N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide and renal insufficiency as predictors of mortality in pulmonary hypertension.

Background: N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) is a byproduct of the brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) that was shown to be of prognostic value in pulmonary hypertension (PH). The role of NT-proBNP in PH has to be determined, especially under the influence of renal impairment that might lead to an accumulation of the peptide, and may be a sign of increased mortality per se.

Methods: We assessed NT-proBNP, BNP, renal function, and hemodynamic parameters (during right-heart catheterization) in 118 consecutive patients with isolated PH, excluding left-heart disease.