Prognostic value of the B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) in a cardiogeriatric department

BNP levels are quantitative biomarkers of heart failure (HF), with accuracy in the diagnosis, prognosis of HF, and improve patient management in emergencies. But specific studies are necessary in the very elderly because of the lack of data. To access how BNP predicts immediate prognosis, we have included 167 inpatients (mean age = 83 years) at their hospital admission with systematic blood measure of BNP by Biosite Assay and we divided these patients into three groups, according to BNP level: (1) normal BNP level less than 100 pg/ml; (2) BNP level in the grey zone: 100 to 300 pg/ml; (3) increased BNP level greater than 300 pg/ml. Cardiovascular mortality has been compared in these three groups of patients and results showed a significant increase of mortality in the two groups 2 and 3, when the BNP value was higher than 100 pg/ml. [GRAPHICS] Conclusion.-As a quantitative marker of HF, the use of BNP levels with a cut point of 100 pg/ml is helpful for prognosis evaluation in the elderly. (C) 2009 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.