Atrial Fibrillation and Older Age Predict Serum Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Levels Among Patients With Heart Failure

Abstract

Background Predictors have not been determined of serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels among patients with heart failure (HF). Objective The primary purpose was to evaluate history of atrial fibrillation, age, gender, and left ventricular ejection fraction as predictors of serum BDNF levels at baseline, 10 weeks, and 4 and 8 months after baseline among patients with HF. Methods This study was a retrospective cohort analyses of 241 patients with HF. Data were retrieved from the patients' health records (coded history of atrial fibrillation, left ventricular ejection fraction), self-report (age, gender), and serum BDNF. Linear multiple regression analyses were conducted. Results One hundred three patients (42.7%) had a history of atrial fibrillation. History of atrial fibrillation was a significant predictor of serum BDNF levels at baseline (β = −0.16, P = .016), 4 months (β = −0.21, P = .005), and 8 months (β = −0.19, P = .015). Older age was a significant predictor at 10 weeks (β = −0.17, P = .017) and 4 months (β = −0.15, P = .046). Conclusions Prospective studies are needed to validate these results. Clinicians need to assess patients with HF for atrial fibrillation and include treatment of it in management plans.