The prognostic value of B-type natriuretic peptides in patients with congestive heart failure

Objective To evaluate the prognostic value of rapid measurement plasma brain natriuretic peptide(BNP) in patients admitted with congestive heart failure(CHF).Methods we followed 70 patients admitted with New York Heart Association class Ⅲ to Ⅳ CHF,whose BNP were measured with rapid bedside assay,and evaluated the association between the changes in BNP levels during treatment and subsequent adverse outcomes(death and 30-day readmission).Results Of the 70 patients admitted with CHF,23 end points occurred (cardiac death:n=6,readmission:n=17).BNP levels in bad outcomes and good outcomes were 1516pg/ml±872pg/ml and 1037pg/ml±654pg/ml,respectively(P0.01).BNP levels in patients with end points increased during hospitalization (mean increase,318 pg/ml),In patients without end points,BNP decreased (mean decrease, 359pg/ml),P0.01.And 22 patients with BNP increased had end points rate 68.2%,48 patients with BNP decreased had 16.7%,P0.005.Conclusions Changes in BNP levels during treatment are strong predictors for mortality and early readmission.The results suggest that BNP levels might be used efficiently to guide treatment of patients admitted for CHF and estimate the prognosis.