1. |
- Vergaro, Giuseppe, et al.
(author)
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Circulating levels and prognostic cut-offs of sST2, hs-cTnT, and NT-proBNP in women vs. men with chronic heart failure
- 2022
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In: ESC Heart Failure. - : John Wiley & Sons. - 2055-5822. ; 9:4, s. 2084-2095
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Aims To define plasma concentrations, determinants, and optimal prognostic cut-offs of soluble suppression of tumorigenesis-2 (sST2), high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T (hs-cTnT), and N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) in women and men with chronic heart failure (HF). Methods and results Individual data of patients from the Biomarkers In Heart Failure Outpatient Study (BIOS) Consortium with sST2, hs-cTnT, and NT-proBNP measured were analysed. The primary endpoint was a composite of 1 year cardiovascular death and HF hospitalization. The secondary endpoints were 5 year cardiovascular and all-cause death. The cohort included 4540 patients (age 67 +/- 12 years, left ventricular ejection fraction 33 +/- 13%, 1111 women, 25%). Women showed lower sST2 (24 vs. 27 ng/mL, P < 0.001) and hs-cTnT level (15 vs. 20 ng/L, P < 0.001), and similar concentrations of NT-proBNP (1540 vs. 1505 ng/L, P = 0.408). Although the three biomarkers were confirmed as independent predictors of outcome in both sexes, the optimal prognostic cut-off was lower in women for sST2 (28 vs. 31 ng/mL) and hs-cTnT (22 vs. 25 ng/L), while NT-proBNP cut-off was higher in women (2339 ng/L vs. 2145 ng/L). The use of sex-specific cut-offs improved risk prediction compared with the use of previously standardized prognostic cut-offs and allowed to reclassify the risk of many patients, to a greater extent in women than men, and for hs-cTnT than sST2 or NT-proBNP. Specifically, up to 18% men and up to 57% women were reclassified, by using the sex-specific cut-off of hs-cTnT for the endpoint of 5 year cardiovascular death. Conclusions In patients with chronic HF, concentrations of sST2 and hs-cTnT, but not of NT-proBNP, are lower in women. Lower sST2 and hs-cTnT and higher NT-proBNP cut-offs for risk stratification could be used in women.
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2. |
- Vergaro, Giuseppe, et al.
(author)
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NT-proBNP for Risk Prediction in Heart Failure : Identification of Optimal Cutoffs Across Body Mass Index Categories
- 2021
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In: JACC. Heart failure. - : American College of Cardiology. - 2213-1779 .- 2213-1787. ; 9:9, s. 653-663
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- ObjectivesThe goal of this study was to assess the predictive power of N-terminal pro–B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) and the decision cutoffs in heart failure (HF) across body mass index (BMI) categories.BackgroundConcentrations of NT-proBNP predict outcome in HF. Although the influence of BMI to reduce levels of NT-proBNP is known, the impact of obesity on prognostic value remains uncertain.MethodsIndividual data from the BIOS (Biomarkers In Heart Failure Outpatient Study) consortium were analyzed. Patients with stable HF were classified as underweight (BMI <18.5 kg/m2), normal weight (BMI 18.5-24.9 kg/m2), overweight (BMI 25-29.9 kg/m2), and mildly (BMI 30-34.9 kg/m2), moderately (BMI 35-39.9 kg/m2), or severely (BMI ≥40 kg/m2) obese. The prognostic role of NT-proBNP was tested for the endpoints of all-cause and cardiac death.ResultsThe study population included 12,763 patients (mean age 66 ± 12 years; 25% women; mean left ventricular ejection fraction 33% ± 13%). Most patients were overweight (n = 5,176), followed by normal weight (n = 4,299), mildly obese (n = 2,157), moderately obese (n = 612), severely obese (n = 314), and underweight (n = 205). NT-proBNP inversely correlated with BMI (β = –0.174 for 1 kg/m2; P < 0.001). Adding NT-proBNP to clinical models improved risk prediction across BMI categories, with the exception of severely obese patients. The best cutoffs of NT-proBNP for 5-year all-cause death prediction were lower as BMI increased (3,785 ng/L, 2,193 ng/L, 1,554 ng/L, 1,045 ng/L, 755 ng/L, and 879 ng/L, for underweight, normal weight, overweight, and mildly, moderately, and severely obese patients, respectively) and were higher in women than in men.ConclusionsNT-proBNP maintains its independent prognostic value up to 40 kg/m2 BMI, and lower optimal risk-prediction cutoffs are observed in overweight and obese patients.
