Though this "cardiac biomarker" now appears to be more closely related to fluid status than to heart function, an association with heart dysfunction was found in those who had a history of hypertension and were taking beta blockers. High NT-proBNP levels might also indicate malnutrition, another common problem in dialysis patients.

The researchers measured NT-proBNP levels after a dialysis session in 72 stable dialysis patients. The patients also underwent tests of heart function. Levels of NT-proBNP were initially high, but decreased after dialysis. Indicators of fluid overload also decreased after dialysis. Maintaining proper fluid balance is one of the essential functions of dialysis. Excess fluid in the body-also called fluid overload or volume overload-can lead to the development of heart failure.

The study is limited by the fact that it was cross-sectional (all data collected at one time) rather than longitudinal (data collected over a period of time), according to Davenport.

SOURCE Clinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology