Effects of serial NT-proBNP measurements in patients with acute decompensated heart failure: Results of the POC-HF pilot trial.

INTRODUCTION

Serial N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) measurements have proven to be useful for therapy monitoring in patients hospitalized for acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF). The POC-HF pilot study investigated whether serial NT-proBNP measurements influenced treatment decisions in these patients.

METHODS

Patients hospitalized for ADHF were randomly assigned to an intervention group (serial NT-proBNP measurements made available to treating physicians) or a control group (care as usual). HF therapy was administered at the discretion of the treating physician. The primary endpoint was dose changes in HF therapy during hospitalization. Secondary endpoints included changes in NT-proBNP levels, recovery from HF symptoms, length of hospital stay, and quality of life.

RESULTS

52 patients (35% female; mean age 81.8 years) were included. The availability of serial NT-proBNP values was associated with higher dosages of ACE inhibitors (relative treatment effect (RTE) day 11:0.74,  = 0.007) and loop diuretics (RTE day 11:0.77,  = 0.005), and lower dosages of beta-blockers (RTE day 11:0.43,   =  0.002). NT-proBNP levels decreased (-752 pg/ml,  = 0.162) and recovery rates from ADHF symptoms were more pronounced in the intervention group, but without statistical significance. No differences were found in terms of the length of hospital stay and quality of life.

CONCLUSION

The results of this pilot trial indicate that serial NT-proBNP measurements are possibly associated with faster up-titration of HF medication, more pronounced NT-proBNP decrease, and faster recovery from symptoms than symptom-guided therapy in patients hospitalized for ADHF. These preliminary findings require further validation through larger studies.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

http://www.swissethics.ch BASEC-ID 2017-01030, registered on 28 December 2017.