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3. |
- Aimo, Alberto, et al.
(author)
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Cardiac remodelling - Part 2: Clinical, imaging and laboratory findings. A review from the Study Group on Biomarkers of the Heart Failure Association of the European Society of Cardiology
- 2022
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In: European Journal of Heart Failure. - : WILEY. - 1388-9842 .- 1879-0844. ; 24:6, s. 944-958
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Research review (peer-reviewed)abstract
- In patients with heart failure, the beneficial effects of drug and device therapies counteract to some extent ongoing cardiac damage. According to the net balance between these two factors, cardiac geometry and function may improve (reverse remodelling, RR) and even completely normalize (remission), or vice versa progressively deteriorate (adverse remodelling, AR). RR or remission predict a better prognosis, while AR has been associated with worsening clinical status and outcomes. The remodelling process ultimately involves all cardiac chambers, but has been traditionally evaluated in terms of left ventricular volumes and ejection fraction. This is the second part of a review paper by the Study Group on Biomarkers of the Heart Failure Association of the European Society of Cardiology dedicated to ventricular remodelling. This document examines the proposed criteria to diagnose RR and AR, their prevalence and prognostic value, and the variables predicting remodelling in patients managed according to current guidelines. Much attention will be devoted to RR in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction because most studies on cardiac remodelling focused on this setting.
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4. |
- Aimo, Alberto, et al.
(author)
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Circulating levels and prognostic value of soluble ST2 in heart failure are less influenced by age than N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide and high-sensitivity troponin T
- 2020
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In: European Journal of Heart Failure. - : Wiley. - 1388-9842 .- 1879-0844. ; 22:11, s. 2078-2088
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Aims N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), high-sensitivity troponin T (hs-TnT) and soluble suppression of tumorigenesis-2 (sST2) predict outcome in chronic heart failure (HF). We assessed the influence of age on circulating levels and prognostic significance of these biomarkers. Methods and results Individual data from 5301 patients with chronic HF and NT-proBNP, hs-TnT, and sST2 data were evaluated. Patients were stratified according to age: <60 years (n = 1332, 25%), 60-69 years (n = 1628, 31%), 70-79 years (n = 1662, 31%), and >= 80 years (n = 679, 13%). Patients (median age 66 years, 75% men, median left ventricular ejection fraction 28%, 64% with ischaemic HF) had median NT-proBNP 1564 ng/L, hs-TnT 21 ng/L, and sST2 29 ng/mL. Age independently predicted NT-proBNP and hs-TnT, but not sST2. The best NT-proBNP and hs-TnT cut-offs for 1-year and 5-year all-cause and cardiovascular mortality and 1- to 12-month HF hospitalization increased with age, while the best sST2 cut-offs did not. When stratifying patients according to age- and outcome-specific cut-offs, this stratification yielded independent prognostic significance over NT-proBNP levels only, or the composite of NT-proBNP and hs-TnT, and improved risk prediction for most endpoints. Finally, absolute NT-proBNP, hs-TnT, and sST2 levels predicted outcomes independent of age, sex, left ventricular ejection fraction category, ethnic group, and other variables. Conclusions Soluble ST2 is less influenced by age than NT-proBNP or hs-TnT; all these biomarkers predict outcome regardless of age. The use of age- and outcome-specific cut-offs of NT-proBNP, hs-TnT and sST2 allows more accurate risk stratification than NT-proBNP alone or the combination of NT-proBNP and hs-TnT.
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5. |
- Aimo, Alberto, et al.
(author)
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High-sensitivity troponin T, NT-proBNP and glomerular filtration rate : A multimarker strategy for risk stratification in chronic heart failure
- 2019
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In: International Journal of Cardiology. - : Elsevier BV. - 0167-5273 .- 1874-1754. ; 277, s. 166-172
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: In a recent individual patient data meta-analysis, high-sensitivity troponin T (hs-TnT) emerged as robust predictor of prognosis in stable chronic heart failure (HF). In the same population, we compared the relative predictive performances of hs-TnT, N-terminal fraction of pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), hs-C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) for prognosis.Methods and results: 9289 patients (66 ± 12 years, 77% men, 85% LVEF <40%, 60% ischemic HF) were evaluated over a 2.4-year median follow-up. Median eGFR was 58 mL/min/1.73 m2 (interquartile interval 46–70; n = 9220), hs-TnT 16 ng/L (8–20; n = 9289), NT-proBNP 1067 ng/L (433–2470; n = 8845), and hs-CRP 3.3 mg/L (1.4–7.8; n = 7083). In a model including all 3 biomarkers, only hs-TnT and NT-proBNP were independent predictors of all-cause and cardiovascular mortality and cardiovascular hospitalization. hs-TnT was a stronger predictor than NT-proBNP: for example, the risk for all-cause death increased by 54% per doubling of hs-TnT vs. 24% per doubling of NT-proBNP. eGFR showed independent prognostic value from both hs-TnT and NT-proBNP. The best hs-TnT and NT-proBNP cut-offs for the prediction of all-cause death increased progressively with declining renal function (eGFR ≥ 90: hs-TnT 13 ng/L and NT-proBNP 825 ng/L; eGFR < 30: hs-TnT 40 ng/L and NT-proBNP 4608 ng/L). Patient categorization according to these cut-offs effectively stratified patient prognosis across all eGFR classes.Conclusions: hs-TnT conveys independent prognostic information from NT-proBNP, while hs-CRP does not. Concomitant assessment of eGFR may further refine risk stratification. Patient classification according to hs-TnT and NT-proBNP cut-offs specific for the eGFR classes holds prognostic significance.
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6. |
- Aimo, Alberto, et al.
(author)
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Prognostic Value of High-Sensitivity Troponin T in Chronic Heart Failure : An Individual Patient Data Meta-Analysis
- 2018
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In: Circulation. - 0009-7322 .- 1524-4539. ; 137:3, s. 286-297
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: Most patients with chronic heart failure have detectable troponin concentrations when evaluated by high-sensitivity assays. The prognostic relevance of this finding has not been clearly established so far. We aimed to assess high-sensitivity troponin assay for risk stratification in chronic heart failure through a meta-analysis approach.Methods: Medline, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and Scopus were searched in April 2017 by 2 independent authors. The terms were “troponin” AND “heart failure” OR “cardiac failure” OR “cardiac dysfunction” OR “cardiac insufficiency” OR “left ventricular dysfunction.” Inclusion criteria were English language, clinical stability, use of a high-sensitivity troponin assay, follow-up studies, and availability of individual patient data after request to authors. Data retrieved from articles and provided by authors were used in agreement with the PRISMA statement. The end points were all-cause death, cardiovascular death, and hospitalization for cardiovascular cause.Results: Ten studies were included, reporting data on 11 cohorts and 9289 patients (age 66±12 years, 77% men, 60% ischemic heart failure, 85% with left ventricular ejection fraction <40%). High-sensitivity troponin T data were available for all patients, whereas only 209 patients also had high-sensitivity troponin I assayed. When added to a prognostic model including established risk markers (sex, age, ischemic versus nonischemic etiology, left ventricular ejection fraction, estimated glomerular filtration rate, and N-terminal fraction of pro-B-type natriuretic peptide), high-sensitivity troponin T remained independently associated with all-cause mortality (hazard ratio, 1.48; 95% confidence interval, 1.41–1.55), cardiovascular mortality (hazard ratio, 1.40; 95% confidence interval, 1.33–1.48), and cardiovascular hospitalization (hazard ratio, 1.42; 95% confidence interval, 1.36–1.49), over a median 2.4-year follow-up (all P<0.001). High-sensitivity troponin T significantly improved risk prediction when added to a prognostic model including the variables above. It also displayed an independent prognostic value for all outcomes in almost all population subgroups. The area under the curve–derived 18 ng/L cutoff yielded independent prognostic value for the 3 end points in both men and women, patients with either ischemic or nonischemic etiology, and across categories of renal dysfunction.Conclusions: In chronic heart failure, high-sensitivity troponin T is a strong and independent predictor of all-cause and cardiovascular mortality, and of hospitalization for cardiovascular causes, as well. This biomarker then represents an additional tool for prognostic stratification.
