Value of N-terminal pro brain natriuretic peptide in predicting prognosis and severity of coronary artery disease in acute coronary syndrome

BackgroundMeasurement of N-terminal pro brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) in the evaluation of patients with acute coronary syndrome has appeared to be a useful prognostic marker of cardiovascular risk.Aim of the workTo assess the in-hospital prognostic value of NT-proBNP in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and its relation to the severity of coronary artery disease.Patients and methodsThis study included 132 consecutive patients with ACS, 64 patients with unstable angina (UA), 46 patients with non-ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI), and 22 patients with ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). ECG, echocardiography and pre and post coronary angiography measurement of troponin I, creatine kinase (Ck), C-reactive protein (CRP) and NT-proBNP were done. Patients were divided into two groups: Group A with NT-proBNP less than 474 pg/ml and Group B with NT-proBNP equal or more than 474 pg/ml.ResultsThere was a significant negative correlation between NT-proBNP and ejection fraction. Incidence of heart failure and duration of hospital stay were significantly higher in Group B (with NT-proBNP equal or more than 474 pg/ml) than Group A (with NT-proBNP less than 474 pg/ml). Moreover, there was a trend to an increased incidence of cardiogenic shock and mortality in Group B compared to Group A. The number of coronary vessels affected, severity of stenosis and proximal left anterior descending artery (LAD) disease were higher in Group B than in Group A. TIMI flow grade was significantly higher in Group A than in Group B.ConclusionNT-proBNP is a valuable marker for predicting prognosis and severity of coronary artery disease in patients with acute coronary syndrome.