Prognostic value of circulating cardiac and renal biomarkers in dogs with myxomatous mitral valve disease

Prognostic evaluation of canine myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD) using circulating biomarkers has been attempted, but comprehensive studies are still limited. The present study aimed to investigate the prognostic value of circulating cardiac and renal biomarkers and imaging data in 37 small-breed dogs with MMVD using retrospective data obtained from 2018 to 2022. The circulating cardiac biomarkers included N-terminal probrain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP), and troponin I. The renal biomarkers included blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine, symmetric dimethylarginine, and cystatin C (Cys-C). The imaging data included vertebral heart score, vertebral left atrial size (VLAS), left-atrial-to-aortic ratio, and left ventricle internal diameter in diastole normalized to bodyweight (LVIDDN) from the medical records. The dogs were categorized into high and low groups based on the cutoff values obtained from the receiver-operating characteristic curves. Kaplan-Meier survival curves were generated, and 1-year MMVD-specific survival rates were compared using the restricted mean survival time (RMST) method. The dogs with high VLAS, LVIDDN, and NT-proBNP, ANP, troponin I, BUN, creatinine, or Cys-C levels had significantly shorter MMVD-specific survival times (p < 0.01). NT-proBNP had the largest RMST difference of 187.0 days (95 % confidence interval [CI]: 104.7-269.3 days), followed by Cys-C with 169.3 days (95 % CI: 98.2-240.5 days). Our study findings highlight the potential of NT-proBNP and Cys-C as key prognostic markers in dogs with MMVD. Incorporating the measurements of blood circulating biomarkers may enhance the accuracy of prognostic prediction in dogs with MMVD.

Cardiac biomarker profiles in dogs with naturally occurring precapillary pulmonary hypertension

INTRODUCTION/OBJECTIVES

This study evaluated circulating amino-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), amino-terminal pro-A-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proANP), and cardiac troponin I (cTnI) concentrations in dogs with precapillary pulmonary hypertension (Pre-PH) and control dogs with respiratory clinical signs but no Pre-PH.

ANIMALS

Twenty-six dogs (17 affected, and nine controls) were involved in the study.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This was a sub-study of a large prospective single-center observational study. Dogs underwent blood sample collection, physical examination, and echocardiographic evaluation. Precapillary pulmonary hypertension was diagnosed when a calculated right ventricular-to-right atrial pressure gradient (RV:RA PG) measuring ≥40 mmHg was identified echocardiographically, barring right ventricular outflow obstruction and/or left-sided cardiac disease.

RESULTS

Two, nine, and six dogs had mild, moderate, and severe Pre-PH, respectively. Plasma concentrations of NT-proBNP, NT-proANP, and cTnI were significantly higher in the affected group than in the control group (P=0.020, P=0.009, P=0.011, respectively). There was a positive correlation between RV:RA PG and NT-proBNP (r = 0.52), NT-proANP (r = 0.54), and cTnI (r = 0.67) concentrations.

DISCUSSION

Precapillary pulmonary hypertension should be included in the differential diagnosis list of elevated cardiac biomarker concentrations in dogs with respiratory signs.

STUDY LIMITATIONS

Strict selection criteria reduced group sizes. There were rare missing data points. The diagnosis of Pre-PH was obtained from Doppler echocardiographic RV:RA PG. The disease process causing Pre-PH was not evaluated histopathologically.

CONCLUSIONS

Circulating cardiac biomarker concentrations are increased in dogs with Pre-PH and there is a positive correlation between RV:RA PG and NT-proBNP, NT-proANP, and cTnI concentrations.

