N-TERMINAL PRO BRAIN NATRIURETIC PEPTIDE: A POTENTIAL PREDICTOR FOR INTENSIVE CARE ADMISSIONS IN PATIENTS WITH ACUTE EXACERBATION OF COPD.

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Cardiovascular disease is one of the major causes of mortality and is frequently unrecognized in COPD patients. Serum N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-pro BNP) is an established risk factor in patients with Heart failure. However NT-pro BNP levels may also be elevated during acute exacerbation of COPD(AECOPD) even without heart failure. Objectives of the study are-(a)To nd the levels of Serum NT-pro BNP in AECOPD patients. (b) To nd out the association of Serum NT-pro BNP with clinical and physiological parameters in AECOPD patients. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was carried out on 60 AECOPD patients admitted in department of Respiratory Medicine, Institute of Respiratory Diseases, SMS Medical College, Jaipur during July 2019–June 2020. Clinical data including vitals, Electrocardiogram (ECG), arterial blood gas analysis (ABG), Serum NT-pro BNP levels were assessed. Previous ECG and spirometry details were also recorded. RESULTS: The mean levels of Serum NT-pro BNP were higher in very severe COPD patients. The association of Serum NT-pro BNP were signicantly higher with AECOPD patients having increased exacerbations per year, longer hospital stay duration, decreasing Spo2 levels and decreasing blood pH levels. CONCLUSION: Patients with AECOPD who had elevated Serum NT-pro BNP levels had higher likelihood of ICU admission and longer hospital stay. Thus elevated NT-pro BNP levels warrants the need of Intensive care for early and better management of COPD patients.