Serum NT-proCNP concentrations are elevated in patients with chronic liver diseases and associated with complications and unfavorable prognosis of cirrhosis.

Authors :: Koch A
Zimmermann HW
Baeck C
Schneider C
Yagmur E
Trautwein C
Tacke F
Source :: Clinical biochemistry [Clin Biochem] 2012 Apr; Vol. 45 (6), pp. 429-35. Date of Electronic Publication: 2012 Jan 18.
Publication Year :: 2012
Abstract: Objectives: C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP) might be an important regulator of vasodilatation, fluid and sodium balance in liver cirrhosis. We aimed at assessing its regulation and prognostic relevance in liver disease patients.<br />Design and Methods: We analyzed NT-proCNP serum levels in 193 patients with chronic liver diseases and 43 healthy controls.<br />Results: Serum NT-proCNP concentrations were significantly elevated in liver disease patients compared to healthy controls, with highest levels in established hepatic cirrhosis, independent of disease etiology. NT-proCNP was associated with complications of liver diseases and portal hypertension, namely ascites, esophageal varices and hepatic encephalopathy. Circulating NT-proCNP correlated inversely with renal function. Importantly, elevated NT-proCNP levels were identified as a predictor of mortality or necessity for transplantation. NT-proCNP levels >2 pmol/L indicated adverse prognosis (sensitivity 66.7%, specificity 72.8%, RR 5.4 [95%-CI 2.6-11.2]).<br />Conclusions: Serum NT-proCNP is elevated in advanced liver diseases and has prognostic value in cirrhotic patients.<br /> (Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Subjects :: Adolescent
Adult
Aged
Aged, 80 and over
Biliary Tract Diseases blood
Biliary Tract Diseases complications
Biliary Tract Diseases mortality
Biomarkers blood
Cohort Studies
Cytokines blood
End Stage Liver Disease diagnosis
End Stage Liver Disease etiology
End Stage Liver Disease mortality
Female
Hepatitis, Viral, Human blood
Hepatitis, Viral, Human complications
Hepatitis, Viral, Human mortality
Humans
Hypertension, Portal blood
Hypertension, Portal etiology
Kaplan-Meier Estimate
Liver Cirrhosis diagnosis
Liver Cirrhosis etiology
Liver Cirrhosis mortality
Liver Diseases, Alcoholic blood
Liver Diseases, Alcoholic complications
Liver Diseases, Alcoholic mortality
Male
Middle Aged
Prognosis
ROC Curve
Severity of Illness Index
Young Adult
End Stage Liver Disease blood
Liver Cirrhosis blood
Natriuretic Peptide, C-Type blood
Protein Precursors blood

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