Evaluation of blood pressure and NT-proBNP in pugs with and without clinical signs of Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome

Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS) is a pathologic condition of the upper airways, frequently occurring in dogs of brachycephalic breeds including pugs. It has been suspected that BOAS may be associated with cardiovascular changes and an increased risk for hypertension. The cardiac biomarker NT-proBNP can help to differentiate cardiac from non-cardiac respiratory distress. A possible influence of BOAS on NT-proBNP values has not been investigated, however. The aim of the current study was to examine blood pressure and NT-proBNP levels in pugs with and without clinical signs of BOAS and compare them to values of mesocephalic dogs. For this purpose, NT-proBNP values of 42 pugs and six mesocephalic dogs and blood pressure measurements of 34 pugs and four mesocephalic dogs were explored in the present study. Pugs were examined for clinical signs of BOAS at rest and after a submaximal fitness test, and a functional BOAS grading was applied. Blood pressure (BP) was measured at the beginning and end of the study day and NT-proBNP values were obtained before and after exercise. Measured values of pugs with different degrees of clinical impairment due to BOAS were compared among each other as well as to the CG. In terms of systolic, mean, diastolic BP, and NT-pro BNP, there were no relevant differences between pugs and the CG and no obvious connection between the severity of BOAS symptoms and measured values. BP values of all groups were lower at the second measurement at the end of the study day. NT-proBNP measurements were higher after exercise. BP and NT-proBNP values in all groups were in agreement with commonly used reference ranges. In conclusion, the study adds evidence, that BP and NT-proBNP values did not differ between mesocephalic dogs and pugs with different levels of severity of BOAS but between the measurement times. Thus, in the present study, excitement and exercise seemed to have a greater influence on BP and NT-proBNP values than presence of BOAS symptoms or breed. Discovered values show that the commonly used reference ranges for BP and NT-proBNP are applicable in pugs. This indicates that NT-proBNP can be used to differentiate between cardiac and non-cardiac respiratory distress even in pugs with clinical symptoms of BOAS.

INVESTIGATION OF THE USE OF SERUM BIOMARKERS FOR THE DETECTION OF CARDIAC DISEASE IN MARINE MAMMALS

Cardiac disease has been extensively documented in marine mammals; however, it remains difficult to diagnose antemortem. Assays measuring cardiac troponin I (cTnI) and N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) are used as sensitive and specific biomarkers of cardiac disease in many species, but have not been widely investigated in marine mammals. This study aimed to provide a set of reference values for cTnI and NT-proBNP in belugas (BW) (Delphinapterus leucas), sea otters (SO) (Enhydra lutris), Steller sea lions (SSL) (Eumetopias jubatus), and California sea lions (CSL) (Zalophus californianus) with and without cardiac disease, and to determine if these biomarkers are useful indicators of cardiac disease in these species. First, existing immunoassays for cTnI and NT-proBNP were successfully validated utilizing species-specific heart lysate spiked serum. Cohorts were defined by histopathology as animals with no evidence of cardiac disease ("control"), with confirmed cardiac disease ("disease"), and with concurrent renal and cardiac disease ("renal") for which serum samples were then analyzed. Serum concentration ranges for cTnI (ng/ml) and NT-proBNP (pmol/L) were determined for control and disease cohorts. There was significantly higher cTnI (P= 0.003) and NT-proBNP (P= 0.004) concentrations in the CSL disease cohort, as well as positive trends in BW, SO, and SSL disease cohorts that did not reach statistical significance. NT-proBNP concentrations were significantly higher in the CSL renal cohort compared with the control (P < 0.001) and disease (P= 0.007) cohorts. These results suggest that cTnI and NT-proBNP may be clinically useful in the antemortem diagnosis of cardiac disease in CSL, and warrant further investigation in BW, SO, and SL.

