Impact of N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide response on long-term prognosis after transcatheter aortic valve implantation for severe aortic stenosis and heart failure

N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) levels prior to transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) are known to be associated with outcomes of patients undergoing TAVI. However, little has been known about the NT-proBNP response after TAVI. Therefore, we aimed to clarify the role of the NT-proBNP response and identify the determinants of the NT-proBNP nonresponse among patients with severe aortic stenosis (AS) and heart failure (HF) undergoing TAVI. We examined 717 patients with severe AS and HF undergoing TAVI. NT-proBNP nonresponders were defined as patients whose NT-proBNP levels decreased by <= 30%. Mean NT-proBNP levels decreased from 7698 +/- 7853 pg/mL (baseline) to 4523 +/- 5173 pg/mL (post-TAVI); 269 patients (38%) were nonresponders. Female gender and prevalence of diabetes mellitus (DM), chronic kidney disease (CKD), atrial fibrillation (AF), and history of coronary artery revascularization were more common for NT-proBNP nonresponders. Permanent pacemaker implantation rate was higher for NT-proBNP nonresponders. In addition to the baseline NT-proBNP level > 7500 pg/smL (hazard ratio [HR], 1.8; p = 0.03), NT-proBNP nonresponse (HR 2.3; p = 0.001) was associated with lower survival rates. Baseline NT-proBNP level <= 7500 pg/mL (OR 3.2; p < 0.001), female gender (odds ratio [OR], 1.5; p = 0.049), DM (OR 1.6; p = 0.016), CKD (OR 1.8; p = 0.001), AF (OR 2.4; p < 0.001), history of coronary revascularization (OR 1.7; p = 0.003), and permanent pacemaker implantation after TAVI (OR 1.7; p = 0.034) were independent determinants of NT-proBNP nonresponse. In conclusion, NT-proBNP response is important for long-term survival after TAVI. We should consider the aforementioned determinants, particularly permanent pacemaker implantation, as risk factors for NT-proBNP nonresponse.