IJNU Plasma NT-pro BNP Concentrations in Patients with Hypertensive Chronic Kidney Disease

Background and Aims: Plasma N-amino terminal fragment of the prohormone B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) is produced and released from cardiac ventricles; it is elevated in patient with heart failure, hypertension and chronic kidney disease (CKD). This study aims to examine the plasma levels of NT-proBNP and their relationship in hypertensive patients with or without CKD. Methods: Our study population consisted of 129 patients with hypertensive CKD (stage 1-4) (Group 1) and 41 controls with hypertensive normal kidney function (Groups 2). Patients with CKD were divided into two groups. Group 1A (n=89) with diabetes mellitus, Group 1B (n=40) without diabetes mellitus. Serum creatinine, NT-proBNP concentrations and proteinuria were analyzed and glomerular filtration rate, blood pressure, weight, height were measured. Results: The patients with hypertensive CKD were older compared to the controls (p=0.047), BMI was not statistically significant (p>0.05). NT-pro BNP concentrations were significantly elevated in the group 1, com-pared to the group 2 (p=0.007). Notably, there was no significant difference between Group 1A and Group 1B (p>0.05). NT-proBNP concentrations correlated positively with longer diabetes duration (r=0.34, p=0.001), proteinuria (r=0.30, P=0.001) and negatively with BMI (r=-0.20, p=0.02) and GFR (r=-0.29, p=0.001). Conclusions: In patients with hypertensive CKD, levels of NT-proBNP concentrations are increased. There was no significant difference between diabetic and non diabetic patients with CKD. Because of the relation-ship between proteinuria and Pro-BNP, increased plasma NT-proBNP concentrations may be a risk factor for the progression of renal disease. The relationship between elevated NT-proBNP and proteinuria should be further investigated