Diagnostic methods for the canine idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy: A narrative evidence-based rapid review

Idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is an important etiology of mortality and morbidity in dogs and its diagnosis relies on systolic dysfunction, chambers dilation, electrical instability and congestion. During the last decades veterinary cardiologists have been joining efforts to obtain diagnostic resources to correctly identify canine DCM in the preclinical stage. Unfortunately, most diagnostic resources have been used with the support of research with weak evidence, without high quality methodologies such as systematic reviews or meta-analysis. Therefore, the support of evidence-based medicine is tailored by empiricism and diagnostic criteria lose'out the ability to properly classify dogs suffering DCM. The presentation of the evidence in medicine is established by multiple sources and the most reliable source has been the presentation of evidence-based medicine from systematic reviews and meta-analysis. Rapid reviews can be interpreted as a pragmatic approach to systematic reviews and although a rapid review follows most of the critical steps of a systematic review to provide timely evidence, some components of a systematic review process are either simplified or omitted. The objective of this narrative evidence-based rapid review is twofold. First: To recognize and to stratify the level of evidence offered by rigorous selected papers about the diagnosis of DCM. Second: To classify the degree of clinical recommendation of the diagnostic resources available.

Plasma NT-proBNP and Cell-Free DNA Concentrations after Prolonged Strenuous Exercise in Working Farm Dogs

BACKGROUND

Plasma N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) concentration is increased in dogs with myocardial dysfunction, and cell-free DNA (cfDNA) increases in numerous disease states. In humans, both of these biomarkers can be altered after endurance exercise.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effect of prolonged strenuous exercise on circulating NT-proBNP and cfDNA concentrations in working farm dogs.

ANIMALS

Six healthy, privately owned working farm dogs (4 Huntaways and 2 heading dogs) from the same hill country farm in New Zealand.

METHODS

Prospective, nonrandomised cohort study. Venous blood samples were collected before and after the dogs worked over 4 days. Plasma NT-proBNP concentrations were measured by a commercially available ELISA assay and cfDNA concentrations were determined by fluorometry without prior DNA extraction.

RESULTS

The baseline (before work, Day 1) median plasma NT-proBNP concentration was 664 pmol/L. A linear mixed-effects model showed that work increased plasma NT-proBNP concentrations by 101 ± 9% (P < 0.001), but with each consecutive day of work, NT-proBNP concentrations declined by 16 ± 4% (P < 0.001). The baseline median plasma cfDNA concentration was 653 ng/mL, and plasma cfDNA concentrations increased by 138 ± 45 ng/mL after work (P = 0.004).

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE

The plasma concentration of NT-proBNP in healthy Huntaways and heading dogs after work can exceed the upper limit of the reference range. Results in dogs sampled on the day of prolonged strenuous exercise should be interpreted with caution. Plasma concentrations of cfDNA also increase with exercise, but further studies are needed to establish reference ranges in healthy dogs.

Cardiopulmonary and inflammatory biomarkers in heartworm disease

In heartworm disease, several biomarkers of cardiopulmonary injury and inflammatory activity have been studied during the recent years. D-dimer is a fibrin degradation product present after a clot is degraded, which has been reported to provide support for the diagnosis of pulmonary thromboembolism in heartworm disease. Furthermore, concentrations increment with increased disease severity and during the adulticide treatment. This increase in concentration has proved to be valuable. Cardiac biomarkers troponin I, myoglobin and NT-proBNP demonstrated presence of myocardial injury and heart failure, especially in chronic infections, which in some cases, slightly improve after the adulticide treatment. An acute phase response in dogs with Dirofilaria immitis, characterized by variations of acute phase proteins (APP), has been reported, indicating inflammatory processes that could contribute to disease progression. Among them, C-reactive protein (CRP) increases according to the severity of the disease; and a strong correlation between pulmonary hypertension and CRP has been observed. In cats, little work has been done to ascertain the utility of these biomarkers in feline heartworm; the only published study in D. immitis–seropositive cats reported significantly higher concentrations in positive APP serum amyloid A, haptoglobin and ceruloplasmin.

N-Terminal Pro-B-Type Natriuretic Peptide and Phonocardiography in Differentiating Innocent Cardiac Murmurs from Congenital Cardiac Anomalies in Asymptomatic Puppies

BACKGROUND

Differentiating innocent cardiac murmurs from murmurs caused by congenital cardiac anomalies can be challenging with auscultation alone in asymptomatic puppies.

