The Correlation between the Plasma Level of NT-Pro BNP and Left Ventricular Diastolic Dysfunction

Objective: To study the correlation between plasma level of N-terminal pro-BNP and left ventricular diastolic dysfunction in asymptomatic patients. Methods: The study included 35 patients divided into control group: included 10 patients with normal systolic and diastolic function and patient group: included 25 patients with normal systolic and asymptomatic diastolic dysfunction. The patients were evaluated by conventional echocardiography (diameters, systolic and diastolic function) and tissue Doppler (early diastolic velocity) then E/e` was measured. Serum pro BNP was measured and correlated with demographic and echocardiographic parameters and its sensitivity, specificity were evaluated. Results: Both groups were of comparable age, gender, BMI, risk factors and systolic function. By Doppler echocardiography there was no difference in E velocity between two groups (0.64+0.18 m/sec Vs 0.67+0.14 P = 0.302), but by tissue Doppler there was significant difference in the mean value of e` velocity (m/sec) (0.14+0.06 Vs 0.06+0.01 P=0.001) and E/eˋ (5.03+0.149 Vs 0.55+1.79 P= 0.001). There was significant difference between two groups according to serum NT pro BNP (ng/ml) was (59.1) in the control group Vs (154.1) in patient group (P = 0.001). There was significant correlation between serum NT pro BNP and E (P= 0.001) and E/e` (P = 0.001). The sensitivity of serum NT Pro BNP was 94.2, specificity was 88.1, positive predictive value was 90.6 and its accuracy was 86.2. Conclusion: Serum level of NT pro BNP can be used as innovative method in predicting asymptomatic diastolic dysfunction and so prevent the progression to symptomatic diastolic heart failure.