C-reactive protein and NT-proBNP as surrogate markers for pulmonary hypertension in Gaucher disease

Elevated CRP was a better predictor of pulmonary hypertension in Gaucher disease than elevated NT-proBNP values. Elevated CRP (>0.5 mg/dl) or elevated NT-proBNP (>150 pg/ml) reduces the need to perform echocardiography by more than half, even in this group with over-representation of pulmonary hypertension. The role of inflammatory features in pulmonary hypertension in Gaucher disease is discussed. Further studies are required to ascertain if this approach is useful for prognosis of pulmonary hypertension.