HYPOTHESIS

Plasma N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) concentrations and phonocardiograms recorded by an electronic stethoscope can differentiate innocent from pathologic cardiac murmurs.

ANIMALS

A total of 186 client-owned asymptomatic dogs: 135 Cairn Terriers (age: 45-124 days), 20 adult Cairn Terriers (age: 7.5 months to 13.5 years), and 31 puppies of various breeds (age: 29-396 days).

METHODS

Study design is a cross-sectional survey. Each dog was auscultated, and when a cardiac murmur was heard, a phonocardiogram was recorded and an echocardiogram was performed. Plasma NT-proBNP concentrations were measured by a single laboratory by an ELISA.

RESULTS

No significant (P = .41) difference in plasma NT-proBNP levels was found between puppies without a murmur and puppies with an innocent murmur (median 300 versus 326 pmol/L), and between clinically healthy adult Cairn Terriers and Cairn Terrier puppies. Plasma NT-proBNP levels in puppies with a congenital heart disease were significantly (P < .001) higher than those in puppies with innocent murmurs (median 1,102 versus 326 pmol/L). However, some puppies with severe pulmonic stenosis did not have increased plasma NT-proBNP levels. On phonocardiograms, innocent murmurs had a significantly (P < .001) shorter "murmur-to-systole duration ratio" than the abnormal ones (median 66 versus 100%). The "murmur-to-S1 (first cardiac sound) amplitude ratio" was significantly (P < .001) lower of the innocent murmurs compared with that of the abnormal ones (median 16 versus 58 %).

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE

Plasma NT-proBNP concentrations within the reference range do not rule out a congenital cardiac anomaly. Murmurs longer than 80% of the systole are most likely abnormal, whereas murmurs shorter than that could be either innocent or pathologic.

Effect of Breed on Plasma Endothelin-1 Concentration, Plasma Renin Activity, and Serum Cortisol Concentration in Healthy Dogs

BACKGROUND

There are breed differences in several blood variables in healthy dogs.

OBJECTIVE

Investigate breed variation in plasma endothelin-1 (ET-1) concentration, plasma renin activity, and serum cortisol concentration.

ANIMALS

Five-hundred and thirty-one healthy dogs of 9 breeds examined at 5 centers (2-4 breeds/center).

METHODS

Prospective observational study. Circulating concentrations of ET-1 and cortisol, and renin activity, were measured using commercially available assays. Absence of organ-related or systemic disease was ensured by thorough clinical investigations, including blood pressure measurement, echocardiography, ECG, blood and urine analysis.

RESULTS

Median ET-1 concentration was 1.29 (interquartile range [IQR], 0.97-1.82) pg/mL, median cortisol concentration 46.0 (IQR, 29.0-80.8) nmol/L, and median renin activity 0.73 (IQR, 0.48-1.10) ng/mL/h in all dogs. Overall, breed differences were found in ET-1 and cortisol concentrations, and renin activity (P < .0001 for all). Pair-wise comparisons between breeds differed in 67% of comparisons for ET-1, 22% for cortisol, and 19% for renin activity, respectively. Within centers, breed differences were found at 5/5 centers for ET-1, 4/5 centers for cortisol, and 2/5 centers for renin activity. Newfoundlands had highest median ET-1 concentration, 3 times higher than Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Doberman Pinschers, and Dachshunds. Median renin activity was highest in Dachshunds, twice the median value in Newfoundlands and Boxers. Median cortisol concentration was highest in Finnish Lapphunds, almost 3 times higher than in Boxers.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE

Breed variation might be important to take into consideration when interpreting test results in clinical studies.

