Key result
Severe obesity is linked to higher Log-NT-proBNP than healthy controls, with no difference in Log-BNP.
Why the study?
Levels of natriuretic peptides and receptor activity are altered in obese persons with conflicting results regarding cardiac involvement in severe obesity.
Does severe obesity alter the levels of NT-proBNP and BNP compared to healthy controls?
Case-Control (n=63)
Does severe obesity alter the levels of NT-proBNP and BNP compared to healthy controls?
Absolute Event Rate: 1.67% vs 1.32%
p-value: p=0.003
NT-proBNP, but not BNP, is elevated in severely obese patients and correlates with obesity duration, indicating potential as an early marker for cardiac burden.
NT-proBNP elevation in severe obesity may indicate early cardiac strain; leaves open its screening utility pending larger prospective validation.
Elevated body mass index (BMI) has been reported as a risk factor for heart failure. Prevention of heart failure through identification and management of risk factors and preclinical phases of the disease is a priority. Levels of natriuretic peptides as well as activity of their receptors have been found altered in obese persons with some conflicting results. We investigated cardiac involvement in severely obese patients by determining N-terminal-pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) and brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) and attempting to correlate the levels of these peptides in serum and plasma, respectively, with BMI, duration of obesity, waist circumference, and echocardiographic parameters. Thirty-three patients with severe obesity (mean BMI: 46.39 kg/m², mean age: 39 years) were studied. The control group contained 30 healthy age-matched individuals (BMI: <25 kg/m², mean age: 43 years). The t-test and Spearman correlation were used for statistical analysis. Log-NT-proBNP was significantly higher (P = 0.003) in obese patients (mean 1.67, 95% CI: 1.50-1.83 log pg/mL) compared to controls (mean: 1.32, 95% CI: 1.17-1.47 log pg/mL). The Log-NT-proBNP concentration correlated with duration of obesity (r = 0.339, P < 0.004). No difference was detected in the Log-BNP concentration (P = 0.63) of obese patients (mean: 0.73, 95% CI: 0.46-1.00 log pg/mL) compared to controls (mean: 0.66, 95% CI: 0.51-0.81 log pg/mL). NT-proBNP, but not BNP, is increased in severely obese patients and its concentration in serum is correlated with duration of obesity. NT-proBNP may be useful as an early diagnostic tool for the detection of cardiac burden due to severe obesity.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Fernandes et al. (2007) conducted a case-control in Severe obesity (n=63). Severe obesity vs. Healthy age-matched individuals (BMI <25 kg/m²) was evaluated on Log-NT-proBNP concentration (p=0.003). Severe obesity was associated with significantly higher Log-NT-proBNP concentrations compared to healthy controls (mean 1.67 vs 1.32 log pg/mL; P=0.003), but no difference was detected in Log-BNP.
Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: