The use of discharge haemoglobin and NT-proBNP to improve short and long-term outcome prediction in patients with acute heart failure

Aims: To examine the prognostic value of admission (A) and discharge (D) haemoglobin (Hb) and its relationship with N-terminal pro-hormone B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) in patients hospitalised for acute heart failure (AHF). The outcomes of interests were rehospitalisation or death after one, six or twelve months after discharge. Methods: 317 hospitalised AHF patients (74.79.4 years) were enrolled in two academic centres in Belgrade and Rome. Laboratory analyses, including NT-proBNP were assessed at admission, and Hb also at discharge. Patients were divided into two groups according to the presence of anaemia. Follow-up contact was made by telephone. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS software version 21.0. Results: According to A and DHb levels (<120 g/l for women and <130 g/l for men), anaemia was present in 55% and 62% of patients, respectively (P=0.497). Lower DHb was associated with the rehospitalisation risk after one (OR=0.96, P=0.004), six (OR=0.97, P<0.001) and 12 months (OR=0.97, P<0.001). For every g/l decrease of DHb, the risk of rehospitalisation after one year was increased by 3.3%. In the first six months, DHb contributed to increased risk of death (OR=0.97, P=0.005), but NT-proBNP showed greater power (OR=2.1, P<0.001). Conclusions: In AHF patients discharge anaemia is a strong predictor for short and long-term rehospitalisation, while NT-proBNP seems to be a better predictor for mortality. Discharge Hb and NT-proBNP should be assessed together in order to detect the patients with higher risk of future death and rehospitalisation.