Interpretation and use of natriuretic peptides in non-congestive heart failure settings

N terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide level and benefits of chronic total occlusion revascularization

BACKGROUND

The management of revascularization of chronic total occlusions (CTOs) remains controversial. Whether specific patients gain survival benefit from CTO revascularization remains unknown.

OBJECTIVES

We investigated whether (i) patients with CTO have higher N terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT pro-BNP) levels than patients without CTO, (ii) in patients with CTO, NT pro-BNP levels predict adverse events, and (iii) those with elevated levels benefit from revascularization.

METHODS

In 392 patients with stable, significant coronary artery disease (CAD) and CTO undergoing coronary angiography, rates of all-cause mortality, cardiovascular death, and a composite (cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction and heart failure hospitalizations) were investigated. Unadjusted and adjusted Cox proportional and Fine and Gray sub-distribution hazard models were performed to determine the association between NT pro-BNP levels and incident event rates in patients with CTO.

RESULTS

NT pro-BNP levels were higher in patients with, compared to those without CTO (median 230.0 vs. 177.7 pg/mL, p ≤0.001). Every doubling of NT pro-BNP level in patients with CTO was associated with a > 25% higher rate of adverse events. 111 (28.5%) patients underwent CTO revascularization. In patients with elevated NT pro-BNP levels (> 125 pg/mL), those who underwent CTO revascularization had substantially lower adverse event rates compared to patients without CTO revascularization (adjusted cardiovascular death hazard ratio 0.29, 95% confidence interval (0.09-0.88). However, in patients with low NT pro-BNP levels (≤ 125 pg/mL), event rates were similar in those with and without CTO revascularization.

CONCLUSION

NT pro-BNP levels can help identify individuals who may benefit from CTO revascularization.

Early-pregnancy N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide level is inversely associated with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy diagnosed after 35 weeks of gestation

Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) are among the major causes of high maternal and fetal/neonatal morbidity and mortality rates. Patients with HDP have significantly elevated N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) levels at diagnosis; however, the NT-proBNP levels during early pregnancy are largely unknown. This study aimed to validate the association between HDP and NT-proBNP levels. This retrospective study evaluated 103 pregnant women who developed HDP diagnosed after 35 weeks of gestation and 667 who did not. The HDP group had significantly lower early-pregnancy NT-proBNP levels than the without HDP group. However, the two groups did not significantly differ in terms of the late-pregnancy NT-proBNP levels. After adjusting for confounding factors such as age, body mass index, parity, and blood pressure levels, high early-pregnancy NT-proBNP levels were associated with a lower HDP risk. Early-pregnancy NT-proBNP levels ≥ 60.5 pg/mL had a negative predictive value of 97.0% for ruling out HDP, with a sensitivity of 87.4% and specificity of 62.5%. In conclusion, elevated early-pregnancy NT-proBNP levels were associated with a lower HDP risk. Moreover, a cutoff point of ≥ 60.5 pg/mL for early-pregnancy NT-proBNP levels had a high negative predictive value and sensitivity for ruling out HDP. These findings can provide new clinical implications.

Elevated High-Sensitivity Troponin and NT-proBNP Values in Febrile Children

OBJECTIVES

The COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent rise of multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children have raised interest in high-sensitivity troponin (hs-TnT) and N-terminal probrain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) because these have been found to be elevated in many cases of multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children. Our aim was to study hs-TnT and NT-proBNP concentrations in febrile children not affected by COVID-19.

METHODS

We retrospectively measured cardiac markers, hs-TnT, and NT-proBNP in leftover blood samples of febrile children (0-18 years) diagnosed and treated in a single-center emergency department (ED) (N = 67) and pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) (N = 19) that participated in a multicenter, prospective study of infection biomarkers (PERFORM).

RESULTS

Concentrations of hs-TnT, median 1.8 ng/L (interquartile range [IQR], 0.0-15.1), and NT-proBNP, 194 pg/mL (IQR, 54.9-706), were higher in febrile children than in controls (N = 25, hs-TnT 0.0 [IQR, 0-0]; NT-proBNP 56.3 [IQR, 29.7-109], both P < 0.001), whereas PICU patients had higher concentrations (hs-TnT 15.1 [IQR, 10.3-102] and NT-proBNP 828 [IQR, 657-4712], both P < 0.001) than ED patients (hs-TnT 0 [IQR, 0-7.4] and NT-proBNP 104 [IQR, 39.5-363]). No differences were found between viral and bacterial infections. Highest concentrations were found in children with either comorbidity predisposing to elevated concentrations (eg, chronic cardiac or renal disease) or children with critical illness or multiorgan failure such as those with septic shock.

CONCLUSIONS

Concentrations of hs-TnT and NT-proBNP are often elevated in febrile children with different causes of fever. Concentrations were higher in children admitted to the PICU than in children attending the ED, and seem to reflect disease severity rather than the underlying cause of fever.

Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction: The Pathophysiological Mechanisms behind the Clinical Phenotypes and the Therapeutic Approach

Heart failure (HF) with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is an increasingly frequent form and is estimated to be the dominant form of HF. On the other hand, HFpEF is a syndrome with systemic involvement, and it is characterized by multiple cardiac and extracardiac pathophysiological alterations. The increasing prevalence is currently reaching epidemic levels, thereby making HFpEF one of the greatest challenges facing cardiovascular medicine today. Compared to HF with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), the medical attitude in the case of HFpEF was a relaxed one towards the disease, despite the fact that it is much more complex, with many problems related to the identification of physiopathogenetic mechanisms and optimal methods of treatment. The current medical challenge is to develop effective therapeutic strategies, because patients suffering from HFpEF have symptoms and quality of life comparable to those with reduced ejection fraction, but the specific medication for HFrEF is ineffective in this situation; for this, we must first understand the pathological mechanisms in detail and correlate them with the clinical presentation. Another important aspect of HFpEF is the diversity of patients that can be identified under the umbrella of this syndrome. Thus, before being able to test and develop effective therapies, we must succeed in grouping patients into several categories, called phenotypes, depending on the pathological pathways and clinical features. This narrative review critiques issues related to the definition, etiology, clinical features, and pathophysiology of HFpEF. We tried to describe in as much detail as possible the clinical and biological phenotypes recognized in the literature in order to better understand the current therapeutic approach and the reason for the limited effectiveness. We have also highlighted possible pathological pathways that can be targeted by the latest research in this field.

Elevated brain natriuretic peptide in a patient with metastatic cancer without heart failure: A case study

ABSTRACT

Brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) is a well-established biomarker for heart failure (HF). However, its diagnostic utility can be limited in patients with comorbidities that independently elevate serum BNP levels, including chronic renal failure and sepsis. We describe a rare occurrence of significantly elevated serum BNP levels in a patient with metastatic urothelial cancer without HF or obvious signs of sepsis. The report highlights the need for considering alternative causes for increased serum BNP levels, especially in the presence of malignancy.

Artificial Intelligence-Enabled Electrocardiography Detects B-Type Natriuretic Peptide and N-Terminal Pro-Brain Natriuretic Peptide

BACKGROUND: The B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) and N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (pBNP) are predictors of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Since the artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled electrocardiogram (ECG) system is widely used in the management of many cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), patients requiring intensive monitoring may benefit from an AI-ECG with BNP/pBNP predictions. This study aimed to develop an AI-ECG to predict BNP/pBNP and compare their values for future mortality. METHODS: The development, tuning, internal validation, and external validation sets included 47,709, 16,249, 4001, and 6042 ECGs, respectively. Deep learning models (DLMs) were trained using a development set for estimating ECG-based BNP/pBNP (ECG-BNP/ECG-pBNP), and the tuning set was used to guide the training process. The ECGs in internal and external validation sets belonging to nonrepeating patients were used to validate the DLMs. We also followed-up all-cause mortality to explore the prognostic value. RESULTS: The DLMs accurately distinguished mild (≥500 pg/mL) and severe (≥1000 pg/mL) an abnormal BNP/pBNP with AUCs of ≥0.85 in the internal and external validation sets, which provided sensitivities of 68.0-85.0% and specificities of 77.9-86.2%. In continuous predictions, the Pearson correlation coefficient between ECG-BNP and ECG-pBNP was 0.93, and they were both associated with similar ECG features, such as the T wave axis and correct QT interval. ECG-pBNP provided a higher all-cause mortality predictive value than ECG-BNP. CONCLUSIONS: The AI-ECG can accurately estimate BNP/pBNP and may be useful for monitoring the risk of CVDs. Moreover, ECG-pBNP may be a better indicator to manage the risk of future mortality.

Current Biomarkers for Carotid Artery Stenosis: A Comprehensive Review of the Literature

Carotid artery stenosis (CAS), an atherosclerotic disease of the carotid artery, is one of the leading causes of transient ischemic attacks (TIA) and cerebrovascular attacks (CVA). The atherogenic process of CAS affects a wide range of physiological processes, such as inflammation, endothelial cell function, smooth muscle cell migration and many more. The current gold-standard test for CAS is Doppler ultrasound; however, there is yet to be determined a strong, clinically validated biomarker in the blood that can diagnose patients with CAS and/or predict adverse outcomes in such patients. In this comprehensive literature review, we evaluated all of the current research on plasma and serum proteins that are current contenders for biomarkers for CAS. In this literature review, 36 proteins found as potential biomarkers for CAS were categorized in to the following nine categories based on protein function: (1) Inflammation and Immunity, (2) Lipid Metabolism, (3) Haemostasis, (4) Cardiovascular Markers, (5) Markers of Kidney Function, (6) Bone Health, (7) Cellular Structure, (8) Growth Factors, and (9) Hormones. This literature review is the most up-to-date and current comprehensive review of research on biomarkers of CAS, and the only review that demonstrated the several pathways that contribute to the initiation and progression of the disease. With this review, future studies can determine if any new markers, or a panel of the proteins explored in this study, may be contenders as diagnostic or prognostic markers for CAS.

Knockdown of the TRPM4 channel alters cardiac electrophysiology and hemodynamics in a sex- and age-dependent manner in mice

TRPM4 is a calcium-activated, voltage-modulated, nonselective ion channel widely expressed in various cells and tissues. TRPM4 regulates the influx of sodium ions, thus playing a role in regulating the membrane potential. In the heart, TRPM4 is expressed in both cardiomyocytes and cells of the conductive pathways. Clinical studies have linked TRPM4 mutations to several cardiac disorders. While data from experimental studies have demonstrated TRPM4's functional significance in cardiac physiology, its exact roles in the heart have remained unclear. In this study, we investigated the role of TRPM4 in cardiac physiology in a newly generated Trpm4 knockdown mouse model. Male and female Trpm4 knockdown (Trpm4-/- ) and wild-type mice of different ages (5- to 12- week-old (young) and 24-week-old or more (adult)) were characterized using a multimodal approach, encompassing surface electrocardiograms (ECG), echocardiography recordings, ex vivo ECGs in isolated heart, endocardial mappings, Western blots, and mRNA quantifications. The assessment of cardiac electrophysiology by surface ECGs revealed no significant differences between wild-type and Trpm4-/- young (5- to 12-week-old) mice of either sex. Above 24 weeks of age, adult male Trpm4-/- mice showed reduced heart rate and increased heart rate variability. Echocardiography revealed that only adult male Trpm4-/- mice exhibited slight left ventricular hypertrophic alterations compared to controls, illustrated by alterations of the mitral valve pressure halftime, the mitral valve E/A ratio, the isovolumetric relaxation time, and the mitral valve deceleration. In addition, an assessment of the right ventricular systolic function by scanning the pulmonary valve highlighted an alteration in pulmonary valve peak velocity and pressure in adult male Trpm4-/- mice. Endocardial mapping recordings showed that applying 5 μM of the new TRPM4 inhibitor NBA triggered a third-degree atrioventricular block on 40% of wild-type hearts. These results confirm the key role of TRPM4 in the proper structure and electrical function of the heart. It also reveals differences between male and female animals that have never been reported. In addition, the investigation of the effects of NBA on heart function confirms the role of TRPM4 in atrioventricular conduction.

Prognostic Impact of Global Longitudinal Strain and NT-proBNP on Early Development of Cardiotoxicity in Breast Cancer Patients Treated with Anthracycline-Based Chemotherapy

Background. The most important anthracycline side effect is cardiotoxicity, resulting in congestive heart failure (HF). Early detection of cardiac dysfunction and appropriate treatment can improve outcomes and reduce the progression of HF. The aim of our study was to evaluate changes in clinical data, echocardiographic parameters, and NT-proBNP, as well as their associations with early anthracycline-induced cardiotoxicity (AIC) in patients treated with anthracycline-based chemotherapy. Methods and Materials. Patients with breast cancer were prospectively assessed with echocardiography, as well as NT-proBNP testing at baseline, (T0), after two cycles (T1) and four cycles (T2) of chemotherapy. AIC was defined as a new decrease in the LVEF of 10 percentage points, to a value below the lower limit of normal. Results. We evaluated 85 patients aged 54.5 ± 9.3 years. After a cumulative dose of 237.9 mg/m² of doxorubicin, 22 patients (25.9%) met the criteria of AIC after chemotherapy. Patients who subsequently progressed to cardiotoxicity had demonstrated a significantly larger impairment in LV systolic function compared to those who did not develop cardiotoxicity (LVEF: 54.0 ± 1.6% vs. 57.1 ± 1.4% at T1, p < 0.001, and 49.9 ± 2.1% vs. 55.8 ± 1.6% at T2, p < 0.001; GLS: -17.8 ± 0.4% vs. -19.3 ± 0.9% at T1, p < 0.001, and -16.5 ± 11.1% vs. -18.5 ± 0.9% at T2, p < 0.001, respectively). The levels of NT-proBNP increased significantly from 94.8 ± 43.8 ng/L to 154.1 ± 75.6 ng/L, p < 0.001. A relative decrease in GLS ≤ -18.0% (sensitivity: 72.73%; specificity: 92.06%; AUC, 0.94; p < 0.001) and a relative increase in NT-proBNP > 125 ng/L (sensitivity: 90.0%; specificity: 56.9%; AUC, 0.78; p < 0.001) from baseline to T1 predicted subsequent LV cardiotoxicity at T2. Conclusions. Decrease in GLS and elevation in NT-proBNP were significantly associated with AIC, and these could potentially be used to predict subsequent declines in LVEF with anthracycline-based chemotherapy.

To evaluate the feasibility of cadmium/tellurium (Cd/Te) quantum dots for developing N-terminal Natriuretic Peptide (NT-proBNP) in-vitro diagnostics

Quantum dots have been widely used for biomedical applications like imaging, targeted drug delivery, and in-vitro diagnostics for better sensitivity. In-vitro diagnostic, lateral flow-based assay systems are gaining attention in the field of biomarker analysis mainly due to ease of test and quick availability of results. In the study, the potential of water-soluble carboxylic (-COOH) functionalized photoluminescent Cadmium Telluride Quantum Dots (CdTe) nanoparticles for lateral flow-based detection of N-terminal Natriuretic Peptide (NT-proBNP) biomarker (for heart failure) detection has been evaluated. Monoclonal antibodies were conjugated with COOH functionalized CdTe with EDC-NHS coupling chemistry, and conjugation was confirmed using FTIR. The CdTe nanoparticle exhibited an emission maximum at 715 nm when it is excited with 375 nm. The COOH functionalized CdTe showed an antigen concentration-dependent linearity in the lateral flow applications when the dye was prepared freshly and used. However, a relative reduction in CdTe quantum dot fluorescence intensity with time was observed. Factors such as low stability could be due to the quenching of the fluorescence of CdTe. This limits its commercial viability as an in-vitro diagnostic tool; thus, modifications of the quantum dots are required to have a stable preparation for its commercial potential for quantifications.

Effects of gender-affirming hormone therapy on cardiovascular risk factors focusing on glucose metabolism in an Austrian transgender cohort

Objective

We aimed to investigate the effect of gender-affirming hormone therapy (GAHT) on cardiovascular disease risk factors focusing on glucose tolerance.

Patients and Methods

This primarily translational study enrolled 16 transgender persons assigned female at birth (AFAB), 22 assigned male at birth (AMAB), and 33 age- and BMI-matched cisgender controls at the Medical University of Vienna from 2013 to 2020. A 3-Tesla MRI scan to measure intramyocardial, pancreatic, hepatic fat content and subcutaneous-to-visceral adipose tissue ratio (SAT/VAT-ratio), an oral glucose tolerance test (oGTT), bloodwork including brain natriuretic peptide (pro-BNP), sex hormones and two glucose-metabolism related biomarkers (adiponectin, betatrophin) were performed.

