Association of natriuretic peptide and adverse outcomes in patients with atrial fibrillation: A meta-analysis

Abstract

Studies on the association of elevated B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP)/N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) level with adverse clinical outcomes have yielded conflicting results in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). This meta-analysis aimed to assess the prognostic value of BNP/NT-proBNP level in AF patients. A comprehensive literature search was conducted using PubMed and Embase databases up to July 1, 2020. Studies investigating the association between BNP/NT-proBNP level and adverse clinical outcomes in patients with AF were eligible. Outcome measures were all-cause mortality, stroke/systemic embolism, major bleed, and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs). Ten studies recruiting 29 543 patients with AF were included. Elevated BNP/NT-proBNP level was independently associated with higher risk of all-cause mortality (risk ratios [RR] 1.92; 95% confidence intervals [CI] 1.50-2.45), stroke/systemic embolism (risk ratio [RR] 2.53; 95% CI 2.00-3.19), and MACEs (RR 2.17; 95% CI 1.89-2.49). However, the association between elevated BNP/NT-proBNP level and major bleed was not statistically significant (RR 1.14; 95% CI 0.92-1.40). Elevated BNP/NT-proBNP level is significantly associated with higher risk of all-cause mortality, stroke/systemic embolism, and MACEs. Determination of BNP/NT-proBNP level may play an important role in risk stratification of AF patients.

Keywords: B-type natriuretic peptide; N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide; atrial fibrillation; meta-analysis; prognosis.