B-Type Natriuretic Peptide (BNP) and Left Ventricular (LV) Function in Patients with ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial...

After acute myocardial infarction (AMI), left ventricular (LV) function is a well-established prognostic marker. Recent studies indicate that serum levels of brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) also represent an prognostic marker in this setting but so far without a precise cut-off value.

The aim of this study was to assess the predictive value of BNP serum levels for LV function assessed by echocardiography in STEMI patients undergoing revascularization.

We prospectively studied a cohort of 88 consecutive patients (mean age 51.6 years, 88.6% males) hospitalized in our clinic for STEMI in Killip class I (50% anterior infarction), who underwent reperfusion therapy. Serum BNP levels were measured on admission, at 24h and at 30 days after reperfusion. Detailed echocardiography was performed at baseline, at 24 hours after reperfusion, on discharge and at follow-up at 1 month. Left ventricular systolic and diastolic dysfunction were defined by LVEF < 45% and E/A ratio respectively.

ROC curve analysis showed that BNP measurements on admission and at 24 hours after revascularization have no predictive value neighter for diastolic LV dysfunction in anteior or inferior AMI patients, nor for systolic LV dysfunction in inferior AMI patients. Only BNP levels at 24 hours after revascularization can predict systolic LV dysfunction in anterior AMI patients with a 90.3% sensitivity and a 60% false positive rate at a cutt off value of 90pg/ml.

Early measurement of BNP levels may allow early prediction of anterior STEMI patients at risk of developing systolic LV dysfunction after revascularization therapy.