Results

Estrogen intake was associated with higher fasting insulin (p = 0.034) and Homeostatic Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR) (p = 0.037), however, lower HbA1c levels (p = 0.031) in AMAB than cisgender males. Adiponectin (p = 0.001) and betatrophin (p = 0.034) levels were higher in AMAB than cisgender males, but similar to cisgender females. Compared to cisgender females, AFAB displayed no differences in glucose metabolism or SAT/VAT-ratio. AFAB had lower pro-BNP levels (p = 0.014), higher liver enzymes (AST: p = 0.011; ALT: p = 0.012) and lower HDL levels (p = 0.017) than cisgender females, but comparable levels to cisgender males. AMAB showed an increased heart rate (p < 0.001) and pro-BNP (p = 0.002) levels, but a more favorable SAT/VAT-ratio (p = 0.013) and lower creatine kinase (CK) (p = 0.001) than cisgender males. There were no relevant differences in organ fat content between transgender persons and their respective cisgender controls.

Conclusion

In AMAB, most investigated parameters adapted to levels seen in cisgender females except for parameters related to fasted insulin resistance. AMAB should be monitored with respect to the development of insulin resistance.

Circulating biomarker correlates of left atrial size and myocardial extracellular volume fraction among persons living with and without HIV

BACKGROUND

Infection with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is associated with higher risk for myocardial disease despite modern combination antiretroviral therapy (cART). Factors contributing to this excess risk, however, remain poorly characterized. We aimed to assess cross-sectional relationships between elevations of left atrial volume index (LAVI) and myocardial extracellular volume (ECV) fraction that have been reported in persons living with HIV and levels of circulating biomarkers of inflammation, fibrosis, and myocyte stretch among persons living with and without HIV (PLWH, PLWOH).

METHODS

Participants from three cohorts of PLWH and PLWOH underwent cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging for measurement of LAVI and ECV. Levels of circulating proteins (IL-6, sCD14, galectin-3, NT-proBNP, GDF-15, TIMP-2, MMP-2, and hsTnI) were measured using immunoassays. Associations were assessed using logistic and linear regression, adjusting for demographics, substance use, and clinical characteristics.

RESULTS

Among 381 participants with and without HIV, median age (IQR) was 55.1 (51.2, 58.4) years, 28% were female, 69% were Black, and 46% were current smokers. Sixty-two percent were PLWH (n = 235), of whom 88% were receiving cART and 72% were virally suppressed. PLWH had higher levels of sCD14 (p = < 0.001), GDF-15 (p = < 0.001), and NT-proBNP (p = 0.03) compared to PLWOH, while levels of other biomarkers did not differ by HIV serostatus, including IL-6 (p = 0.84). Among PLWH, higher sCD14, GDF-15, and NT-proBNP were also associated with lower CD4 + cell count, and higher NT-proBNP was associated with detectable HIV viral load. NT-proBNP was associated with elevated LAVI (OR: 1.79 [95% CI: 1.31, 2.44]; p < 0.001) with no evidence of effect measure modification by HIV serostatus. Other associations between HIV-associated biomarkers and LAVI or ECV were small or imprecise.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggest that elevated levels of sCD14, GDF-15, and NT-proBNP among PLWH compared to PLWOH observed in the current cART era may only minimally reflect HIV-associated elevations in LAVI and ECV. Future studies of excess risk of myocardial disease among contemporary cohorts of PLWH should investigate mechanisms other than those connoted by the studied biomarkers.

Elevated Natriuretic Peptides in Patients With Severe or Critical COVID-19: A Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

The worldwide COVID-19 pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2 has resulted in an extraordinary increase in the number of patients who are severely critically ill. For many of these patients, cardiovascular risk factors are key contributors to the development of severe illness. Laboratory markers for cardiac damage and failure, such as natriuretic peptides, are reported to be elevated in patients with severe COVID-19.

METHODS

We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to compare natriuretic peptide levels in patients with severe COVID-19 vs those with nonsevere COVID-19. PubMed and medRxiv were searched through April 7, 2020. The outcome of interest was the difference in B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) or N-terminal-proBNP levels in patients with severe vs nonsevere COVID-19.

RESULTS

We identified 9 retrospective cohort studies that had a total of 1,575 patients with COVID-19 who had their natriuretic peptides measured and were classified by disease severity. All studies were conducted in China. Patients with severe COVID-19 had significantly higher BNP levels than patients with nonsevere COVID-19 (mean difference, 69.56 pg/mL; 95% CI, 1.77-137.35 pg/mL; P = .04, I2 = 83%). Similarly, patients with severe COVID-19 had significantly higher N-terminal-proBNP levels than patients with nonsevere COVID-19 (mean difference, 518.65 pg/mL; 95% CI, 152.40-884.90 pg/mL; P = .006, I2 = 86%).

CONCLUSIONS

In this study, Chinese patients with severe COVID-19 had higher natriuretic peptide levels than those with nonsevere COVID-19. Studies from all countries affected by the virus will help to further delineate whether the cause is directly or indirectly of cardiac origin and whether preexisting heart failure has an influence on this disparity.

Natriuretic peptides, extracellular volume, and subclinical cardiovascular changes in chronic kidney disease stages 1-3: a pilot study

Natriuretic peptide levels are elevated in persons with chronic kidney disease (CKD) stages 1-3, but it remains unclear whether this is associated with extracellular volume excess or early cardiovascular changes. We hypothesized that patients with CKD stages 1-3 would have evidence of cardiovascular changes, which would associate with brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), amino-terminal-pro-BNP (NT-pro-BNP), and patient-reported symptoms.Outpatients with CKD stages 1-3 and non-CKD controls were enrolled. Cardiovascular parameters included extracellular water (ECW) normalized to body weight measured using whole-body multifrequency bioimpedance spectroscopy, and total peripheral resistance index (TPRI) and cardiac index measured by impedance cardiography. Dyspnea, fatigue, depression, and quality of life were quantified using questionnaires.Among 21 participants (13 with CKD), median (IQR) BNP was 47.0 (28.0-302.5) vs 19.0 (12.3-92.3) pg/mL, p=0.07, and NT-pro-BNP was 245.0 (52.0-976.8) vs 26.0 (14.5-225.8) pg/mL, p=0.08, in the CKD and control groups, respectively. Those with CKD had higher pulse pressure (79 (66-87) vs 64 (49-67) mm Hg, p=0.046) and TPRI (3721 (3283-4278) vs 2933 (2745-3198) dyn×s/cm5/m2, p=0.01) and lower cardiac index (2.28 (2.08-2.78) vs 3.08 (2.43-3.37) L/min/m2, p=0.02). In the overall cohort, natriuretic peptides correlated with pulse pressure (BNP r=0.59; NT-pro-BNP r=0.58), cardiac index (BNP r=-0.76; NT-pro-BNP r=-0.62), and TPRI (BNP r=0.48), p<0.05 for each, but not with ECW/weight. TPRI and blood pressure correlated moderately with symptoms.Elevated natriuretic peptides may coincide with low cardiac index and elevated peripheral resistance in patients with CKD stages 1-3. The role of these biomarkers to detect subclinical cardiovascular changes needs to be further explored.

Bidirectional Relationship Between Cancer and Heart Failure: Insights on Circulating Biomarkers

Cancer and heart failure are the two leading causes of death in developed countries. These two apparently distinct clinical entities share similar risk factors, symptoms, and pathophysiological mechanisms (inflammation, metabolic disturbances, neuro-hormonal and immune system activation, and endothelial dysfunction). Beyond the well-known cardiotoxic effects of oncological therapies, cancer and heart failure are thought to be tied by a bidirectional relationship, where one disease favors the other and vice versa. In this context, biomarkers represent a simple, reproducible, sensitive and cost-effective method to explore such relationship. In this review, we recapitulate the evidence on cardiovascular and oncological biomarkers in the field of cardioncology, focusing on their role in treatment-naïve cancer patients. Cardioncological biomarkers are useful tools in risk stratification, early detection of cardiotoxicity, follow-up, and prognostic assessment. Intriguingly, these biomarkers might contribute to better understand the common pathophysiology of cancer and heart failure, thus allowing the implementation of preventive and treatment strategies in cardioncological patients

Major adverse cardiovascular events in older emergency department patients presenting with non-cardiac medical complaints

OBJECTIVE

The risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) for older emergency department (ED) patients presenting with non-cardiac medical complaints is unknown. To apply preventive measures timely, early identification of high-risk patients is incredibly important. We aimed at investigating the incidence of MACE within one year after their ED visit and the predictive value of high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T (hs-cTnT) and N‑terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) for subsequent MACE.

METHODS

This is a substudy of a Dutch prospective cohort study (RISE UP study) in older (≥ 65 years) medical ED patients who presented with non-cardiac complaints. Biomarkers were measured upon ED arrival. Cox-regression analysis was used to determine the predictive value of the biomarkers, when corrected for other possible predictors of MACE, and area under the curves (AUCs) were calculated.