Plasma N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide concentration in healthy retired racing Greyhounds

BACKGROUND

N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) is a cardiac biomarker whose plasma concentration is high in some dogs with cardiopulmonary disease. NT-proBNP is a diagnostic tool that can be used to help determine if a patient has congestive heart failure. Greyhounds have functional heart murmurs, relative cardiomegaly, and high serum cTnI concentration.

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of the study was to evaluate the plasma concentration of NT-proBNP in healthy Greyhounds and compare it to non-Greyhound dogs.

METHODS

We prospectively evaluated healthy client-owned dogs including retired racing Greyhounds and non-Greyhounds. Plasma was obtained and transferred into tubes containing a protease inhibitor and submitted for a specific NT-proBNP ELISA assay.

RESULTS

The plasma NT-proBNP concentration in Greyhounds was significantly higher than in non-Greyhound control dogs (946 vs 632 pmol/L; P < .005); 46% of Greyhounds had NT-proBNP > 1000 pmol/L.

CONCLUSIONS

Plasma NT-proBNP concentration in Greyhounds is high and should be interpreted with caution.

Relationship of plasma N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide concentrations to heart failure classification and cause of respiratory distress in dogs using a 2nd generation ELISA assay

Background

Cardiac biomarkers provide objective data that augments clinical assessment of heart disease (HD).

Hypothesis/Objectives

Determine the utility of plasma N‐terminal pro‐brain natriuretic peptide concentration [NT‐proBNP] measured by a 2nd generation canine ELISA assay to discriminate cardiac from noncardiac respiratory distress and evaluate HD severity.

Animals

Client‐owned dogs (n = 291).

Methods

Multicenter, cross‐sectional, prospective investigation. Medical history, physical examination, echocardiography, and thoracic radiography classified 113 asymptomatic dogs (group 1, n = 39 without HD; group 2, n = 74 with HD), and 178 with respiratory distress (group 3, n = 104 respiratory disease, either with or without concurrent HD; group 4, n = 74 with congestive heart failure [CHF]). HD severity was graded using International Small Animal Cardiac Health Council (ISACHC) and ACVIM Consensus (ACVIM‐HD) schemes without knowledge of [NT‐proBNP] results. Receiver‐operating characteristic curve analysis assessed the capacity of [NT‐proBNP] to discriminate between dogs with cardiac and noncardiac respiratory distress. Multivariate general linear models containing key clinical variables tested associations between [NT‐proBNP] and HD severity.

Results

Plasma [NT‐proBNP] (median; IQR) was higher in CHF dogs (5,110; 2,769–8,466 pmol/L) compared to those with noncardiac respiratory distress (1,287; 672–2,704 pmol/L; P < .0001). A cut‐off >2,447 pmol/L discriminated CHF from noncardiac respiratory distress (81.1% sensitivity; 73.1% specificity; area under curve, 0.84). A multivariate model comprising left atrial to aortic ratio, heart rate, left ventricular diameter, end‐systole, and ACVIM‐HD scheme most accurately associated average plasma [NT‐proBNP] with HD severity.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Plasma [NT‐proBNP] was useful for discriminating CHF from noncardiac respiratory distress. Average plasma [NT‐BNP] increased significantly as a function of HD severity using the ACVIM‐HD classification scheme.

Breed differences in natriuretic peptides in healthy dogs

BACKGROUND

Measurement of plasma concentration of natriuretic peptides (NPs) is suggested to be of value in diagnosis of cardiac disease in dogs, but many factors other than cardiac status may influence their concentrations. Dog breed potentially is 1 such factor.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate breed variation in plasma concentrations of pro-atrial natriuretic peptide 31-67 (proANP 31-67) and N-terminal B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) in healthy dogs.

ANIMALS

535 healthy, privately owned dogs of 9 breeds were examined at 5 centers as part of the European Union (EU) LUPA project.

METHODS

Absence of cardiovascular disease or other clinically relevant organ-related or systemic disease was ensured by thorough clinical investigation. Plasma concentrations of proANP 31-67 and NT-proBNP were measured by commercially available ELISA assays.

