Admission N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide and its interaction with admission troponin T and ST segment resolution for early risk stratification in ST elevation myocardial infarction

Association of N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide levels and mortality risk in acute myocardial infarction across body mass index categories: an observational cohort study

BACKGROUND

The prognostic value of N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) across body mass index (BMI) categories in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is unclear. We aimed to assess the predictive value of NT-proBNP levels and identify the best cutoff values for mortality risk prediction across BMI categories in AMI.

METHODS

We analyzed 4677 patients with AMI from the Cardiovascular Centre Beijing Friendship Hospital Database Bank. Patients were classified into underweight (< 18.5 kg/m2), normal-weight (18.5-23.9 kg/m2), overweight (24-27.9 kg/m2), and obese (≥ 28 kg/m2) groups. The association between NT-proBNP (ln-transformed) and mortality was investigated using Cox regression and stratified by BMI.

RESULTS

During follow-up (13,787 person-years of observation), 718 patients died, averaging 52.1 events per 1000 person-years. NT-proBNP levels were inversely correlated with BMI (β = - 0.096, P < 0.001). After adjustment, NT-proBNP was independently associated with all-cause mortality (hazard ratio [HR] per 1-SD: 1.82; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.60-2.07) in patients with AMI. Similar findings were observed in analyses stratified by BMI category, except for the underweight group. Adding NT-proBNP to conventional risk models improved risk discrimination in normal-weight, overweight, and obese patients (C-index changes of 0.036, 0.042, and 0.032, respectively) and classification of patients into predicted mortality risk categories (net reclassification improvement 0.263, 0.204, and 0.197, respectively). The best NT-proBNP cutoff values for 5-year mortality risk prediction across BMI categories were 5710, 4492, 2253, and 1300 pg/ml.

CONCLUSION

NT-proBNP level was an independent prognostic factor for mortality in patients with AMI and varied according to BMI. The best NT-proBNP cutoff values for mortality risk prediction reduced as BMI increased.

Association of N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide level with adverse outcomes in patients with acute myocardial infarction: A meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Studies evaluating the association of blood level of N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) with adverse prognosis have yielded conflicting results in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI). This meta-analysis sought to evaluate the prognostic value of blood level of NT-proBNP in patients with AMI.

METHODS

Two authors independently searched articles in PubMed and Embase databases up to June 13, 2021. Studies evaluating the association of baseline NT-proBNP level with all-cause mortality or major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs, including death, new or worsening heart failure, recurrent myocardial infarction, revascularization, stroke, etc.) among AMI patients were selected. Multivariable-adjusted risk ratio (RR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) was pooled by the highest vs. lowest category of NT-proBNP level.

RESULTS

A total of 19 studies enrolling 12,158 AMI patients were identified. When compared highest with the lowest category of NT-proBNP level, the pooled RR was 5.28 (95% CI 2.87-9.73) for in-hospital/30-day death, 2.62 (95% CI 2.04-3.37) for follow-up all-cause mortality, and 2.50 (95% CI 1.91-3.28) for follow-up MACEs, respectively. Subgroup analysis further confirmed the value of NT-proBNP in predicting all-cause mortality and MACEs.

CONCLUSIONS

Elevated NT-proBNP level is independently associated with an increased risk of all-cause mortality and MACEs. Determination of blood NT-proBNP level can improve risk stratification of AMI patients.

Circulating exosomal microRNAs as emerging non-invasive clinical biomarkers in heart failure: Mega bio-roles of a nano bio-particle

Exosomes are nano-sized extracellular vesicles containing a cell-specific biologically active cargo of proteins and genetic materials. Exosomes are constitutively released from almost all cell-types and affect neighboring or distant cells through a complex intercellular exchange of the genetic information and/or regulation of certain gene expressions that change the function and behavior of recipient cells. Those released into body fluids are the major mediators of intercellular communications. The success of the biological functions of exosomes is highly mediated by the effective transfer of microRNAs (miRs). Exosomes secreted by a damaged or diseased heart can exhibit alterations in the miRs' profile that may reflect the cellular origin and (patho)physiological state, as a "signature" or "fingerprint" of the donor cell. It has been shown that the transportation of cardiac-specific miRs in exosomes can be rapidly detected and measured, holding great potential as biomarkers in heart diseases. Currently, the search for new biomarkers of heart diseases remains a large and increasing enterprise. Notably, circulating exosomal miRs (Exo-miRs) have successfully gained huge interests for their diagnostic and prognostic potentials. The present review highlights circulating Exo-miRs explored for diagnosis/prognosis and outcome prediction in patients with heart failure (HF). To this end, we explain the feasibility of exosomes as clinical biomarkers, discuss the priority of circulating Exo-miRs over non-exosomal ones as a biomarker, and then outline reported circulating Exo-miRs having the biomarker function in HF patients, together with their mechanism of action. In conclusion, circulating Exo-miRs represent emerging diagnostic (Exo-miR-92b-5p, Exo-miR-146a, Exo-miR-181c, and Exo-miR-495) and prognostic (Exo-miR-192, Exo-miR-194, Exo-miR-34a, Exo-miR-425, Exo-miR-744) biomarkers for HF.

