NT-proBNP reflects right ventricular structure and function in pulmonary hypertension

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Pulmonology
• Biomarkers

Background:

• Pulmonary hypertension (PH) poses significant challenges in assessing right ventricular (RV) status during treatment.
• N-terminal pro brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) is a potential biomarker for cardiac strain.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate if NT-proBNP alterations correlate with changes in RV structure and function in PH patients during therapy.
• To evaluate NT-proBNP as a monitoring tool for RV remodeling and function in PH.

Main Methods:

• Study included 30 PH patients (15 newly diagnosed, 15 on treatment).
• Measurements of NT-proBNP, right heart catheterization, and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) were performed at baseline and follow-up.
• Correlations between relative changes in NT-proBNP and RV parameters were analyzed.

Main Results:

• No significant baseline differences in NT-proBNP, hemodynamics, or RV parameters between newly diagnosed and treated PH patients.
• Relative changes in NT-proBNP during treatment showed significant correlations with changes in RV end-diastolic volume index (r=0.59), RV mass index (r=0.62), and RV ejection fraction (r=-0.81).
• Increased NT-proBNP levels over time were associated with RV dilation, hypertrophy, and reduced systolic function.

Conclusions:

• NT-proBNP measurements effectively reflect changes in CMR-assessed RV structure and function in PH patients.
• NT-proBNP serves as a valuable non-invasive biomarker for monitoring RV adaptation and dysfunction during PH treatment.