Abstract:
Back ground: Right ventricular function (RV) and natriuretic peptide have been established as important prognosis factors of heart failure (HF). However, little is known about pre-discharged prognostic role of RV function and plasma NT-proBNP in HF . The aim of this study was to investigate incremental prognostic role of RV function to plasma NT-proBNP in pre-discharged patients with HF Methods: A prospective cohort study was conducted in 62 hospitalized patients with HF. Patients with renal insufficiency , sepsis, end-stage malignancy, severe cardiac condition requiring surgery, acute coronary syndrome, other medical condition that prolong hospital stay more than 2 weeks, severe valvular heart disease and poor acoustic window for echocardiography were excluded. Pre-discharged NT-pro BNP and echocardiographic RV function were evaluated in all patients. Patients were followed up for 6 months for composite endpoint of all cause death and/or HF hospitalization and/or HF related emergency room visit. Results: Of 62 patients (age 66 ± 14 year, 48% Female), 70 % (43 patients) had HF with reduced ejection fraction. Pre-discharged NT-pro BNP mean ± SD = 5,083± 8159.6 pg/ml. Pre-discharged RV systolic dysfunction (Tricuspid annular plane excursion (TAPSE) <15 mm) was present in 39% of study patients. The median duration of follow up was 5.1± 1.5 months. During follow-up period, 2 patients were lost to follow up, 5 patients died, and 25 patients reached composite endpoints. By univariate analysis, history of HF, current diuretic usage, decreased peak systolic excursion velocity of tricuspid annulus (RV S) were independent prognostic factor for composite endpoints (p < 0.05). The cut-off of plasma NT-proBNP for predicting composite endpoint was 950 pg/ml ( sensitivity 82%, specificity 40%). TAPSE < 14 mm provides sensitivity of 48% and specificity of77% in predicting composite endpoint of all cause mortality and HF hospitalization /HF related ER visit. RV TDI S < 8.5 cm/s provides sensitivity of 57% and specificity of 79% in predicting composite endpoint of all cause mortality and HF hospitalization /HF related ER visit. Increased plasma NT-proBNP combined with a decrease in TAPSE (p < 0.05) or RV TDI S (p < 0.001) can additively predict composite endpoint. A subgroup of patients with NT-proBNP < 950 pg/ml and RV S> 8.5 cm/s had longest event-free interval (mean survival ± SE 5.7 ± 0.2 months, p < 0.001). Conclusion: Pre-discharged RV TDI index in combination with increased plasma NT-proBNP can additively predict adverse outcome in HF patient.