Variation of brain natriuretic peptide assists with volume management and predicts prognosis of hemodialysis patients

PURPOSE

The objective of this study was to elucidate the spectrum of brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) expression in hemodialysis patients with euvolemic status and investigate its prognostic significance.

METHODS

Patients on chronic hemodialysis were enrolled. The normal range of BNP was measured and analyzed in patients with euvolemic status defined by systolic blood pressure and overhydration. Hemodialysis patients were stratified into groups according to BNP expression at baseline and followed up for 57 months, with all-cause mortality and cardiovascular disease-related death being assessed as primary outcomes.

RESULTS

BNP significantly correlated with overhydration in all patients (r = 0.255, P = .004). In patients with euvolemic state, the average BNP level was 701 (±645) pg/ml, with a 95% confidence interval (CI) of 500-902 pg/ml. In patients with BNP < 902 pg/ml, systolic blood pressure significantly correlated with overhydration. Elevated BNP expression correlated with an increased risk of cardiovascular mortality (HR = 1.871, per 782 pg/ml increase, P = .008). The patients with continuously high levels of BNP showed significantly increased risk of cardiovascular disease-related death during follow-up (HR = 12.845, P = .005).

CONCLUSION

Predialysis measured BNP levels correlate with volume status, and the common range is from 500 to 902 pg/ml in dialysis patients with euvolemic status. Patients with upregulated BNP expression showed an increased risk of cardiovascular death. Key messages What is already known on this topic  The volume management of hemodialysis patients should be judged comprehensively by clinical manifestations and objective examinations. The parameters involved in the evaluation need to be further optimized. What this study adds  In hemodialysis patients, BNP serves as an indicator of volume status. Properly hydrated hemodialysis patients typically exhibit BNP levels ranging from 500 to 902 pg/ml, while persistent BNP elevation is associated with increased mortality. How this study might affect research, practice, or policy  In clinical practice, BNP can be routinely monitored in hemodialysis patients to provide information for volume adjustment and to identify patients with high mortality risk. The potential advantages of implementing targeted BNP management warrant further investigation through intervention studies.

Cardiac biomarkers in dialysis

Cardiovascular disease is the major cause of death, accounting for approximately 40 percent of all-cause mortality in patients receiving either hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis. Cardiovascular risk stratification is an important aspect of managing dialysis patients as it enables early identification of high-risk patients, so therapeutic interventions can be optimized to lower cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Biomarkers can detect early stages of cardiac injury so timely intervention can be provided. The B-type natriuretic peptides (Brain Natriuretic peptide [BNP] and N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide [NT-proBNP]) and troponins have been shown to predict mortality in dialysis patients. Suppression of tumorigenicity 2 (ST2) and galectin-3 are new emerging biomarkers in the field of heart failure in both the general and dialysis populations. This article aims to discuss the current evidence regarding cardiac biomarker use to diagnose myocardial injury and monitor the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events in patients undergoing dialysis.