Prognosis Value of Sequential B-type Natriuretic Peptide Measurements for Patients with Chronic Congestive Heart Failure

Objective To investigate the potential prognostic value of serial measurement of plasma B-type natriuretic peptide ( BNP) levels in patients with congestive heart failure ( CHF) . Methods A cohort of 92 patients in cardiac ward of our hospital was prospectively enrolled. Plasma BNP levels and LVEF were measured at baseline. All patients were followed 24 months after first discharge. Primary end points were cardiac death,length of stay and re-hospitalization. Results There were 92 patients enrolled in this prospective cohort study. The median ( 25th percentile,75th percentile) BNP levels were 692. 7pg/ml ( 442. 5pg/ml,1167. 44pg/ml) at study enrollment,which was decreased after standardized treatment for CHF,its value was 348. 0 pg/mL ( 143. 3 pg/ml,552. 9pg/ml) at discharge. Baseline plasma BNP levels were positively correlated with NYHA. During 2 years follow-up after discharge,the hazard ratio ( HR) and 95 % confidence interval ( 95% CI) of 2 years cardiac death for the baseline BNP level 692pg/ml was 1. 17( 1. 07 ～ 1. 310) . Furthermore,the ratio of basline BNP level to discharge BNP level also has the prognosis value for cardiac death for CHF patients. Conclusion The data suggested that plasma BNP is an ideal biomarker for evaluation the severity of CHF.