Retrospective Evaluation of Recombinant Human Brain Natriuretic Peptide Therapy for Decompensated Right Heart Failure...

Background and Objectives: Right heart failure is a life-threatening complication of pulmonary hypertension (PH), with limited treatment options. Although recombinant human brain natriuretic peptide (rhBNP) is widely used in left heart failure, its effectiveness in right heart failure associated with varying groups of PH (Groups 1, 2, and 4) is unknown. Materials and Methods: 763 patients with varying groups of PH (PH Groups 1, 2, and 4) were enrolled and received both conventional therapy and rhBNP treatment. Therapeutic efficacy and adverse event incidence were evaluated among the PH groups. Results: Significant reductions in variables reflecting cardiac congestion, including NT-proBNP, total bilirubin, and body weight, were observed in all PH subgroups (all p < 0.001). The median percentage changes were -47% (IQR -76 to -24), -21% (IQR -33 to -1), and -3% (IQR -7 to -1), respectively. Alanine transaminase levels presented a decreasing trend (p < 0.001), whereas creatinine levels remained unchanged (p > 0.05), with consistent trends across PH subgroups. The hemodynamic response was heterogeneous, with marked decreases in the mean arterial pressure in Groups 1 and 4 (p < 0.001) but not in Group 2. Improvement in dyspnea and edema of the lower limbs was observed in 49.9% and 66.6% of cases, respectively. The overall incidence of adverse events was 0.66%, with 0.26% (2/763) being serious, all of which were in Group 1 PH. Conclusions: Findings from this exploratory analysis indicated that rhBNP treatment was associated with favorable changes in congestive status and clinical symptoms across different PH subgroups, as well as stable end-organ function. Of note, all patients received comprehensive conventional background therapy; thus, these improvements cannot be exclusively attributed to rhBNP alone. Given the observed hemodynamic fluctuations, close blood pressure monitoring should be considered throughout the treatment course, particularly for patients in Groups 1 and 4, and most notably for high-risk PAH patients (Group 1 PH).