Novel Biomarkers, ST-Elevation Resolution, and Clinical Outcomes Following Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention

Background Despite restoration of epicardial flow following primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI), microvascular reperfusion as reflected by ST-elevation resolution (ST-ER) resolution remains variable and its pathophysiology remains unclear. Methods and Results Using principal component analyses, we explored associations between 91 serum biomarkers drawn before PPCI clustered into 14 pathobiologic processes (including NT-proBNP [N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide] as an independent cluster), and (1) ST-ER resolution ≥50% versus <50%; and (2) 90-day composite of death, shock, and heart failure. Network analyses were performed to understand interbiomarker relationships between the ST-ER groups. Among the 1160 patients studied, 861 (74%) had ST-ER ≥50% at a median 40 (interquartile range, 23-70) minutes following PPCI, yet both groups had comparable post-PPCI TIMI (Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction) grade 3 flow (86.6% versus 82.9%; P=0.25). ST-ER ≥50% was associated with significantly lower pre-PPCI concentrations of platelet activation cluster (particularly P-selectin, von Willebrand factor, and platelet-derived growth factor A) and NT-proBNP, including after risk adjustment. Across both ST-ER groups, strong interbiomarker relationships were noted between pathways indicative of myocardial stretch, platelet activation, and inflammation, whereas with ST-ER <50% correlations between iron homeostasis and inflammation were observed. Of all 14 biomarker clusters, only NT-proBNP was significantly associated with the 90-day clinical composite. Conclusions Suboptimal ST-ER is common despite achieving post-PPCI TIMI grade 3 flow. The cluster of platelet activation proteins and NT-proBNP were strongly correlated with suboptimal ST-ER and NT-proBNP was independently associated with 90-day outcomes. This analysis provides insights into the pathophysiology of microvascular reperfusion in ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction and suggests novel pre-PPCI risk targets potentially amenable to enhancing tissue-level reperfusion following PPCI.

Association of Multiple Biomarkers With Risk of All-Cause and Cause-Specific Mortality After Acute Coronary Syndromes: A Secondary Analysis of the PLATO Biomarker Study

Importance

Mortality remains at about 5% within a year after an acute coronary syndrome event. Prior studies have assessed biomarkers in relation to all-cause or cardiovascular deaths but not across multiple causes.

Objective

To assess if different biomarkers provide information about the risk for all-cause and cause-specific mortality.

Design, Setting, and Participants

The Platelet Inhibition and Patient Outcomes (PLATO) trial randomized 18 624 patients with acute coronary syndrome to ticagrelor or clopidogrel from October 2006 through July 2008. In this secondary analysis biomarker substudy, 17 095 patients participated.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Death due to myocardial infarction, heart failure, sudden cardiac death/arrhythmia, bleeding, procedures, other vascular causes, and nonvascular causes, as well as all-cause death.

Exposures

At baseline, levels of cystatin-C, growth differentiation factor-15 (GDF-15), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, high-sensitivity troponin I and T, and N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) were determined.

Results

The median (interquartile range) age of patients was 62.0 (54.0-71.0) years. Of 17 095 patients, 782 (4.6%) died during follow-up. The continuous associations between biomarkers and all-cause and cause-specific mortality were modeled using Cox models and presented as hazard ratio (HR) comparing the upper vs lower quartile. For all-cause mortality, NT-proBNP and GDF-15 were the strongest markers with adjusted HRs of 2.96 (95% CI, 2.33-3.76) and 2.65 (95% CI, 2.17-3.24), respectively. Concerning death due to heart failure, NT-proBNP was associated with an 8-fold and C-reactive protein, GDF-15, and cystatin-C, with a 3-fold increase in risk. Regarding sudden cardiac death/arrhythmia, NT-proBNP was associated with a 4-fold increased risk and GDF-15 with a doubling in risk. Growth differentiation factor-15 had the strongest associations with other vascular and nonvascular deaths and was possibly associated with death due to major bleeding (HR, 4.91; 95% CI, 1.39-17.43).

Conclusions and Relevance

In patients with acute coronary syndrome, baseline levels of NT-proBNP and GDF-15 were strong markers associated with all-cause death based on their associations with death due to heart failure as well as due to arrhythmia and sudden cardiac death. Growth differentiation factor-15 had the strongest associations with death due to other vascular or nonvascular causes and possibly with death due to bleeding.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT00391872.

