Is NT-proBNP reliable for heart failure diagnosis in Indian patients? Study provides insights

Maharashtra: NT-proBNP can help diagnose heart failure (HF) but only in addition to clinical findings, a recent study published in the Journal of the Association of Physicians of India has concluded. 

This was based on the observation that in addition to LVEF, the values of N-terminal pro-BNP (NT-proBNP) vary with factors like BMI, age, and creatinine clearance. This may lead to a falsely positive or falsely negative diagnosis of HF. 

Heart failure diagnosis essentially remains clinical-based. However, the history, physical examination, and chest radiograph findings are often not adequate in the diagnosis because other conditions that affect the cardiopulmonary system mimic HF symptoms. NT-proBNP has long been used for HF diagnosis. N-terminal pro-BNP values vary with different patient parameters. However, with the use of newer drugs like angiotensin receptor neprilysin inhibitor (ARNI), it becomes important to have data from the Indian population keeping in view the scarcity of Indian studies on this topic. 

Against the above background, Indian researchers Bahaar Athavale and Jaya Pathak conducted an observational prospective study with the following objectives: (i) To assess the NT-proBNP role in the HF diagnosis. (ii) Achieve diagnostic clarity in cases having cardiorespiratory symptoms and signs like acute onset dyspnea, pedal edema, and basal crepitations. (iii) To study the effect of various factors like body mass index (BMI), age, and creatinine on NT-proBNP. (iv) Establish a relation between NT-proBNP levels and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), disease severity, and etiology of HF.

After fulfilling inclusion and exclusion criteria over a period of 10 months, the researchers included 50 patients presenting with acute onset breathlessness. Detailed history and examination of the patients were obtained. Within 24 hours of the onset of symptoms, a collection of venous samples for the measurement of NT-proBNP was done. Other relevant blood and radiographic investigations were obtained.

"Rule in" or "rule out" HF was done on the basis of the NT-proBNP "cut-offs" set forth by the American Heart Association (AHA)/American College of Cardiology (ACC). The diagnosis was confirmed using two-dimensional echocardiography (2D Echo). The correlation between NT-proBNP and various parameters like age, creatinine, BMI, and LVEF was obtained. Sensitivity and specificity tests were applied as well.