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7. |
- Aimo, Alberto, et al.
(author)
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Revisiting the obesity paradox in heart failure : Per cent body fat as predictor of biomarkers and outcome
- 2019
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In: European Journal of Preventive Cardiology. - : Sage Publications. - 2047-4873 .- 2047-4881. ; 26:16, s. 1751-1759
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Aims Obesity defined by body mass index (BMI) is characterized by better prognosis and lower plasma N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) in heart failure. We assessed whether another anthropometric measure, per cent body fat (PBF), reveals different associations with outcome and heart failure biomarkers (NT-proBNP, high-sensitivity troponin T (hs-TnT), soluble suppression of tumorigenesis-2 (sST2)). Methods In an individual patient dataset, BMI was calculated as weight (kg)/height (m) (2) , and PBF through the Jackson-Pollock and Gallagher equations. Results Out of 6468 patients (median 68 years, 78% men, 76% ischaemic heart failure, 90% reduced ejection fraction), 24% died over 2.2 years (1.5-2.9), 17% from cardiovascular death. Median PBF was 26.9% (22.4-33.0%) with the Jackson-Pollock equation, and 28.0% (23.8-33.5%) with the Gallagher equation, with an extremely strong correlation (r = 0.996, p < 0.001). Patients in the first PBF tertile had the worst prognosis, while patients in the second and third tertile had similar survival. The risks of all-cause and cardiovascular death decreased by up to 36% and 27%, respectively, per each doubling of PBF. Furthermore, prognosis was better in the second or third PBF tertiles than in the first tertile regardless of model variables. Both BMI and PBF were inverse predictors of NT-proBNP, but not hs-TnT. In obese patients (BMI >= 30 kg/m(2), third PBF tertile), hs-TnT and sST2, but not NT-proBNP, independently predicted outcome. Conclusion In parallel with increasing BMI or PBF there is an improvement in patient prognosis and a decrease in NT-proBNP, but not hs-TnT or sST2. hs-TnT or sST2 are stronger predictors of outcome than NT-proBNP among obese patients.
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8. |
- Gonzalez, Arantxa, et al.
(author)
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Cardiac remodelling - Part 1: From cells and tissues to circulating biomarkers. A review from the Study Group on Biomarkers of the Heart Failure Association of the European Society of Cardiology
- 2022
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In: European Journal of Heart Failure. - : WILEY. - 1388-9842 .- 1879-0844. ; 24:6, s. 927-943
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Research review (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Cardiac remodelling refers to changes in left ventricular structure and function over time, with a progressive deterioration that may lead to heart failure (HF) development (adverse remodelling) or vice versa a recovery (reverse remodelling) in response to HF treatment. Adverse remodelling predicts a worse outcome, whilst reverse remodelling predicts a better prognosis. The geometry, systolic and diastolic function and electric activity of the left ventricle are affected, as well as the left atrium and on the long term even right heart chambers. At a cellular and molecular level, remodelling involves all components of cardiac tissue: cardiomyocytes, fibroblasts, endothelial cells and leucocytes. The molecular, cellular and histological signatures of remodelling may differ according to the cause and severity of cardiac damage, and clearly to the global trend toward worsening or recovery. These processes cannot be routinely evaluated through endomyocardial biopsies, but may be reflected by circulating levels of several biomarkers. Different classes of biomarkers (e.g. proteins, non-coding RNAs, metabolites and/or epigenetic modifications) and several biomarkers of each class might inform on some aspects on HF development, progression and long-term outcomes, but most have failed to enter clinical practice. This may be due to the biological complexity of remodelling, so that no single biomarker could provide great insight on remodelling when assessed alone. Another possible reason is a still incomplete understanding of the role of biomarkers in the pathophysiology of cardiac remodelling. Such role will be investigated in the first part of this review paper on biomarkers of cardiac remodelling.