RESULTS

Of 431 patients with a median age of 79 years, 86 (20.0%) developed MACE within 1 year. Both hs-cTnT and NT-proBNP were predictive of MACE with an AUC of 0.74 (95% CI 0.68-0.80) for both, and a hazard ratio (HR) of 2.00 (95% CI 1.68-2.39) and 1.82 (95% CI 1.57-2.11) respectively. Multivariate analysis correcting for other possible predictors of MACE revealed NT-proBNP as an independent predictor of MACE.

CONCLUSION

Older medical ED patients are at high risk of subsequent MACE within 1 year after their ED visit. While both hs-cTnT and NT-proBNP are predictive, only NT-proBNP is an independent predictor of MACE. It is likely that early identification of those at risk offers a window of opportunity for prevention.

Impact of Aging on Urinary Natriuretic Peptides in Nocturia and Nocturnal Polyuria

PURPOSE

The pathophysiology of nocturia and nocturnal polyuria (NP), conditions that become more prevalent with aging, may in part be explained by changes in hormones involved in water homeostasis. The purpose of this study was to analyze the impact of aging on urinary natriuretic peptides in nocturia and NP.

METHODS

Patients aged ≥18 years completed 24-hour bladder diaries for assessment of nocturia and NP. They were divided into subgroups of ≥65 years old and <65 years old. Urine samples were collected and analyzed for natriuretic peptide (NT-proANP, NT-proBNP, and NT-proCNP) levels. Peptide levels were compared between patients with and without nocturia/NP and within age subgroups; correlation to the NP index (NPi) was determined.

RESULTS

Compared to patients without nocturia (N=15), patients with nocturia (N=36) had higher median levels of urinary NT-proANP (15.8 pmol/mmol Cr vs. 10.9 pmol/mmol Cr, P=0.016) and NT-proBNP (6.3 pmol/mmol Cr vs. 4.5 pmol/mmol Cr, P=0.021), but showed no differences in NT-proCNP (2.4 pmol/mmol Cr vs. 2.5 pmol/mmol Cr, P=0.967). Patients ≥65 years old with nocturia had higher NT-proANP (29.8 pmol/mmol Cr vs. 11.0 pmol/mmol Cr, P<0.001) and NT-proBNP (9.6 pmol/mmol Cr vs. 5.0 pmol/mmol Cr, P<0.001) than patients <65 years old. Additionally, patients with NP (N=30) showed higher urinary NT-proANP (19.6 pmol/mmol Cr vs. 10.5 pmol/mmol Cr, P<0.001) and NT-proBNP (6.7 pmol/mmol Cr vs. 4.7 pmol/mmol Cr, P=0.020) compared to patients without NP (N=21). NP patients ≥65 years had higher NT-proANP (29.8 pmol/mmol Cr vs. 12.5 pmol/mmol Cr, P<0.001) and NT-proBNP (9.6 pmol/mmol Cr vs. 4.4 pmol/mmol Cr, P=0.004) than patients <65 years old. NPi positively correlated with urinary NT-proANP (RS=0.417, P=0.002) and NT-proBNP (RS=0.303, P=0.031), but not with NT-proCNP (RS=-0.094, P=0.510).

CONCLUSION

Since urinary NT-proANP and NT-proBNP were greater in aged patients with nocturia and NP, natriuretic peptides may contribute to the pathophysiology of these conditions and further research should aim to explore them as targets for management.

Biomarkers for drug development in propionic and methylmalonic acidemias

There is an unmet need for the development and validation of biomarkers and surrogate endpoints for clinical trials in propionic acidemia (PA) and methylmalonic acidemia (MMA). This review examines the pathophysiology and clinical consequences of PA and MMA that could form the basis for potential biomarkers and surrogate endpoints. Changes in primary metabolites such as methylcitric acid (MCA), MCA:citric acid ratio, oxidation of ¹³ C-propionate (exhaled ¹³ CO₂ ), and propionylcarnitine (C3) have demonstrated clinical relevance in patients with PA or MMA. Methylmalonic acid, another primary metabolite, is a potential biomarker, but only in patients with MMA. Other potential biomarkers in patients with either PA and MMA include secondary metabolites, such as ammonium, or the mitochondrial disease marker, fibroblast growth factor 21. Additional research is needed to validate these biomarkers as surrogate endpoints, and to determine whether other metabolites or markers of organ damage could also be useful biomarkers for clinical trials of investigational drug treatments in patients with PA or MMA. This review examines the evidence supporting a variety of possible biomarkers for drug development in propionic and methylmalonic acidemias.

Association of N-Terminal Pro-Brain Natriuretic Peptide Concentration in Early Pregnancy With Development of Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy and Future Hypertension

IMPORTANCE

Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy are associated with future cardiovascular disease, perhaps because of subclinical cardiac dysfunction before pregnancy leading to impaired adaptation to pregnancy. Natriuretic peptides are promising biomarkers for detecting subclinical cardiac dysfunction outside of pregnancy.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate whether higher concentrations of N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) in early pregnancy would be associated with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and hypertension 2 to 7 years post partum.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

This cohort study used data from the The Nulliparous Pregnancy Outcomes Study: Monitoring Mothers-to-Be Heart Health Study, a prospective multicenter observational study. A total of 4103 nulliparous women with complete data and no prepregnancy hypertension or diabetes who were treated at 8 clinical sites were included. Women were followed up with for 2 to 7 years after pregnancy. Data were collected from October 2010 to October 2017, and data were analyzed from August 2020 to November 2021.

EXPOSURES

NT-proBNP concentration, measured using an electrochemiluminescence immunoassay from a first-trimester blood sample.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and incident hypertension (systolic blood pressure of 130 mm Hg or diastolic blood pressure of 80 mm Hg or use of antihypertensive agents) at follow-up visit.

RESULTS

A total of 4103 women met inclusion criteria; the mean (SD) age was 27.0 (5.6) years. Among these women, 909 (22.2%) had an adverse pregnancy outcome, and 817 (19.9%) had hypertension at the follow-up visit. Higher NT-proBNP concentrations were associated with a lower risk of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (adjusted odds ratio per doubling, 0.81; 95% CI, 0.73-0.91), which persisted after adjustment for age, self-reported race and ethnicity, early-pregnancy body mass index, smoking, and aspirin use. Similarly, higher NT-proBNP concentration in early pregnancy was also associated with a lower risk of incident hypertension 2 to 7 years after delivery (adjusted odds ratio per doubling, 0.84; 95% CI, 0.77-0.93), an association that persisted after controlling for confounders, including hypertensive disorders of pregnancy.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

In this cohort study, higher NT-proBNP concentrations in early pregnancy were associated with a lower risk of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and hypertension 2 to 7 years post partum. These findings suggest that normal early-pregnancy cardiovascular physiology, as assessed by NT-proBNP concentration, may provide biologic insights into both pregnancy outcome and cardiovascular disease risk.

Lung ultrasound to detect cardiopulmonary interactions in acutely ill children

OBJECTIVE AND DESIGN

Our prospective observational study is the first study that evaluates the lung ultrasound (LUS) findings of cardiopulmonary interactions in acutely ill children with elevated pro-brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels, with the aim of establishing the specific LUS pattern in this category of patients without primary lung diseases.

METHODOLOGY

We prospectively analyzed epidemiological, clinical, laboratory, instrumental, and lung ultrasound parameters in acutely ill children aged 1 month to 18 years admitted to the Department of Pediatrics between March 2020 to August 2020. Among the acutely ill patients evaluated, only patients with pro-BNP > 300 pg/ml and who underwent LUS before the start of any treatment were included. They were stratified into three subcategories based on the diagnosis (A) cardiac disease, (B) systemic inflammatory disease/sepsis without functional and/or organic alterations of the myocardium, and (C) systemic inflammatory disease/sepsis and cardiac disease, and were classified into two groups based on the level of pro-BNP. We also enrolled patients belonging to two other categories (patients with primary infectious lung disease and completely healthy patients) analyzing their epidemiological, clinical, laboratory, instrumental parameters, and lung ultrasound findings and comparing them with those of acutely ill children.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSION

We found that LUS findings in these acutely ill children are different from the ultrasound pattern of other categories of children and in particular (1) children with acute lower respiratory tract infections and (2) healthy infants. The finding in a child of a sonographic interstitial syndrome with multiple, bright, long, separate, and nonconfluent B-lines/long vertical artifacts deriving from a normal and regular pleural line, in the absence of subpleural consolidations, is strongly predictive of cardiogenic pulmonary edema or pulmonary congestion in the course of systemic inflammatory disease/sepsis.

