NT-proBNP in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients

Background. Brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) is produced and released mainly from ventricles. It has several physiological actions. BNP has been shown to be useful for diagnosis and prognosis in heart failure. The aim of this study is to analyse NT-proBNP levels in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients and to distinguish factors which could modify these levels. Patients and methods. A descriptive and prospective study was made. COPD patients admitted due to acute exacerbation of this disease at the Hospital Universitario Lozano Blesa (Zaragoza, Spain) were included from November 1(st) 2004 to May 1(st) 2007. We included 99 patients; they had not suffered heart failure and they did not present any exclusion criteria. Blood samples were taken to determine NT-proBNP concentrations. Results. Mean age was 74 years and 79% of patients were men. Medium value of NT-proBNP was 1289 pg/ml. Mean body mass index (BMI) was 27.19. There were significant differences between NT-proBNP in patients with or without atrial fibrillation and depending on their age, but there were no differences between men and women nor between patients with or without renal insufficiency. Conclusion. COPD patients present high serum levels of NT-proBNP during acute exacerbations and these are modified with age and atria] fibrillation. NT-proBNP could be a prognostic factor identifying COPD patients at special risk, or with a worsening clinical evolution.