Background: Amino-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) is a valuable diagnostic and prognostic test in heart failure (HF). Limited information is available concerning its use in patients with renal failure, in whom dependence on renal clearance may negatively affect its performance.
Methods and results: We evaluated influence of renal function on NT-proBNP levels and on its prognostic value after hospital discharge in 283 acute HF patients. Admission and discharge NT-proBNP levels were higher in patients with decreased estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). In these patients discharge NT-proBNP above median was associated to occurrence of death or readmission at 6 months (hazard ratio [HR] 2.53, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.27-5.03); in patients with normal eGFR, a trend to this association was found (HR 1.64, CI 0.98-2.76). Decrease in NT-proBNP less than 30% of baseline was associated to outcome in patients with normal eGFR (HR 2.68, CI 1.54-4.68) and decreased eGFR (HR 2.54, CI 1.49-4.33).
Conclusions: Acute HF patients with renal failure have higher NT-proBNP levels than those with normal renal function. Discharge NT-proBNP has long-term prognostic value in HF patients with renal dysfunction. NT-proBNP variations during hospitalization provide additional prognostic information either in patients with normal or reduced eGFR.