Postpartum preeclampsia or eclampsia: defining its place and management among the hypertensive disorders of pregnancy

High blood pressure in the postpartum period is most commonly seen in women with antenatal hypertensive disorders, but it can develop de novo in the postpartum time frame. Whether postpartum preeclampsia or eclampsia represents a separate entity from preeclampsia or eclampsia with antepartum onset is unclear. Although definitions vary, the diagnosis of postpartum preeclampsia should be considered in women with new-onset hypertension 48 hours to 6 weeks after delivery. New-onset postpartum preeclampsia is an understudied disease entity with few evidence-based guidelines to guide diagnosis and management. We propose that new-onset hypertension with the presence of any severe features (including severely elevated blood pressure in women with no history of hypertension) be referred to as postpartum preeclampsia after exclusion of other etiologies to facilitate recognition and timely management. Older maternal age, black race, maternal obesity, and cesarean delivery are all associated with a higher risk of postpartum preeclampsia. Most women with delayed-onset postpartum preeclampsia present within the first 7 to 10 days after delivery, most frequently with neurologic symptoms, typically headache. The cornerstones of treatment include the use of antihypertensive agents, magnesium, and diuresis. Postpartum preeclampsia may be associated with a higher risk of maternal morbidity than preeclampsia with antepartum onset, yet it remains an understudied disease process. Future research should focus on the pathophysiology and specific risk factors. A better understanding is imperative for patient care and counseling and anticipatory guidance before hospital discharge and is important for the reduction of maternal morbidity and mortality in the postpartum period.

A 15-year-old with chest pain: An unexpected etiology

A 15-year-old female with no significant past medical history presented to the emergency department with 1 day of substernal and pleuritic chest pain, chills, cough, and hematuria. She also had swelling of the face and ankles that resolved by presentation. She was found to have elevated troponin and brain natriuretic peptide during initial workup. Electrocardiogram was normal, but there were significant pleural effusions on chest x-ray. She was strep positive and had blood pressure up to 150/90, prompting admission for cardiac monitoring and cardiology consultation. Blood pressure decreased down to 125/72 without intervention. She was afebrile with unlabored breathing and normal saturations. She was clear to auscultation bilaterally, with no abdominal distension or hepatosplenomegaly, and edema was not evident on exam. There was mild erythema to the bilateral tonsillar pillars. Initial considerations included viral myocarditis, pericarditis, and atypical nephritic syndrome. Workup revealed elevated antistreptolysin antibodies, low C3 complement, negative antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies, and negative flu testing. Renal sonography was unremarkable. Cardiology recommended echocardiography, which confirmed pleural effusions but revealed no cardiac abnormalities. Urinalysis revealed hematuria and mild proteinuria. Diagnosis was found to be post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis complicated by fluid overload and left ventricular strain secondary to hypertensive emergency. Post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis is the most common cause of acute glomerulonephritis in children. The mechanism of disease is a proliferation and inflammation of the renal glomeruli secondary to immunologic injury, with deposition of immune complexes, neutrophils, macrophages, and C3 after complement activation. This leads to hematuria, proteinuria, and fluid overload. Edema is present in 65%–90% of patients, progressing to pulmonary involvement in severe cases. Cardiac dysfunction secondary to fluid overload is a potentially fatal outcome in the acute setting. Physicians should consider post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis for patients presenting with hypertension, cardiac/pulmonary pathology, or symptoms of acute heart failure in the context of strep infection.

Elucidating the Role of Cardiac Biomarkers in COVID-19: A Narrative Evaluation with Clinical Standpoints and a Pragmatic Approach for Therapeutics

With the incidence of the unabated spreading of the COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) pandemic with an increase in heart-related complications in COVID-19 patients, laboratory investigations on general health and diseases of heart have greater importance. The production of a higher level of clots in the blood in COVID-19 individuals carries a high risk of severe lethal pneumonia, pulmonary embolism, or widespread thromboembolism. The COVID-19 pandemic has raised awareness regarding the severe consequences for the cardiac system that might cause due to severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (SARS-CoV-2). COVID-19 causes acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), acute myocardial infarction, venous thromboembolism, and acute heart failure in people with preexisting cardiac illness. However, as COVID-19 is primarily a respiratory infectious disease, there is still a lot of debate on whether and how cardiac biomarkers should be used in COVID-19 patients. Considering the most practical elucidation of cardiac biomarkers in COVID-19, it is important to note that recent findings on the prognostic role of cardiac biomarkers in COVID-19 patients are similar to those found in pneumonia and ARDS studies. The use of natriuretic peptides and cardiac troponin concentrations as quantitative variables should help with COVID-19/pneumonia risk classification and ensure that these biomarkers sustain their high diagnostic precision for acute myocardial infarction and heart failure. Serial assessment of D-dimers will possibly aid clinicians in the assortment of patients for venous thromboembolism imaging in addition to the increase of anticoagulation from preventive to marginally higher or even therapeutic dosages because of the central involvement of endothelitis and thromboembolism in COVID-19. Therefore, cardiac biomarkers are produced in this phase because of some pathological processes; this review will focus on major cardiac biomarkers and their significant role in COVID-19.

The relationship between coronary artery disease and clinical outcomes in COVID-19: a single-center retrospective analysis

INTRODUCTION

Recent studies have reported evidence that coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has disproportionately affected patients with underlying comorbidities. Our study aims to evaluate the impact of both cardiac and noncardiac comorbidities on a high-risk population with COVID-19 infection and coronary artery disease (CAD) compared to those without CAD.

METHODS

This is a retrospective study of patients who tested COVID-19 positive via reverse transcriptase-PCR (RT-PCR) assay. We compared the characteristics and outcomes of patients with and without CAD. Population demographics, comorbidities and clinical outcomes were collected and analyzed. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with inpatient mortality.

RESULTS

A final sample population of 355 patients was identified, 77 of which had a known diagnosis of coronary artery disease. Our study population had a higher proportion of females, and those with CAD were significantly older. The rates of cardiovascular risk factors including hypertension, diabetes mellitus and chronic kidney disease, as well as heart failure and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease were significantly higher in the CAD population. Lactate dehydrogenase was the only inflammatory marker significantly lower in the CAD group, while troponin and brain natriuretic peptide were significantly higher in this population. Patients with CAD also had significantly higher inpatient mortality (31% vs 20%, P = 0.046) and need for renal replacement therapy (33% vs 11%, P < 0.0001) compared to the non-CAD group. However, only age [odds ratio 1.041 (1.017-1.066), P = 0.001] was significantly associated with mortality in the overall population after adjusting for demographics and comorbidities, while the presence of CAD was not independently associated with mortality.

CONCLUSION

Patients with CAD and COVID-19 have higher rates of comorbidities, inpatient mortality and need for renal replacement therapy compared to their non-CAD counterparts. However, CAD in itself was not associated with mortality after adjusting for other covariates, suggesting that other factors may play a larger role in the increased mortality and poor outcomes in these patients.

Application of Point-of-care Cardiac Ultrasonography in COVID-19 Infection: Lessons Learned from the Early Experience

The outbreak of the SARS-CoV-2 infection, also known as coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), was formally defined a pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO) in March 2020, and is still a global health issue. Since there is a high prevalence of acute cardiac injury in patients with COVID-19 infection, point-of-care cardiac ultrasound (PoCCUS) may be used for longitudinal monitoring of patients infected with COVID-19. However, there is still limited experience on the application of PoCCUS in the COVID-19 pandemic. Within the point of care setting in our system, focused cardiac US exams were performed with specific imaging protocols on the basis of suspicion of a specific disease, such as ruling out tamponade or thrombotic complications. Our preliminary experience shows that PoCCUS helps distinguish the causes of dyspnea in febrile patients. The COVID-19 infection may play a role in unmasking or exacerbating underlying chronic cardiovascular conditions, especially in patients with inadequate past history. In hospitalized patients with COVID-19, CURB-65 score for pneumonia severity and raised D-dimer were significantly associated with deep vein thrombosis (DVT). COVID-19 patients with DVT had worse prognosis, and patients with lower leg edema deserve further evaluation by using point-of-care ultrasound for the lower legs and heart. In COVID-19 patients with arrhythmia, PoCCUS used by experienced hands may reveal abnormal right ventricle (RV) functional parameters and lead to a more comprehensive cardiac US study. When there is suspicion of cardiac disease, PoCCUS can be done first, and if information is inadequate, limited transthoracic echocardiography (TTE), and critical care echocardiography (CCE) can be followed. Ultrasound practitioners should follow the standard precautions for COVID-19 as outlined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to prevent transmission of infection, regardless of suspected or confirmed COVID-19.

