cholesterol, 24-hour urinary sodium excretion (24h-U(Na)), body mass index, daily insulin dose, antihypertensive treatment, and smoking in linear regression analyses and analysis of covariance models. Development of ESRD (dialysis, renal transplantation, or GFR/eGFR < 15 ml/min/1.73 m(2)) and mortality was recorded through national registers.

RESULTS

The cohort included 293 (44%) females, aged 55 ± 13 years. Plasma MR-proANP (median (interquartile)) was 74.7 (49.2-116.8) pmol/L. Adjusted, MR-proANP correlated positively with age and UAER and negatively with eGFR, 24h-U(Na), total cholesterol, and HbA1c (P < 0.05). Moreover, MR-proANP levels increased with albuminuria degree and were higher in patients with previous CVD (P ≤ 0.001), but similar in patients with or without autonomic dysfunction or retinopathy (P ≥ 0.076). During follow-up (3.5 (3.1-4.0) years), higher MR-proANP concentrations predicted ESRD and mortality combined (n = 35) adjusted for gender, age, systolic blood pressure, eGFR, and previous CVD (hazard ratio per 1SD increase in logANP: 2.8 (1.6-4.7; P < 0.001)).

CONCLUSIONS

Increased plasma MR-proANP was associated with impaired renal function, increased albuminuria, and previous CVD. Moreover, MR-proANP concentrations were associated with increased risk of development of ESRD and mortality combined during follow-up.

Racial differences in circulating natriuretic peptide levels: the atherosclerosis risk in communities study

Background

Natriuretic peptides promote natriuresis, diuresis, and vasodilation. Experimental deficiency of natriuretic peptides leads to hypertension (HTN) and cardiac hypertrophy, conditions more common among African Americans. Hospital-based studies suggest that African Americans may have reduced circulating natriuretic peptides, as compared to Caucasians, but definitive data from community-based cohorts are lacking.

Methods and Results

We examined plasma N-terminal pro B-type natriuretic peptide (NTproBNP) levels according to race in 9137 Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) Study participants (22% African American) without prevalent cardiovascular disease at visit 4 (1996–1998). Multivariable linear and logistic regression analyses were performed adjusting for clinical covariates. Among African Americans, percent European ancestry was determined from genetic ancestry informative markers and then examined in relation to NTproBNP levels in multivariable linear regression analysis. NTproBNP levels were significantly lower in African Americans (median, 43 pg/mL; interquartile range [IQR], 18, 88) than Caucasians (median, 68 pg/mL; IQR, 36, 124; P<0.0001). In multivariable models, adjusted log NTproBNP levels were 40% lower (95% confidence interval [CI], −43, −36) in African Americans, compared to Caucasians, which was consistent across subgroups of age, gender, HTN, diabetes, insulin resistance, and obesity. African-American race was also significantly associated with having nondetectable NTproBNP (adjusted OR, 5.74; 95% CI, 4.22, 7.80). In multivariable analyses in African Americans, a 10% increase in genetic European ancestry was associated with a 7% (95% CI, 1, 13) increase in adjusted log NTproBNP.

Conclusions

African Americans have lower levels of plasma NTproBNP than Caucasians, which may be partially owing to genetic variation. Low natriuretic peptide levels in African Americans may contribute to the greater risk for HTN and its sequalae in this population.

Challenges in acute heart failure clinical management: optimizing care despite incomplete evidence and imperfect drugs

Acute heart failure is a common condition associated with considerable morbidity, mortality, and cost. However, evidence-based data on treating heart failure in the acute setting are limited, and current individual treatment options have variable efficacy. The healthcare team must often individualize patient care in ways that may extend beyond available clinical guidelines. In this review, we address the question, "How do you do the best you can clinically with incomplete evidence and imperfect drugs?" Expert opinion is provided to supplement guideline-based recommendations and help address the typical challenges that are involved in the management of patients with acute heart failure. Specifically, we discuss 4 key areas that are important in the continuum of patient care: differential diagnosis and risk stratification; choice and implementation of initial therapy; assessment of the adequacy of therapy during hospitalization or observation; and considerations for discharge/transition of care. A case study is presented to highlight the decision-making process throughout each of these areas. Evidence is accumulating that should help guide patients and healthcare providers on a path to better quality of care.

Acute heart failure in the elderly: differences in clinical characteristics, outcomes, and prognostic factors in the VERITAS Study

BACKGROUND

Acute heart failure (HF) is common in the elderly, but the association of age with clinical outcomes and prognostic factors has not been examined thoroughly.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We analyzed the clinical and laboratory characteristics and the outcomes of 1,347 patients with acute HF enrolled in the VERITAS trial. Subjects were subdivided based on their median age of 72 years. Older patients had a higher prevalence of comorbidities and a higher prevalence of hypertension and atrial fibrillation. During a mean follow-up of 149 ± 61 days, 432 patients (32.1%) reached the composite end point of death, in-hospital worsening HF, or HF rehospitalization by 30 days, and 135 patients (10.4%) died by 90 days, with a worse outcome in elderly patients in both cases. At multivariable analysis, different variables were related with each of these outcomes in elderly compared with younger patients. Regarding deaths at 90 days, plasma urea nitrogen and hemoglobin levels were predictive only in the younger patients, whereas respiratory rate and albumin levels were associated with mortality only in the older patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Elderly patients with acute HF have different clinical characteristics and poorer outcomes. Prognostic variables differ in elderly compared with younger patients.

