0508: Brain natriuretic peptide in hypertensive patients on regular hemo-dialysis: does it have diagnostic implication?

ObjectiveBrain natriuretic peptide (BNP) quantification is a useful cardiovascular diagnostic and prognostic test. In renal failure its use may have constraints, as it depends on renal clearance and concomitant volume overload.The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical usefulness of BNP in hypertensive patients on maintenance hemodialysis (HD).Design and Methods we measured BNP levels in 30 patients immediately before and after HD. All patients had preserved left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF≥50%) and underwent 48-hours ambulatory blood pressure measurement. Cardiac parameters were evaluated by echocardiography.ResultsThe left ventricular mass index (LVMi) and BNP levels decreased significantly after HD (p