RESULTS

Overall significant breed differences were found in proANP 31-67 (P < .0001) and NT-proBNP (P < .0001) concentrations. Pair-wise comparisons between breeds differed in approximately 50% of comparisons for proANP 31-67 as well as NT-proBNP concentrations, both when including all centers and within each center. Interquartile range was large for many breeds, especially for NT-proBNP. Among included breeds, Labrador Retrievers and Newfoundlands had highest median NT-proBNP concentrations with concentrations 3 times as high as those of Dachshunds. German Shepherds and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels had the highest median proANP 31-67 concentrations, twice the median concentration in Doberman Pinschers.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE

Considerable interbreed variation in plasma NP concentrations was found in healthy dogs. Intrabreed variation was large in several breeds, especially for NT-proBNP. Additional studies are needed to establish breed-specific reference ranges.

Basal plasma concentrations of N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide in clinically healthy adult small size dogs: effect of body weight, age, gender and breed, and reference intervals

Plasma NT-proBNP has previously been evaluated in dogs with degenerative mitral valve disease (DMVD). However, reference intervals (RI) established according to the Clinical Laboratory and Standards Institute (CLSI) recommendations have never been provided. The objectives of this prospective study were to assess effects of breed, body weight, age, and sex on plasma NT-proBNP, and to establish RI according to CLSI for this biomarker in a large population of dogs predisposed to DMVD. 183 Healthy small-sized dogs from 7 breeds were included. Assays were performed by ELISA. Effects of covariates were tested using a general linear model. Although a sex effect was demonstrated (P=0.01), no significant effect of breed, body weight or age was shown. The proposed RI was 157-2842 pmol/L. 7% of dogs had plasma NT-proBNP >2617 pmol/L, and were considered as outliers despite normal cardiovascular examination. In conclusion, plasma NT-proBNP may be high in a few healthy small-sized dogs.

Management of respiratory emergencies in small animals

Management of respiratory distress involves careful consideration of the history, physical examination, and diagnostic testing. Supplemental oxygen is useful. Urgent procedures, such as intubation, thoracococentesis, or tracheostomy, may be required. The prognosis is dependent on the underlying disease, but is often favorable. This article reviews the approach, differential diagnoses, and the approach to management for dogs and cats with respiratory distress.

Relationship between glomerular filtration rate and plasma N-terminal pro B-type natriuretic peptide concentrations in dogs with chronic kidney disease

Plasma N-terminal pro B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) concentrations increase in dogs with azotemia. However, the correlation between glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and NT-proBNP concentrations in dogs has not been evaluated. The objective of this study was to evaluate the correlation between GFR and plasma NT-proBNP concentrations in dogs with chronic kidney disease (CKD). In this retrospective cross-sectional study, plasma creatinine (Cre) and NT-proBNP concentrations, plasma iohexol clearance (PCio) values and blood pressure were measured in dogs with CKD. Dogs were classified according to PCio values into D group (dogs with decreased PCio values), and N group (dogs with normal PCio values). Dogs were further categorized on the basis of their systolic blood pressure and PCio values into NT-D group (normotensive dogs with decreased PCio values), NT-N group (normotensive dogs with normal PCio values), HT-D group (hypertensive dogs with decreased PCio values) and HT-N group (hypertensive dogs with normal PCio values). Significant correlations were observed between plasma NT-proBNP and Cre concentrations (r=0.360, P<0.05) and PCio values (r=-0.470, P<0.01). Plasma NT-proBNP concentrations were significantly higher in the D group than in the N group (P<0.001). Plasma NT-proBNP concentrations were significantly higher in the HT-D group than in the other three groups (P ≤ 0.007). No differences in plasma NT-proBNP concentrations were observed between the NT-D and HT-N groups (P=0.28). Plasma NT-proBNP concentrations were significantly lower in the NT-N group than in the other three groups (P ≤ 0.043). Our findings suggest that decreased GFR might be associated with increased plasma NT-proBNP concentrations in dogs, similar to that in humans. In addition, the complication of hypertension in CKD might be associated with further increases in plasma NT-proBNP concentrations. In conclusion, the effects of GFR and blood pressure on the plasma NT-proBNP concentration were small, but it could be necessary to consider the effects when this marker is used to evaluate canine cardiac disease.