B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) predicts 90-day mortality and need for paracentesis in cirrhotic patients without systolic heart failure

Fluid overload is a common complication in patients with cirrhosis. B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) is a marker of increased blood volume, commonly used in heart failure, that has been shown to be elevated in patients with liver disease. This study examined if BNP levels can be used to determine prognosis and predict worsening of ascites in patients with cirrhosis without concomitant heart disease. A retrospective study was performed at a large urban hospital in Chicago, Illinois and included 430 patients with cirrhosis who had BNP levels ordered during their hospital stay. Patients with clinical heart failure, arrhythmias or pulmonary hypertension were excluded. The primary outcome was 90-day mortality and the secondary outcome was a requirement for therapeutic paracentesis in the 90 days following BNP results. 53 patients (12%) had BNP levels ≥ 300 pg/mL. They had significantly increased serum levels of creatinine, bilirubin, and International Normalized Ratio (INR) when compared to those with BNP < 300 pg/mL. Patients with higher BNP had significantly higher mortality rates (HR 3.49; p = 0.037) and were more likely to require therapeutic paracentesis (HR 2.26; p = 0.02) in the next 90 days. A BNP ≥ 300 pg/mL had specificity of 88.2% in predicting 90-day mortality. BNP may serve as a practical and reliable marker of underlying disease severity in patients with cirrhosis, with potential to be included in prognostication tools for assessment of end-stage liver disease.

Pediatric scorpionism in northern Amazonia: a 16-year study on epidemiological, environmental and clinical aspects

Background:

The Amazon basin is one of the seven major geographical areas where scorpionism is recorded. In French Guiana, 90 stings per 100,000 inhabitants are registered per year. As the severity of cases is higher in children, descriptive studies are needed to have a better understanding of this pathology. The aim of the present study is to describe pediatric scorpionism in French Guiana.

Methods:

We conducted a monocentric descriptive retrospective study on scorpion stings in all pediatric patients admitted to Cayenne General Hospital from January 1, 2002 to December 31, 2018.

Results:

In this survey, 132 patients were included. Of them, 63% were male. Patients with general signs of envenomation were younger and lighter (p = 0.04). The picture was “one sting” (95.3%) by a “big” (47.6%), “black” (60%) and “small pincer” (58%) scorpion on the extremity of the body (84%). Stings occurred mainly during the day, while patients changed clothes. There was no envenomation during night. The monthly evaluation highlights that the number of stings and percentage of general signs of envenomation were closely connected to a composite variable including the variation of the level of rivers (p = 0.005). Cardiac symptoms were recorded in 82% of cases with general signs of envenomation. The presence of pulmonary; ear, nose, and throat (ENT); or gastrointestinal symptoms are related to major envenomation (p = 0.001, p = 0.01, and p = 0.02 respectively). Leukocytosis and glycemia increased according to the envenomation grade whereas serum potassium and alkaline reserve decreased. Forty-six patients needed hospitalization and seven of them required intensive care. No patient died nor presented sequelae at discharge from the hospital.

Conclusion:

Pediatric scorpionism in French Guiana is closely associated with child activities and climatic conditions. Severe envenomation presented most of the time with cardiac, pulmonary, and gastrointestinal symptoms.

COVID-19 y enfermedad cardiovascular

En diciembre de 2019, en Wuhan, provincia de Hubei en China, se reportó un grupo de 27 pacientes con neumonía de etiología desconocida, vinculados con exposición al mercado de mariscos, pescado y animales vivos. El 7 de enero de 2020, se identificó una nueva sepa de coronavirus aislada en estos pacientes (SARS-CoV-2); la enfermedad producida por este virus ha sido denominada COVID-19. Durante las etapas iniciales de la pandemia y dados los pocos estudios publicados al respecto, se creía que este coronavirus causaba síntomas netamente respiratorios; sin embargo, a medida que el número de pacientes aumentó, se observó que la enfermedad cardiovascular tenía un papel fundamental en el desarrollo y pronóstico de la infección. Los factores de riesgo más importantes relacionados con mortalidad son la edad y la presencia de comorbilidades, especialmente de tipo cardiovascular. El incremento en niveles de troponina, péptidos natriuréticos y dímero-D tiene valor pronóstico en pacientes con infección por SARS-CoV-2. Los pacientes con COVID-19 tienen un aumento en el riesgo de infarto agudo del miocardio, miocarditis, insuficiencia cardiaca, choque, arritmias y muerte súbita, en relación con la respuesta sistémica al virus y a los tratamientos necesarios en la fase aguda. En este documento se revisa el compromiso cardiovascular por SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19).

Inpatient management of acute decompensated heart failure

Acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) is the leading cause of hospital admissions in patients older than 65 years. These hospitalisations are highly risky and are associated with poor outcomes, including rehospitalisation and death. The management of ADHF is drastically different from that of chronic heart failure as inpatient treatment consists primarily of haemodynamic stabilisation, symptom relief and prevention of short-term morbidity and mortality. In this review, we will discuss the strategies put forth in the most recent American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association and Heart Failure Society of America guidelines for ADHF as well as the evidence behind these recommendations.

NT-proBNP plasma levels as biomarkers for pulmonary hypertension in healthy infants with respiratory syncytial virus infection

Aim: To explore NT-proBNP as biomarker for pulmonary hypertension (PH) in infants with respiratory syncytial virus infection (RSVI). Patients & methods: We prospectively enrolled 93 healthy infants with RSVI aged 1-12 months. NT-proBNP determination and echocardiography were performed at admission. Results: PH was found in 22% of patients and associated with a severe course of the disease. NT-proBNP >1635 pg/ml resulted an independent predictor for PH (odds ratio: 16.46 [95% CI: 4.10-66; p < 0.001]). The diagnostic performance of NT-proBNP to detect PH in RSVI was high (area under receiver operator curve of 0.932 [95% CI: 0.883-0.981; p < 0.001]). Conclusions: The presence of PH in healthy infants with RSVI is associated with worse outcomes. NT-proBNP resulted an accurate biomarker for PH in this setting.

Can NT-pro BNP Levels Predict Prognosis of Patients with Acute Exacerbations of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease in the Intensive Care Unit?

Background

The prognostic value of amino terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide levels in patients with acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease has not been fully established.

Aims

To investigate the predictive value of amino terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide levels in terms of mortality, need for noninvasive mechanical ventilation, invasive mechanical ventilation, and weaning success.

Study Design

Cohort study.

Methods

Patients who were admitted to intensive care unit between December 2015 and December 2016 due to acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease were included in the study. Demographic data, noninvasive mechanical ventilation application, need for invasive mechanical ventilation, amino terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide level, duration of mechanical ventilation, intensive care unit and hospital stay, weaning success, and mortality rates were recorded.

Results

A total of 110 patients (75 males) were included in the study. The mean age of the participants was 69 (61-76) years, and the mean Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II score was 19 (15-23). The mean amino terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide level was found to be lower in cases with noninvasive mechanical ventilation success than those with noninvasive mechanical ventilation failure (p=0.053). In addition, the mean amino terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide level was significantly higher (4740 pg/mL vs. 3004 pg/mL, p=0.001) in patients who needed invasive mechanical ventilation support than in patients who did not. The mortality rate was significantly higher in patients who had an increasing trend of amino terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide levels during hospitalization than in patients who had decreasing levels (59% vs. 23%, p=0.015). Based on the receiver operating characteristic analysis, the increasing trend of amino terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide levels during intensive care unit stay predicted mortality with area under curve of 0.84 (p<0.0001, 95% CI: 0.75-0.93) and predicted invasive mechanical ventilation need with area under curve of 0.68.

Conclusion

In cases of acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease requiring mechanical ventilation, amino terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide measurement and monitoring of its trend may be a valuable asset in predicting mortality, noninvasive mechanical ventilation, weaning success, and need for invasive mechanical ventilation.

Subclinical right ventricular dysfunction in intermittent and persistent mildly asthmatic children on tissue Doppler echocardiography and serum NT-proBNP: Observational study

BACKGROUND

Bronchial asthma may lead to pulmonary hypertension, right ventricular (RV) dysfunction, and cor pulmonale due to elevated afterload on the RV later in life. The aim of this study was to determine whether serum N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) might serve as a biomarker for detecting subclinical RV dysfunction using echocardiography during the early stages of bronchial asthma.

METHODS

Sixty-eight pediatric patients with asthma (asthma group) and 69 age- and sex-matched healthy children (control group) were enrolled. The study was conducted in a tertiary woman and child diseases education and research hospital from January 2013 to December 2013. RV function (2-D and tissue-Doppler echocardiography), pulmonary function (spirometry) and serum NT-proBNP concentration were evaluated.

