European journal of heart failure
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Eur. J. Heart Fail. · Feb 2011
Prognostic value of serial B-type natriuretic peptide measurement in asymptomatic organic mitral regurgitation.
Optimal timing of surgery is crucial in mitral regurgitation (MR) to avoid excess mortality and morbidity. The role of brain-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) in this setting remains controversial. We evaluated the value of serial BNP measurements for early prediction of deterioration in asymptomatic MR. ⋯ Brain natriuretic peptide and NT-proBNP independently predict outcome in asymptomatic MR. Serial measurements may help to improve timing of surgery. Low plasma levels with their high negative predictive values appear to be particularly helpful by identifying low-risk individuals.