Rapid Communication
Copyright ©2006 Baishideng Publishing Group Co., Limited. All rights reserved.
World J Gastroenterol. Sep 28, 2006; 12(36): 5875-5877
Published online Sep 28, 2006. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v12.i36.5875
Elevated plasma levels of N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide in patients with chronic hepatitis C during interferon-based antiviral therapy
Jörg Bojunga, Christoph Sarrazin, Georg Hess, Stefan Zeuzem
Jörg Bojunga, Christoph Sarrazin, Stefan Zeuzem, Internal Medicine II, Saarland University Hospital, 66421 Homburg/Saar, Germany
Georg Hess, Roche Diagnostics, 68305 Mannheim, Germany
Author contributions: All authors contributed equally to the work.
Correspondence to: Jörg Bojunga, MD, Internal Medicine II, Saarland University Hospital, Kirrberger Straße, 66421 Homburg/Saar, Germany. dr_bojunga@web.de
Telephone: +49-6841-1623221 Fax: +49-6841-1623264
Received: March 28, 2006
Revised: August 5, 2006
Accepted: August 12, 2006
Published online: September 28, 2006
Abstract

AIM: To investigate plasma levels of N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), an established marker of cardiac function, in patients with chronic hepatitis C during interferon-based antiviral therapy.

METHODS: Using a sandwich immunoassay, plasma levels of NT-proBNP were determined in 48 patients with chronic hepatitis C at baseline, wk 24 and 48 during antiviral therapy and at wk 72 during follow-up.

RESULTS: Plasma NT-proBNP concentrations were significantly increased (P < 0.05) at wk 24, 48 and 72 compared to the baseline values. NT-proBNP concentrations at baseline and wk 24 were closely correlated (r = 0.8; P < 0.001). At wk 24, 7 (14.6%) patients had NT-proBNP concentrations above 200 ng/L compared to 1 (2%) patient at baseline (P = 0.059). Six of these 7 patients had been treated with high-dose IFN-α induction therapy. In multiple regression analysis, NT-proBNP was not related to other clinical parameters, biochemical parameters of liver disease or virus load and response to therapy.

CONCLUSION: Elevated levels of NT-proBNP during and after interferon-based antiviral therapy of chronic hepatitis C may indicate the presence of cardiac dysfunction, which may contribute to the clinical symptoms observed in patients during therapy. Plasma levels of NT-proBNP may be used as a diagnostic tool and for guiding therapy in patients during interferon-based antiviral therapy.

Keywords: Hepatitis C; N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide; Interferon; Cardiomyopathy; Treatment side effects