RESULTS

Mean age was 10.5 ± 2.8 years in the asthma group and 10.2 ± 2.7 years in the control group (P = 0.522). RV diastolic function was significantly decreased in the asthma group (ratio of tricuspid lateral annular early diastolic peak velocity to tricuspid lateral annular late diastolic peak velocity [E'/A'], 1.29 ± 0.68 vs 1.74 ± 0.89, P = 0.001). RV myocardial performance index was significantly higher in the asthma group than in the control group (0.28 ± 0.06 vs 0.24 ± 0.07, respectively; P = 0.003). Finally, serum NT-proBNP concentration was significantly higher in the asthma group than in the control group (292.3 ± 142.2 pg/mL vs 208.2 ± 70.1 pg/mL, respectively; P = 0.003).

CONCLUSION

Increased serum NT-proBNP is associated with subclinical RV dysfunction in asthmatic children. RV function is significantly affected in children with bronchial asthma.

The role of plasma N-terminal brain natriuretic pro-peptide in diagnosing elderly patients with acute exacerbation of COPD concurrent with left heart failure

Introduction

Acute exacerbation of COPD (AECOPD) and left heart failure (LHF) commonly exist together in clinical practice. However, the identification of AECOPD concurrent with LHF is currently challenging. Our study aimed to investigate the role of plasma N-terminal brain natriuretic pro-peptide (NT-proBNP) in diagnosing elderly patients with AECOPD associated with LHF.

Methods and results

LHF was diagnosed in patients with AECOPD according to echocardiographic criteria, and the levels of NT-proBNP in plasma were measured by quantitative electrochemiluminescence assay. Among the 655 patients with AECOPD, 158 (24.1%) had comorbid LHF, whether systolic (n=108, 68.4%) or diastolic (n=50, 31.6%). The plasma concentrations of NT-proBNP in elderly patients with AECOPD associated with LHF were markedly elevated, compared with those with only AECOPD (4,542.5 and 763.0 ng/L, respectively, P<0.01). The receiver operating characteristic curve indicated a diagnostic cutoff value of 1,677.5 ng/L of NT-proBNP in plasma for ascertaining the presence of LHF in AECOPD, with a sensitivity of 87.9%, a specificity of 88.5%, and an accuracy of 88.4%.

Conclusion

The plasma level of NT-proBNP may be a useful indicator in diagnosing AECOPD associated with LHF.

The pathophysiology of myocardial infarction-induced heart failure

Heart failure (HF) is a multifactorial disorder and is usually the end stage of many cardiovascular diseases (CVD). HF presents one of the highest morbidity and mortality indices worldwide and high costs to public health organizations. Myocardial infarction (MI) is the most prevalent CVD in the Western world and leads to HF when its management is inadequate. It has a destructive potential for heart cells and abruptly reduces the cardiac output, a clinical condition known as heart dysfunction that might progress to HF. Many acute and chronic adaptations occur due to MI that progress to HF, e.g., neurohumoral hyperactivity, inflammatory response and cardiac remodeling. Herein, we reviewed in simplistic manner the processes involved in setting of MI until the establishment of HF.

A review on B-type natriuretic peptide monitoring: assays and biosensors

Since its discovery in 1988, B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) has been recognized as a powerful cardiovascular biomarker for a number of disease states, specifically heart failure. Concurrent with such a discovery, much effort has been allocated to the precise monitoring of physiological BNP levels. Thus, it can be used to guide the therapy of heart failure and determine the patient's stage of disease. Thus, we discuss in this article BNP as a potent biomarker. Subsequently, we will review the progress of biosensing devices as they could be applied to monitor BNP levels as assays, benchtop biosensors and implantable biosensors. The analytical characteristics of commercially available BNP assays are presented. Still emerging as a field, we define four obstacles that present opportunity for the future development of implantable biosensor: foreign body response, sensor renewability, sensitivity and selectivity.

B-type natriuretic peptide and echocardiography reflect volume changes during pregnancy

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) and N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) and cardiac structure and function in normal women through pregnancy and the postpartum.

METHODS

In this prospective observational study, we obtained serial transthoracic echocardiograms, BNP, and NT-proBNP at seven intervals from 6 weeks' gestation through 12 months postpartum. Women with hypertension or cardiac disease were excluded. Using 6-12 months postpartum as reference for non-pregnant levels, echocardiogram measurements and BNP/NT-proBNP were compared over time using linear mixed models with Tukey-Kramer adjustment for multiple comparisons.

RESULTS

Of 116 patients, data was available for 78-114 healthy pregnant or postpartum women within each time interval, and 102 patients provided data for ≥4 intervals. Compared to 6-12 months postpartum, BNP and NT-proBNP remained stable through pregnancy and delivery, increased within 48 h postpartum (P<0.0001), then returned to baseline. Left ventricular volume increased within 48 h postpartum (P=0.021) while left atrial volume increased at 18-24 weeks (P=0.0002), 30-36 weeks (P<0.0001) and within 48 h postpartum (P=0.002). The transmitral early/late diastolic velocity (E/A) ratio, transmitral early/peak mitral annulus diastolic velocity (E/E') ratio, isovolumic relaxation times, and mitral valve deceleration times were similar within 48 h and 6-12 months postpartum.

CONCLUSION

In normal women, BNP/NT-proBNP, left atrial, and left ventricular volumes increase within 48 h postpartum without indications of altered diastolic function.

The Role of NT-proBNP in the Diagnosis of Ventricular Arrhythmias in Patients with Systemic Sclerosis

BACKGROUND

In patients with systemic sclerosis, NT-proBNP is a useful diagnostic marker for pulmonary hypertension and ventricular dysfunction, with important prognostic significance. The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between the NT-proBNP levels and the presence and severity of ventricular arrhythmias in patients with scleroderma.

METHODS

Forty consecutive patients with a diagnostic of systemic sclerosis according to the EULAR criteria admitted at the Rheumatology Clinic of Cluj-Napoca, Romania, from Jan 2014 to Apr 2014 were enrolled. Patients underwent a 12-lead ECG and a 24-hour Holter ECG monitoring for ventricular arrhythmias evaluation. Blood sample testing (including NT-proBNP level measurements), echocardiography, spirometry, chest X-ray and, when considered appropriate, high-resolution chest CT were performed.

RESULTS

Sixty percent of patients (n=24) had abnormal NT-proBNP serum levels (>125 pg/ml) and 10 patients had >100 PVC/24 h. There was a statistically significant correlation between the NT-proBNP levels and the total number of premature ventricular contractions (PVC) (r=0.445, P=0.006), total number of isolated PVC (r=0,493, P=0.002), total number of ventricular couplets (r=0.379, P=0.021) and the number of PVC morphologies (r=0.501, P=0.002). The presence of an NT-proBNP serum level >287 pg/ml had a sensitivity of 55% and a specificity of 93% in predicting the presence of complex ventricular arrhythmias on 24-hour Holter ECG monitoring.

CONCLUSION

NT-proBNP levels could become a useful ventricular arrhythmia marker for assessing the arrhythmic risk in patients with systemic sclerosis.

Decrease of Cardiac Base Rotation in 2D Speckle Tracking Indicates Drug-induced Cardiomyopathy After Chemotherapy in Children With Cancer

Drug-induced cardiomyopathy can be life-threatening in patients with cancer. Our objective was to explore early detection of drug-induced cardiomyopathy in children with cancer. We enrolled pediatric outpatients diagnosed with cancer between 2012 and 2013. In addition, we recruited pediatric outpatients in good general condition without cardiac disease or cancer, as controls. We measured the serum levels of biomarkers and performed chest radiography, electrocardiography, and ultrasound cardiography (UCG). We analyzed left ventricular (LV) torsion and torsion-related parameters using 2-dimensional (2D) speckle tracking on UCG. In total, 35 pediatric patients were enrolled. All patients showed negative findings for plasma troponin T, radiography, and electrocardiography. During 2D speckle tracking, 9 patients were excluded due to inappropriate dynamic echo images. We compared UCG findings between 26 patients and 16 controls. Although there was no difference in ejection fraction between patients and controls, peak LV torsion tended to be lower in patients than in controls, and the absolute basal rotation value at the timing of peak LV torsion was significantly lower in patients than in controls. In conclusion, a decrease of basal rotation in 2D speckle tracking might indicate the initial changes leading to myocardial disorder after chemotherapy.

