Elevated N-Terminal Pro-B-Type Natriuretic Peptide (Nt-Probnp) Levels in Critically Ill Patients with Normal Transthoracic Echocardiogram and Normal Renal Function Tests

Kamran Mahmood Dar; Zulqarnain  Saleem; Kamil  Hussain; Abbas  Malik; Asad Zaman  Khan

doi:10.51253/pafmj.v75i6.9691

Authors

Kamran Mahmood Dar Department of Medicine, Pak Emirates Military Hospital, Rawalpindi/National University of Medical Sciences (NUMS) Pakistan
Zulqarnain Saleem Department of Medicine, Pak Emirates Military Hospital, Rawalpindi/National University of Medical Sciences (NUMS) Pakistan
Kamil Hussain Department of Medicine, Pak Emirates Military Hospital, Rawalpindi/National University of Medical Sciences (NUMS) Pakistan
Abbas Malik Department of Medicine, Pak Emirates Military Hospital, Rawalpindi/National University of Medical Sciences (NUMS) Pakistan
Asad Zaman Khan Department of Medicine, Pak Emirates Military Hospital, Rawalpindi/National University of Medical Sciences (NUMS) Pakistan

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.51253/pafmj.v75i6.9691

Keywords:

Amino-terminal probrain natriuretic peptide; Brain natriuretic peptide; B-type natriuretic peptides; natriuretic peptide.

Abstract

Objective: To determine frequency of critically ill patients who have elevated N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) levels with normal transthoracic echocardiogram and normal renal function tests.

Study Design: Descriptive cross-sectional study.

Place and Duration of Study: Medical Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of Pak Emirates Military Hospital, Rawalpindi Pakistan, from Jan to Jul 2022

Methodology: All patients fulfilling inclusion criteria and admitted in ICU of PEMH over the duration of study were enrolled in the study through non-probability consecutive sampling. Data for 50 patients was collected and their NT-proBNP levels in pg/mL were measured at admission and compared with reference limit based on age, for excluding congestive heart failure (CHF) after which frequency and percentage of patients with elevated NT-proBNP levels was calculated.

Results: Majority of critically ill patients with normal transthoracic echocardiogram and normal renal function tests had elevated NT-proBNP levels. Out of 50 patients included in this study, 37(74 %) had elevated NT-proBNP levels.

Conclusion: At the time of admission in ICU, critically ill patients with normal transthoracic echocardiogram and normal renal function tests had markedly elevated NT-proBNP levels. Thus, NT-proBNP levels alone cannot be reliably used in critically ill patients to rule out heart failure.