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9. |
- Marcks, Nick, et al.
(author)
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Re-appraisal of the obesity paradox in heart failure : a meta-analysis of individual data
- 2021
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In: Clinical Research in Cardiology. - : Springer Nature. - 1861-0684 .- 1861-0692. ; 110:8, s. 1280-1291
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background Higher body mass index (BMI) is associated with better outcome compared with normal weight in patients with HF and other chronic diseases. It remains uncertain whether the apparent protective role of obesity relates to the absence of comorbidities. Therefore, we investigated the effect of BMI on outcome in younger patients without co-morbidities as compared to older patients with co-morbidities in a large heart failure (HF) population. Methods In an individual patient data analysis from pooled cohorts, 5,819 patients with chronic HF and data available on BMI, co-morbidities and outcome were analysed. Patients were divided into four groups based on BMI (i.e. <= 18.5 kg/m(2), 18.5-25.0 kg/m(2); 25.0-30.0 kg/m(2); 30.0 kg/m(2)). Primary endpoints included all-cause mortality and HF hospitalization-free survival. Results Mean age was 65 +/- 12 years, with a majority of males (78%), ischaemic HF and HF with reduced ejection fraction. Frequency of all-cause mortality or HF hospitalization was significantly worse in the lowest two BMI groups as compared to the other two groups; however, this effect was only seen in patients older than 75 years or having at least one relevant co-morbidity, and not in younger patients with HF only. After including medications and N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide and high-sensitivity cardiac troponin concentrations into the model, the prognostic impact of BMI was largely absent even in the elderly group with co-morbidity. Conclusions The present study suggests that obesity is a marker of less advanced disease, but does not have an independent protective effect in patients with chronic HF. [GRAPHICS] .
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10. |
- Vergaro, Giuseppe, et al.
(author)
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Cardiac biomarkers retain prognostic significance in patients with heart failure and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
- 2021
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In: Journal of Cardiovascular Medicine. - : Wolters Kluwer. - 1558-2027 .- 1558-2035. ; 23:1, s. 28-36
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Aim: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a frequent comorbidity in patients with heart failure (HF). We assessed the influence of COPD on circulating levels and prognostic value of three HF biomarkers: N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), high-sensitivity troponin T (hs-TnT), and soluble suppression of tumorigenesis-2 (sST2).Methods: Individual data from patients with chronic HF, known COPD status, NT-proBNP and hs-TnT values (n = 8088) were analysed. A subgroup (n = 3414) had also sST2 values.Results: Patients had a median age of 66 years (interquartile interval 57–74), 77% were men and 82% had HF with reduced ejection fraction. NT-proBNP, hs-TnT and sST2 were 1207 ng/l (487–2725), 17 ng/l (9–31) and 30 ng/ml (22–44), respectively. Patients with COPD (n = 1249, 15%) had higher NT-proBNP (P = 0.042) and hs-TnT (P < 0.001), but not sST2 (P = 0.165). Over a median 2.0-year follow-up (1.5–2.5), 1717 patients (21%) died, and 1298 (16%) died from cardiovascular causes; 2255 patients (28%) were hospitalized for HF over 1.8 years (0.9–2.1). NT-proBNP, hs-TnT and sST2 predicted the three end points regardless of COPD status. The best cut-offs from receiver-operating characteristics analysis were higher in patients with COPD than in those without. Patients with all three biomarkers higher than or equal to end-point- and COPD-status-specific cut-offs were also those with the worst prognosis.Conclusions: Among patients with HF, those with COPD have higher NT-proBNP and hs-TnT, but not sST2. All these biomarkers yield prognostic significance regardless of the COPD status.
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