Cardiac biomarkers in dialysis

Cardiovascular disease is the major cause of death, accounting for approximately 40 percent of all-cause mortality in patients receiving either hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis. Cardiovascular risk stratification is an important aspect of managing dialysis patients as it enables early identification of high-risk patients, so therapeutic interventions can be optimized to lower cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Biomarkers can detect early stages of cardiac injury so timely intervention can be provided. The B-type natriuretic peptides (Brain Natriuretic peptide [BNP] and N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide [NT-proBNP]) and troponins have been shown to predict mortality in dialysis patients. Suppression of tumorigenicity 2 (ST2) and galectin-3 are new emerging biomarkers in the field of heart failure in both the general and dialysis populations. This article aims to discuss the current evidence regarding cardiac biomarker use to diagnose myocardial injury and monitor the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events in patients undergoing dialysis.

An evidence-based review of recent advances in therapy for heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF)

An estimated 5.1 million Americans have chronic heart failure and this is expected to increase 25% by 2030. Heart failure is a clinical syndrome that evolves from either functional or structural changes to the ventricles that lead to filling or ejection abnormalities. Thus far, pharmacotherapy has been show to be beneficial in patients only with reduced ejection fraction; however, new therapies have been developed in hopes of reducing the burden of heart failure. In this review, we will discuss current pharmacotherapies recommended in American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association guidelines, the evidence behind these recommendations as well as new and emerging therapies that have been developed.

Elevation of NT-proBNP and cardiac troponins in sepsis-related deaths: a forensic perspective

In the present study, the levels of NT-proBNP, troponin T, and troponin I were measured in postmortem serum from femoral blood in a series of sepsis-related fatalities that had undergone forensic autopsies. We aimed to assess whether a possible increase in the concentrations of these biomarkers was correlated to macroscopic or microscopic observations that suggest myocardial damage or cardiac dysfunction. Two study groups were retrospectively formed, a sepsis-related fatalities group and a control group. Both groups consisted of 16 forensic autopsy cases. Unenhanced computed tomography scan, autopsy, histological, toxicological, microbiological, and biochemical analyses were performed for all cases in both groups. Levels of procalcitonin, C-reactive protein, NT-proBNP, troponin T, and troponin I were systematically measured in postmortem serum from femoral blood. The preliminary results suggest that the postmortem serum troponin I, troponin T, and NT-proBNP levels are increased in sepsis-related deaths in the absence of any relevant coronary artery disease, myocardial ischemia, or signs of heart failure. These findings corroborate clinical data from previous studies pertaining to the usefulness of troponins and natriuretic peptides as indicators of toxic and inflammatory damage to the heart in cases of severe sepsis and septic shock without concomitant underlying coronary syndromes.

Predictors of Peak Troponin Level in Acute Coronary Syndromes: Prior Aspirin Use and SYNTAX Score

The peak troponin level has been associated with cardiovascular (CV) mortality and adverse CV events. The association of peak troponin with CV risk factors and severity and complexity of coronary artery disease remains unknown. We assessed the predictors of peak troponin in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). This study aims to determine the predictors of peak troponin in ACS. Cardiac catheterization (CC) reports and electronic medical records from 2010 to 2013 were retrospectively reviewed. A total of 219 patients were eligible for the study. All major CV risk factors, comorbidities, laboratory data, CC indications, and coronary lesion characteristics were included. Univariate and multivariate regression analyses were done. On multivariate linear regression analysis, ST-elevation myocardial infarction (p = 0.001, β = 65.16) and increasing synergy between percutaneous coronary intervention with Taxus and cardiac surgery (SYNTAX) score (p = 0.002, β = 1.15) were associated with higher peak troponin. The Pearson correlation between SYNTAX score and peak troponin was r = 0.257, p = 0.001. History of daily aspirin use was associated with lower peak troponin (p = 0.002, β = -24.32). Prior statin use (p = 0.321, β = -8.98) and the presence of CV risk factors were not associated with peak troponin. Coronary artery disease severity and complexity, urgency of CC, and prior aspirin use are associated with peak troponin levels in ACS. Our findings may help predict patient population with ACS who would be at a greater risk for short- and long-term CV morbidity and mortality due to elevated peak troponin.

Limitations of N-Terminal Pro-B-Type Natriuretic Peptide in the Diagnosis of Heart Disease among Cancer Patients Who Present with Cardiac or Pulmonary Symptoms

OBJECTIVES

Recognizing heart disease is relevant to oncologists because cancer patients are at an increased risk of cardiac mortality due to shared risk factors and the adverse effects of cancer therapy. This study assessed the extent to which the measurement of N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) aids in the diagnosis of heart disease in addition to a history of coronary artery disease and the presence of atrial fibrillation (composite test). The NT- proBNP cutoff value was 100 pg/ml.

METHODS

A series of 583 consecutive cancer patients (68.4 ± 11.0 years) who were referred because of cardiac or pulmonary symptoms prospectively underwent a diagnostic work-up. Heart disease was diagnosed if at least one of the following conditions was present: (a) history of coronary artery disease, (b) atrial fibrillation, (c) impaired left ventricular systolic function, (d) significant valvular disease, (e) pulmonary hypertension, or (f) left ventricular hypertrophy.

RESULTS

Except for (a), all 6 conditions were associated with NT-proBNP >100 pg/ml. The sensitivity/specificity values of the composite test were 0.92/0.50 for any heart disease. Several extracardiac covariates were associated with NT-proBNP >100 pg/ml, which contributed to the low test specificity.

CONCLUSIONS

The low specificity of NT-proBNP limits its value for the diagnosis of heart disease in cancer patients.

Pro-brain natriuretic peptide (ProBNP) levels in North Indian children with Kawasaki disease

The diagnosis of Kawasaki disease (KD), a common pediatric vasculitis, is based solely on clinical criteria. There is a need for a robust laboratory marker that can help differentiate KD from other acute, febrile, childhood illnesses and also to predict cardiac involvement. We conducted a cross-sectional study of 25 consecutive patients admitted with diagnosis of KD from January 2013 to April 2014 and compared them with age- and sex-matched febrile controls. We studied the serum pro-brain natriuretic peptide (ProBNP) [ProBNP and N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-ProBNP) levels], a marker of myocardial dysfunction, in children with KD in acute and convalescent phases of disease. These levels were also estimated in febrile controls for comparison. The ProBNP (ProBNP and NT-ProBNP) levels were much higher in the acute phase of the KD patients compared to levels in the convalescent phase of KD (p = 0.000014). Similarly, the levels in the acute phase were higher when compared to the age- and sex-matched febrile controls (p = 0.000126). The receiver operating curve (ROC) analysis for the ProBNP levels in the acute phase of KD yielded an area under the curve of 0.954 ± 0.034 (p < 0.000, 95 % CI 0.886-1.0). Based on ROC analysis, a cutoff of 1025 pg/mL for ProBNP levels in the acute phase of KD had 88 % sensitivity and 96 % specificity for the diagnosis of KD. A lower cut-off of 514 pg/mL yielded a 100 % sensitivity and 80 % specificity for the diagnosis of KD. The ProBNP levels were higher in those with coronary artery abnormalities (CAA) compared to those without CAA in both acute (p = 0.013) and convalescent (p = 0.045) phases. ProBNP levels may be used as a surrogate marker for the differentiation of KD from other febrile, infectious illnesses and may also predict the involvement of coronary arteries.

Impact of chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases on left ventricular diastolic function in hospitalized elderly patients

Objective

To evaluate the impact of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) on left ventricular (LV) diastolic function in hospitalized elderly patients.

Methods

This was a case–control observational study of 148 consecutive hospitalized elderly patients (≥65 years old): 73 subjects without COPD as controls and 75 patients with COPD. Mild-to-moderate COPD was defined as stages 1 and 2, while severe and very severe COPD was defined as stages 3 and 4, according to the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease guidelines. Clinical characteristics and echocardiographic parameters were analyzed and compared.

Results

Compared with the control group, patients with COPD had a higher frequency of LV diastolic dysfunction and heart failure with preserved ejection fraction. Smoking frequency, frequency of cerebrovascular diseases and diabetes, and serum N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) levels were higher in the COPD group (all P<0.05). COPD patients showed more abnormalities in diastolic function (E/e′: 11.51±2.50 vs 10.42±3.25, P=0.047), but no differences in systolic function and right ventricular function (all P>0.05). Patients with severe/very severe COPD showed no differences in LV diastolic function compared to patients with mild/moderate COPD (P>0.05), but serum NT-proBNP levels were higher in severe/very severe COPD (P<0.05).

Conclusion

Results suggest that early-stage COPD may have an impact on the LV diastolic function. Severe COPD mainly affected right ventricular function. In hospitalized elderly patients with COPD, LV diastolic dysfunction should be taken into account together with right ventricular function.