BNP and NT-proBNP Predicts HF in Older Patients

Medical News: Peptide Predicts Heart Failure in Older Patients – in Cardiovascular, CHF from MedPage Today

The researchers identified 190 pg/mL as the NT-proBNP threshold for increased risk. Among study participants with baseline levels less than 190 pg/mL, an increase greater than 25% to a level above 190 pg/mL had a twofold increased risk of heart failure (HR 2.13, 95% CI 1.68 to 2.71) and cardiovascular death (HR 1.91, 95% CI 1.43 to 2.53) compared with participants whose NT-proBNP levels remained below 190 pg/mL.

Among study participants with elevated baseline NT-proBNP levels, an increase greater than 25% also doubled the risk of heart failure (HR 2.06, 95% CI 1.56 to 2.72) and cardiovascular disease (HR 1.88, 95% CI 1.37 to 2.57).

Fatty Liver Matters

Please tell me you already knew this.

Medical News: Fatty Liver Raises Risk of Death – in Gastroenterology, General Hepatology from MedPage Today

People with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), a condition that often accompanies obesity and type 2 diabetes, have higher mortality rates than the general population, a new Swedish study found.

Patients with NAFLD were 69% percent more likely to die than the general Swedish population (standardized mortality ratio 1.69, 95% CI 1.24 to 2.25), according to a report in the February issue of Hepatology.

Patients with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), a condition where fat buildup causes liver inflammation, were at 86% higher risk (95% CI 1.19 to 2.76; P=0.007).

Meridia (sibutramine hydrochloride) – Update

Oops.

Meridia (sibutramine hydrochloride): Follow-Up to an Early Communication about an Ongoing Safety Review

Sibutramine is not to be used in patients with a history of cardiovascular disease, including:

* History of coronary artery disease (e.g., heart attack, angina)
* History of stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA)
* History of heart arrhythmias
* History of congestive heart failure
* History of peripheral arterial disease
* Uncontrolled hypertension (e.g., > 145/90 mmHg)