NT-proCNP as a new biomarker of pulmonary hypertension in patients with COPD

To assess N-Terminal Pro C-Type Natriuretic Peptide (NT-proCNP) plasma levels in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and evaluate of its diagnostic value for pulmonary hypertension (PH) in COPD. According to the range of systolic pulmonary artery pressure (SPAP), the COPD patients were divided into group of patients without PH (SPAP < 40 mmHg, n = 42) and group of patients with PH (SPAP ≥40 mmHg, n = 52). Significant differences in NT-proCNP levels were found in patients with and without PH (3.63 ± 0.95 pg/mL vs. 1.42 ± 0.35 pg/mL, p < 0.001). Statistically significant correlations were shown between NT-proCNP levels and SPAP (r = 0.77, p < 0.001), mMRC dyspnea score (r = 0.42, p = 0.001), CAT score (r = 0.60, p < 0.001), and SpO2 (r = − 0.47, p = 0.001). Pulmonary hypertension in COPD patients was associated with higher plasma NT-proCNP levels.