ROLE OF BRAIN NATRIURETIC PEPTIDE IN THE DIAGNOSIS AND MONITORING OF IRON DEFICIENT CHRONIC HEART FAILURE PATIENTS

Abstract

Objectives: To determine the efficacy of intravenous iron administration in
iron deficient chronic heart failure patients and to determine the role of brain
natreuretic peptide (BNP) in the diagnosis and monitoring of chronic heart
failure patients.
Methodology: The current study was a prospective analytical study. A total
of 96 patients with symptomatic chronic heart failure (CHF) were selected
through convenient sampling method. These were divided in to several
groups based upon findings of echocardiography, 06 minutes' walk test and
serum BNP. It was found that 38 patients were iron deficient. Intravenous (I/V)
iron sucrose was administered to iron deficient patients weekly for 6 weeks
followed by reassessment; the compliance rate was 87%.
Results: Patients managed with I/V therapy showed significant improvement
in all the clinical and biochemical parameters used in the study. New York
Heart Association class shift was seen in 76% of patients.
Conclusions: iron deficient induced CHF is common in our population. Parenteral
iron administration (iron sucrose) is an effective modality for managing
such patients. Serial BNP levels can be used to monitor the response to IV
iron.