Targeting N-Terminal Pro-Brain Natriuretic Peptide in Older Versus Younger Acute Decompensated Heart Failure Patients

Abstract

Objectives: The aim of this study was to analyze the prognostic value and attainability of N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) levels in young and elderly acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) patients.

Background: Less-effective NT-proBNP-guided therapy in chronic heart failure (HF) has been reported in elderly patients. Whether this can be attributed to differences in prognostic value of NT-proBNP or to differences in attaining a prognostic value is unclear. The authors studied this question in ADHF patients.

Methods: Our study population comprised 7 ADHF cohorts. We defined absolute (<1,500 ng/l, <3,000 ng/l, <5,000 ng/l, and <15,000 ng/l) and relative NT-proBNP discharge cut-off levels (>30%, >50%, and >70%). Six-month all-cause mortality after discharge was studied for each level in Cox regression analyses, and compared between elderly (age >75 years) and young patients (age ≤75 years). Thereafter, we compared percentages of elderly and young patients attaining NT-proBNP levels (= attainability).

Results: A total of 1,235 patients (59% male, 45% >75 years of age) was studied. Admission levels of NT-proBNP were significantly higher in elderly versus younger patients. The prognostic value of absolute and relative NT-proBNP levels was similar in elderly and young patients. Attainability was significantly lower in elderly patients for all absolute levels and a >50% relative reduction, but not for >30% and >70%. For absolute levels, attainability differences between age groups were decreased to a large extent after correction for admission NT-proBNP and anemia at discharge. For relative levels, attainability differences disappeared after correction for HF etiology and anemia at discharge.

Conclusions: In young and elderly ADHF patients, it is not the prognostic value of absolute and relative NT-proBNP levels that is different, but the attainability of these levels that is lower in the elderly. This can largely be attributed to factors other than age.

Keywords: NT-proBNP targets; acute decompensated heart failure; elderly; young.