Old and newer biomarkers in heart failure: from pathophysiology to clinical significance

Heart failure is a complex disease in which a careful clinical examination and the measurement of cardiac function may not always be sufficient for making a correct diagnosis. Measuring plasma levels of natriuretic peptides may assist in this process, also offering a good tool for accurate risk stratification. Other alternative biomarkers may give insight into the different pathways of heart failure genesis and pathophysiology, and may help to identify those patients with overt heart failure and a more adverse outcome, or distinguish between those at risk of developing heart failure. Despite a high number of potentially useful biomarkers, only a few will likely be introduced routinely into clinical practice. However, a multi-marker approach might increase the diagnostic accuracy and it might identify different phenotypes of heart failure patients who might benefit from individualized therapy in the future.

Midregional pro-atrial natriuretic peptide in the general population/Insights from the Gutenberg Health Study

BACKGROUND

The use of biomarkers is firmly established for the assessment of cardiovascular disease. Emerging biomarkers such as midregional pro-atrial natriuretic peptide (MR-proANP) challenge established markers regarding risk prediction and stratification ability. The aim of the present study was to describe the distribution of a contemporary MR-proANP assay in a large population-representative sample and to evaluate the association with prevalent cardiac diseases and cardiovascular risk factors.

METHODS

MR-proANP was determined by the use of a contemporary commercially available assay (BRAHMS GmbH, Hennigsdorf, Germany) in a representative sample of 5000 participants from the large population-based Gutenberg Health Study. N-terminal pro B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) was used as a comparator.

RESULTS

Mean age was 55.5 ± 10.9 years. Coronary artery disease (CAD) was documented in 4.6%, heart failure (HF) in 1.5% of the study participants. We observed a moderate to strong correlation of the biomarkers with age, diabetes, hypertension, smoking, renal function, prevalence of CAD and HF. Males showed lower MR-proANP concentrations than females. MR-proANP showed no relevant correlation with BMI (ρ=-0.030) and CRP (ρ=0.039). Reference limits for MR-proANP representing the 95th/97.5th/99th percentile were determined for healthy individuals with 116/132/169 pmol/mL.

CONCLUSIONS

The current analysis in a large population-based sample elucidates the correlations and distribution of MR-proANP. Its concentration in healthy individuals depends on prevalent cardiovascular diseases and classical risk factors. The reported population-based reference values might be useful for distinguishing between healthy and diseased individuals, thus improving risk stratification and triaging in various clinical settings.

Body mass index in chronic heart failure: association with biomarkers of neurohormonal activation, inflammation and endothelial dysfunction

BACKGROUND

Low body mass index (BMI) is associated with a poor outcome in chronic heart failure (CHF). An inverse association between BMI and adiponectin and N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) has been reported. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether novel markers of neurohormonal activation, inflammation, and endothelial dysfunction are associated with BMI in CHF.

METHODS

In a cross-sectional study including 171 patients with CHF and a left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) ≤45% the impact of BMI on circulating plasma concentrations of adiponectin, α-defensins, high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), copeptin, mid-regional pro-adrenomedullin (MR-proADM), NT-proBNP, and mid-regional pro-A-type natriuretic peptide (MR-proANP) were evaluated.

RESULTS

In multivariable linear regression analysis including age, sex, LVEF, New York Heart Association functional classification (NYHA), estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), and diabetes, only NT-proBNP (β = -0.32) and adiponectin (β = -0.39) remained independently associated with BMI. MR-proANP was associated with BMI but adjusting for age attenuated the relation being no longer significant.

CONCLUSIONS

Among biomarkers typically increased in patients with CHF only adiponectin and NT-proBNP demonstrated independent inverse associations with BMI. This indicates a direct effect of these two biomarkers enhancing the wasting process seen in CHF.

Serum atrial natriuretic peptide level inversely associates with metabolic syndrome in older adults

AIM

Atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) is a potent lipolytic agent that acts in adipose tissue. Low levels of ANP might lead to reduced lipolysis and excessive weight gain, which could be one of the biological alterations that contribute to the development of obesity. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the relationship between metabolic syndrome and fasting serum ANP concentrations in older adults.

METHODS

Fasting blood samples were obtained from 90 older adults. Metabolic syndrome and its components were defined using diagnostic criteria from the International Diabetes Federation.

RESULTS

A total of 40 older adults (44.4%) had metabolic syndrome. Fasting ANP level was negatively correlated with metabolic syndrome (P = 0.015). Univariate linear regression analysis showed that high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (P < 0.001) was positively correlated with serum logANP levels, whereas waist circumference (P = 0.001) and body fat mass (P = 0.002) were negatively correlated with fasting serum logANP levels. Multivariate forward stepwise linear regression analysis of the significant variables showed that high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (β = 0.419, R(2) = 0.268, P < 0.001) and body fat mass (β = -0.396, R(2) = 0.154, P = 0.002) were independent predictors of fasting serum logANP levels in geriatric persons.

CONCLUSIONS

Serum ANP levels were reduced in geriatric persons affected by metabolic syndrome. Body fat mass and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol were independent predictors of fasting serum ANP levels in older adults.

Cardiac biomarkers: new tools for heart failure management

The last decade has seen exciting advances in the field of biomarkers used in managing patients with heart failure (HF). Biomarker research has broadened our knowledge base, shedding more light on the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms occurring in patients with both acute and chronic HF. The criterion required by an ideal cardiovascular biomarker has been progressively changing to an era of sensitive assays that can be used to guide treatment. Recent technological advances have made it possible to rapidly measure even minute amounts of these proteins by means of higher sensitivity assays. With a high prevalence of comorbidities associated with HF, an integrated approach utilizing multiple biomarkers have shown promise in predicting mortality, better risk stratification and reducing re-hospitalizations, thus lowering health-care costs. This review provides a brief insight into recent advances in the field of biomarkers currently used in the diagnosis and prognosis of patients with acute and chronic HF.