natriuretic-peptide--brain and Esophageal-and-Gastric-Varices

To investigate the association between plasma concentrations of N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) and formation of esophageal varices.. Thirty-five patients with alcoholic cirrhosis were divided into three groups according to the Child-Pugh classification: grade A (n=11, 32%), B (n=12, 34%), and C (n=12, 34%). System hemodynamic parameters were measured using sphygmomanometry, electrocardiography, and echocardiography. NT-proBNP was analyzed by using an electrochemiluminiscence sandwich immunoassay.. The presence of esophageal varices was associated with a higher serum NT-proBNP level, with a cut-off value of <101 pg/mL (sensitivity, 87.60% and specificity, 72.73%; P<0.001).. NT-proBNP was found to be a marker of the presence of esophageal varices, but not a marker of progression of liver cirrhosis. In cirrhotic patients, NT-proBNP value <101 pg/mL was shown to be a valuable noninvasive parameter in predicting the presence of varices.

Topics: Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Biomarkers; Esophageal and Gastric Varices; Female; Hemodynamics; Humans; Liver Cirrhosis, Alcoholic; Male; Middle Aged; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Peptide Fragments; Sensitivity and Specificity; Severity of Illness Index