Correlation of NT-proBNP with metabolic liver function as assessed with (13)C-methacetin breath test in patients with acute decompensated heart failure.

Metabolic liver function is significantly decreased in patients with advanced chronic heart failure (CHF). The purpose of the study was to evaluate correlation of NT-proBNP with metabolic liver function as assessed with (13)C-methacetin breath test in patients with acute decompensation of chronic heart failure (ADHF). NT-proBNP, (13)C-methacetin breath test and investigation of other biochemical parameters were realized on days 0-2 (V1) and 2-7 (V2) after hospital admission in 13 consecutive ADHF patients. NT-proBNP and metabolic liver function as assessed with (13)C-methacetin breath test didn't change in the first days after hospital admission in ADHF patients. Correlation of NT-proBNP with the degree of metabolic liver function impairement was not significant. The study revealed significant correlation of NT-proBNP with serum ceruloplasmin and significant inverse correlation of liver function with total iron binding capacity in patients with ADHF. The results of this pilot study should be confirmed in a study with larger patient population.