Correlation Between NT-proBNP and Pulmonary Arterial Pressure in COPD Patients. |
Yong Il Hwang, Geun Min Park, Sung Youn Kwon, Ho Il Yoon, Choon Taek Lee, Sung Koo Han, Young Soo Shim, Jae Ho Lee |
1Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University, College of Medicine, Lung Institute of Seoul National University Medical Research Center, Korea. jhlee7@snubh.org 2Medicine and Respiratory Center, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, Korea. |
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Abstract |
BACKGROUND Pulmonary hypertension is one of the cardiovascular complications of in COPD. However, a diagnosis of pulmonary hypertension requires an invasive test, such as right heart catheterization. NT-proBNP is a cardiac hormone that is elevated when a cardiac volume or pressure overload is present. It was hypothesized that NT-proBNP might play a role in detecting of pulmonary hypertension in COPD patients. METHOD: The 31 COPD patients, who underwent all of NT-proBNP, echocardiography, and spirometry in Seoul National University Bundang Hospital during the period from November 2003 to July 2005, were retrospectively analyzed. RESULT: Of the 31 COPD patients, 9 patients had pulmonary hypertension. A significant positive correlation was observed between the NT-proBNP and pulmonary arterial pressure (r=0.589, p=0.002). However, there was no significant correlation observed between the FEV(1) and NT-proBNP and FEV(1) and pulmonary arterial pressure. CONCLUSION: NT-proBNP might indicate the presence of pulmonary hypertension in COPD patients. |
Key Words:
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, Pulmonary hypertension, Natriuretic peptide, NT-proBNP |
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