Effect of renal function loss on NT-proBNP level variations.

Overview

OBJECTIVE: NT-proBNP level is used for the detection of acute CHF and as a predictor of survival. However, a number of factors, including renal function, may affect the NT-proBNP levels. This study aims to provide a more precise way of interpreting NT-proBNP levels based on GFR, independent of age. METHODS: This study includes 247 pts in whom CHF and known confounders of elevated NT-proBNP were excluded, to show the relationship of GFR in association with age. The effect of eGFR on NT-proBNP level was adjusted by dividing 1000 x log(NT-proBNP) by eGFR then further adjusting for age in order to determine a normalized NT-proBNP value. RESULTS: The normalized NT-proBNP levels were affected by eGFR independent of the age of the patient. CONCLUSION: A normalizing function based on eGFR eliminates the need for an age-based reference ranges for NT-proBNP.