April - June 2020, Volume 16, Issue 2

Fringu FI, Sitar-Taut AV, Caloian B, Zdrenghea D, Comsa D, Gusetu G, Pop D

The Role of NT PRO-BNP in the Evaluation of Diabetic Patients with Heart Failure

Acta Endo (Buc) 2020, 16 (2): 183-191
doi: 10.4183/aeb.2020.183

Context. The prevalence of patients with concomitant heart failure (HF) and diabetes mellitus (DM) is high. Objective. To analyze the role of NT-pro-BNP levels in the evaluation of diabetic patients with heart failure. Design. Retrospective comparative cohort study. Subjects and Methods. A total of 174 patients admitted to our Cardiology Department, previously diagnosed with HF, were enrolled. Among these patients, 47.7% had DM. HF was defined according to the 2016 ESC criteria. The NT-pro BNP levels above 126 pg/mL indicate a high probability of heart failure. Results. In diabetic patients there were significant correlations between NT-pro-BNP values and the following parameters: hemoglobin (rho=-0.28, p=0.01), hematocrit (rho= -0.27, p=0.014), total cholesterol (rho= -0.21, p=0.048), triglycerides (rho= -0.283, p=0.01), ejection fraction (rho= -0.465, p<0.0001), end-diastolic volume (rho= 0.253, p= 0.026), end-systolic volume (rho= 0.29 p=0.01). Only the following 3 parameters: ejection fraction (p= 0.0009), hemoglobin (p= 0.0092) and triglycerides (p= 0.0380) were independent predictive factors for elevated NT-pro-BNP values. Conclusion. In diabetic heart failure patients, the value of NT-pro-BNP holds a pivotal role in the evaluation of their overall status, facilitating the establishment of correct management and follow-up.

Keywords: NT-pro-BNP, diabetes mellitus, heart failure.

Correspondence: Florina Iulia Fringu MD, University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Clinical Rehabilitation Hospital, Cardiology Department, 46-50 Viilor street, Cluj-Napoca, 400437, Romania, E-mail: florina.fringu@yahoo.com