Growth Differentiation Factor-15 Levels at Admission Provide Incremental Prognostic Information on All-Cause Long-term Mortality in ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction Patients Treated with Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention

INTRODUCTION

To investigate the additive prognostic value of growth differentiation factor (GDF-15) levels in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients treated with primary percutaneously coronary intervention (pPCI) with 10-year mortality on top of clinical characteristics and known cardiac biomarkers.

METHODS

Baseline serum GDF-15 levels were measured in 290 STEMI patients treated with pPCI in the MISSION! intervention trial conducted from February 1, 2004 through October 31, 2006. The incremental prognostic value of GDF-15 and NTproBNP levels was evaluated on top of clinical characteristics using Cox proportional hazards analysis, Chi-square models and C-index. Outcome was 10-year all-cause mortality.

RESULTS

Mean age was 59.0 ± 11.5 years and 65 (22.4) patients were female. A total of 37 patients died during a follow-up of 9.4 (IQR 8.8-10.0) years. Multivariable Cox regression revealed GDF-15 and NTproBNP levels above median to be independently associated with 10-year all-cause mortality [HR GDF-15, 2.453 (95% CI 1.064-5.658), P = 0.04; HR NTproBNP, 2.413 (95% CI 1.043-5.564), P = 0.04] after correction for other clinical variables. Stratified by median GDF-15 (37.78 pmol/L) and NTproBNP (11.74 pmol/L) levels, Kaplan-Meier curves showed significant better survival for patients with GDF-15 and NTproBNP levels below the median versus above the median. The likelihood ratio test showed a significant incremental value of GDF-15 (P = 0.03) as compared with a model with clinically important variables and NTproBNP. The C-statistics for this model improved from 0.82 to 0.84 when adding GDF-15.

CONCLUSION

GDF-15 levels at admission in STEMI patients are independently associated with 10-year all-cause mortality rates and could improve risk stratification on top of clinical variables and other cardiac biomarkers.

Prognostic Biomarkers in Acute Coronary Syndromes: Risk Stratification Beyond Cardiac Troponins

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Cardiac troponin (cTn) plays an essential role for assessment of outcome in acute coronary syndrome (ACS). However, the prognostic value of cTn is not absolute. In this mini-review, we summarize the evidence on the utility of established biomarkers of left-ventricular dysfunction, hemodynamic stress, inflammation, and renal dysfunction for risk prediction beyond cTn in ACS.

RECENT FINDINGS

Only few biomarkers consistently demonstrate additive prognostic value to cTn levels. The B-type natriuretic peptides (NPs) and growth-differentiation factor-15 (GDF-15) are most promising in this regard. However, there are uncertainties regarding the role of these biomarkers for guidance of treatment decisions, and their prognostic increment to cTn levels measured with high-sensitivity assays is largely unknown. The NPs and GDF-15 provide the strongest prognostic increment to cTn levels in ACS. However, the role of these biomarkers for clinical decision-making in contemporary settings has still to be defined.

INTERACTING DISCIPLINES: Cardiac natriuretic peptides and obesity: perspectives from an endocrinologist and a cardiologist

Since their discovery in 1981, the cardiac natriuretic peptides (cNP) atrial natriuretic peptide (also referred to as atrial natriuretic factor) and brain natriuretic peptide have been well characterised in terms of their renal and cardiovascular actions. In addition, it has been shown that cNP plasma levels are strong predictors of cardiovascular events and mortality in populations with no apparent heart disease as well as in patients with established cardiac pathology. cNP secretion from the heart is increased by humoral and mechanical stimuli. The clinical significance of cNP plasma levels has been shown to differ in obese and non-obese subjects. Recent lines of evidence suggest important metabolic effects of the cNP system, which has been shown to activate lipolysis, enhance lipid oxidation and mitochondrial respiration. Clinically, these properties lead to browning of white adipose tissue and to increased muscular oxidative capacity. In human association studies in patients without heart disease higher cNP concentrations were observed in lean, insulin-sensitive subjects. Highly elevated cNP levels are generally observed in patients with systolic heart failure or high blood pressure, while obese and type-2 diabetics display reduced cNP levels. Together, these observations suggest that the cNP system plays a role in the pathophysiology of metabolic vascular disease. Understanding this role should help define novel principles in the treatment of cardiometabolic disease.

Circulating p53-responsive microRNAs are predictive indicators of heart failure after acute myocardial infarction

RATIONALE

Despite a recent decline of in-hospital mortality attributable to acute myocardial infarction (AMI), the incidence of ischemic heart failure (HF) in post-AMI patients is increasing. Although various microRNAs have been proposed as diagnostic indicators for AMI, no microRNAs have been established as predictors of ischemic HF that develops after AMI.

