B-type natriuretic peptides strongly predict mortality in patients who are treated with long-term dialysis

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Left ventricular abnormalities contribute to cardiovascular disease in patients with chronic kidney disease and may be detected by measurement of B-type natriuretic peptide in serum. DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS, & MEASUREMENTS: In a prospective cohort study of predialysis patients, patients who were on dialysis, and kidney transplant recipients, serum was collected and assayed for both B-type natriuretic peptide and its N-terminal fragment. Median levels were compared using nonparametric tests, and predictors of B-type natriuretic peptide were determined by linear regression. Survival analysis and Cox regression were performed to examine the association of levels..