[Prognostic value of pathogenetic therapy-induced changes in NT-proBNP in patients with chronic heart failure].

Aim: To study the prognostic value of therapy-induced changes in plasma NT-proBNP levels in patients with left ventricular (LV) systolic dysfunction.
Subjects and Methods: The study covered 84 patients aged 23 to 70 years (mean 54 +/- 8.1 years) with LV systolic dysfunction (an ejection fraction of < 40%). Plasma NT-proBNP levels were determined in all the patients at baseline and 3 months later to evaluate the efficiency of therapy for heart failure (HF). The median follow-up was 18 months. The follow-up recorded the following outcomes (end points): death from decompensated HF and unplanned hospital admissions for progressive HF symptoms.
Results: The baseline and therapy high plasma levels of NT-proBNP (more than 3000 pg/ml) were associated with worsening prognosis. The therapy-induced decrease in NT-proBNP levels was associated with more favorable prognosis.
Conclusion: Repeat dynamic determination of plasma NT-proBNP levels allows identification of patients at increased risk of poor outcomes for a more intensive observation and more aggressive pathogenetic therapy.