The history of veterinary cardiology

Throughout civilization, animals have played a pivotal role in the advancement of science and medicine. From as early as 400 BC when Hippocrates recognized that diseases had natural causes, the steadfast advances made by biologists, scientists, physicians and scholars were fueled by timely and important facts and information- much of it gained through animal observations that contributed importantly to understanding anatomy, physiology, and pathology. There have been many breakthroughs and historic developments. For example, William Harvey in the 16th and 17th centuries clarified the importance of the circulatory system, aided by observations in dogs and pigs, which helped to clarify and confirm his concepts. The nineteenth century witnessed advances in physical examination techniques including auscultation and percussion. These helped create the basis for enhanced proficiency in clinical cardiology. An explosion of technologic advances that followed in the 20th century have made possible sophisticated, accurate, and non-invasive diagnostics. This permitted rapid patient assessment, effective monitoring, the development of new cardiotonic drugs, clinical trials to assess efficacy, and multi-therapy strategies. The latter 20th century has marshaled a dizzying array of advances in medical genetics and molecular science, expanding the frontiers of etiologies and disease mechanisms in man, with important implications for animal health. Veterinary medicine has evolved during the last half century, from a trade designed to serve agrarian cultures, to a diverse profession supporting an array of career opportunities ranging from private, specialty practice, to highly organized, specialized medicine and subspecialty academic training programs in cardiology and allied disciplines.

Prospective evaluation of NT-proBNP assay to detect occult dilated cardiomyopathy and predict survival in Doberman Pinschers

BACKGROUND

Occult (asymptomatic) dilated cardiomyopathy (ODCM) is highly prevalent in Doberman Pinschers.

HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVES

Assess ability of NT-proBNP assay to detect ODCM and predict death.

ANIMALS

155 asymptomatic Dobermans presenting for ODCM screening.

METHODS

Echocardiography, 24-hour Holter, and NT-proBNP assay were performed prospectively. Diagnosis was based on increased left ventricular end-systolic dimension, >50 ventricular premature complexes (VPCs), or both on Holter. Utility was evaluated using receiver-operating characteristic curves. Effect of age, weight, sex, disease status, VPCs, and NT-proBNP on survival was analyzed using Kaplan-Meier and Cox-proportional hazard analysis.

RESULTS

Seventy-three (47.1%) Dobermans were diagnosed with ODCM, including 31, 17, and 25 that met Holter, echocardiographic, or both criteria, respectively. Sensitivity of NT-proBNP > 457 pmol/L to detect these groups was 45.2, 76.5, and 96.0%, respectively. Combination of NT-proBNP and Holter to detect ODCM yielded sensitivity of 94.5%, specificity of 87.8%, and accuracy of 91.0%. Follow-up data were available for 78 Dobermans. The median survival time of Dobermans with > 50 VPCs (469 days), NT-proBNP > 900 pmol/L (284 days), or ODCM (474 days) was significantly (P < .0001) shorter than those with < 50 VPCs (1743 days), NT-proBNP < 900 pmol/L (1743 days), or without disease (1743 days). NT-proBNP concentration and disease status were independently predictive of all-cause mortality.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE

The combination of NT-proBNP assay and Holter detected ODCM with high accuracy. NT-proBNP and disease status were independently associated with survival. NT-proBNP assay identified Dobermans with high probability of increased LVIDs consistent with ODCM, and can facilitate pursuit of confirmatory diagnostic testing, such as echocardiography, in suspected Dobermans.