NT-proBNP, fluid volume overload and dialysis modality are independent predictors of mortality in ESRD patients.

Background: N-terminal fragment of B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) is a marker of both fluid volume overload and myocardial damage, and it has been useful as a predictor of mortality in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). It has been suggested that continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD), automated peritoneal dialysis (APD) and haemodialysis (HD) may have different effects on fluid volume and blood pressure control; however, whether the independent predictive value of NT-proBNP for mortality is preserved when analysed in conjunction with fluid overload and dialysis modality is not clear.

Methods: A prospective multicentre cohort of 753 prevalent adult patients on CAPD, APD and HD was followed up for 16 months.