OBJECTIVE

We attempted to identify circulating microRNAs that can serve as reliable predictors of ischemic HF in post-AMI patients.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Using sera collected a median of 18 days after AMI onset, we screened microRNAs in 21 patients who experienced development of HF within 1 year after AMI and in 65 matched controls without subsequent cardiovascular events after discharge. Among the 377 examined microRNAs, the serum level of only miR-192 was significantly upregulated in AMI patients with development of ischemic HF. Because miR-192 is reported to be p53-responsive, the serum levels of 2 other p53-responsive microRNAs, miR-194 and miR-34a, also were investigated. Interestingly, both microRNAs were coordinately increased with miR-192, particularly in exosomes, suggesting that these microRNAs function as circulating regulators of HF development via the p53 pathway. Furthermore, miR-194 and miR-34a expression levels were significantly correlated with left ventricular end-diastolic dimension 1 year after AMI.

CONCLUSIONS

In the sera of post-AMI patients who experienced development of de-novo HF within 1 year of AMI onset, the levels of 3 p53-responsive microRNAs had been elevated by the early convalescent stage of AMI. Further investigations are warranted to confirm the usefulness of these circulating microRNAs for predicting the risk of development of ischemic HF after AMI.

Established and novel biomarkers in ST-elevation myocardial infarction

Cardiac biomarkers assist in the diagnosis of and risk stratification in acute coronary syndromes. In ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), rapid diagnosis and initiation of reperfusion via primary percutaneous coronary intervention or fibrinolysis is often based on the clinical history and presenting ECG, but measurement of biomarkers in the early and/or late phases of STEMI may allow the selection of patients who are at increased or decreased risk of subsequent complications. Although the measurement of only three biomarkers (troponin, natriuretic peptides and C-reactive protein) are currently included in practice guidelines, more than 20 other novel cardiac biomarkers have been proposed to provide improved risk stratification after a STEMI.

Evaluation of N-terminal prohormone B-type natriuretic Peptide in patients with acute coronary syndromes and percutaneous coronary intervention

The aim of this research was to describe N-terminal part of the prohormone B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) levels over time in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) before and after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). NT-proBNP, troponin I (Tn-I), creatine kinase (CK), CK MB isoenzyme (CKMB), fibrinogen, D-dimers, and C-reactive protein (CRP) were measured in 300 consecutive patients with ACS before undergoing successful reperfusion with PCI in the first 48 hours, 2 days after, and at the end of the 1st, 3rd, 6th, 12th, 18th, and 24th month. The concentration of NT-proBNP was cross-correlated with the levels of NT-proBNP in 300 patients without ACS and was significantly increased before and after PCI and at the end of the 3rd month, contrasting with the fast conversion to normal levels of Tn-I, CK, CKMB, fibrinogen, D-dimers, and CRP. In patients with ACS undergoing successful PCI, NT-proBNP shows slow kinetics, especially in patients with an increased thrombolysis in myocardial infarction risk score, hypertension, and diabetes. Nevertheless, cardiac neurohormonal activation may be a unifying feature among patients at high risk for cardiovascular events after ACS and PCI.

Comparison of the usefulness of N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide to other serum biomarkers as an early predictor of ST-segment recovery after primary percutaneous coronary intervention

Data on the ability of serum biomarkers to predict microvascular obstruction by ST-segment recovery after primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is largely absent. Therefore, we determined the association between 5 serum biomarkers, obtained before emergency coronary angiography, and immediate ST-segment recovery in patients who had undergone primary PCI for ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction. We measured N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-pro-BNP), cardiac troponin T, creatinine kinase-MB fraction, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, and serum creatinine from blood samples obtained through the arterial sheath at the start of primary PCI. Serial 12-lead electrocardiograms were recorded in the catheterization laboratory before arterial puncture and at the end of the PCI. ST-segment recovery was defined as incomplete if <50%. Of 662 included patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction, 338 (51%) had incomplete ST-segment recovery. An elevated NT-pro-BNP level (> or = 608 ng/L) was the strongest predictor of incomplete ST-segment recovery (adjusted odds ratio 2.6, 95% confidence interval 1.6 to 4.1; p <0.001) compared to other serum biomarkers and clinical predictors. An elevated NT-pro-BNP level was more strongly predictive in patients without a history of coronary artery disease or hypertension (adjusted odds ratio 4.7, 95% confidence interval 2.4 to 9.2; p <0.001). NT-pro-BNP was the best contributor to both net reclassification (0.43; p <0.001) and integrated discrimination improvement (0.04; p <0.001) when added to a multivariate model with clinical predictors of incomplete ST-segment recovery. In conclusion, NT-pro-BNP was the strongest independent predictor of ST-segment recovery at the end of primary PCI for ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction compared to the other serum biomarkers reflecting myocardial cell damage, renal function, and inflammation.