The combination of high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T (hs-cTnT) at presentation and changes in N-terminal natriuretic peptide type B (NT-proBNP) after chemotherapy best predicts survival in AL amyloidosis

Blood. 2010 Nov 4;116(18):3426-30. doi: 10.1182/blood-2010-05-286567. Epub 2010 Jul 19.

Abstract

In light-chain (AL) amyloidosis, prognosis is dictated by cardiac dysfunction. N-terminal natriuretic peptide type B (NT-proBNP) and cardiac troponins (cTn) are used to assess the severity of cardiac damage. We evaluated the prognostic relevance of a high-sensitivity (hs) cTnT assay, NT-proBNP, and cardiac troponin I in 171 consecutive patients with AL amyloidosis at presentation and 6 months after treatment. Response and progression of NT-proBNP were defined as more than 30% and more than 300 ng/L changes. All 3 markers predicted survival, but the best multivariable model included hs-cTnT. The hs-cTnT prognostic cutoff was 77 ng/L (median survival 10.6 months for patients with hs-cTnT above the cutoff). After treatment, response and progression of NT-proBNP and a more than 75% increase of hs-cTnT were independent prognostic determinant. In AL amyloidosis, hs-cTnT is the best baseline prognostic marker. Therapy should be aimed at preventing progression of cardiac biomarkers, whereas NT-proBNP response confers an additional survival benefit.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Amyloidosis / diagnosis*
  • Amyloidosis / drug therapy
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Myocardium / pathology
  • Natriuretic Peptide, Brain*
  • Peptide Fragments*
  • Prognosis
  • Survival Analysis
  • Troponin I
  • Troponin T*

Substances

  • Peptide Fragments
  • Troponin I
  • Troponin T
  • pro-brain natriuretic peptide (1-76)
  • Natriuretic Peptide, Brain