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BACKGROUND@#Coronary atherosclerotic plaque could go through rapid progression and induce adverse cardiac events. This study aimed to evaluate the impacts of smoking status on clinical outcomes of coronary non-target lesions.@*METHODS@#Consecutive patients with coronary heart disease who underwent two serial coronary angiographies were included. All coronary non-target lesions were recorded at first coronary angiography and analyzed using quantitative coronary angiography at both procedures. Patients were grouped into non-smokers, quitters, and smokers according to their smoking status. Clinical outcomes including rapid lesion progression, lesion re-vascularization, and myocardial infarction were recorded at second coronary angiography. Multivariable Cox regression analysis was used to investigate the association between smoking status and clinical outcomes.@*RESULTS@#A total of 1255 patients and 1670 lesions were included. Smokers were younger and more likely to be male compared with non-smokers. Increase in percent diameter stenosis was significantly lower (2.7 [0.6, 7.1] % vs. 3.5 [0.9, 8.9]%) and 3.4 [1.1, 7.7]%, P = 0.020) in quitters than those in smokers and non-smokers. Quitters tended to have a decreased incidence of rapid lesions progression (15.8% [76/482] vs. 21.6% [74/342] and 20.6% [89/431], P = 0.062), lesion re-vascularization (13.1% [63/482] vs. 15.5% [53/432] and 15.5% [67/431], P = 0.448), lesion-related myocardial infarction (0.8% [4/482] vs. 2.6% [9/342] and 1.4% [6/431], P = 0.110) and all-cause myocardial infarction (1.9% [9/482] vs. 4.1% [14/342] and 2.3% [10/431], P = 0.128) compared with smokers and non-smokers. In multivariable analysis, smoking status was not an independent predictor for rapid lesion progression, lesion re-vascularization, and lesion-related myocardial infarction except that a higher risk of all-cause myocardial infarction was observed in smokers than non-smokers (hazards ratio: 3.00, 95% confidence interval: 1.04-8.62, P = 0.042).@*CONCLUSION@#Smoking cessation mitigates the increase in percent diameter stenosis of coronary non-target lesions, meanwhile, smokers are associated with increased risk for all-cause myocardial infarction compared with non-smokers.
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BACKGROUND@#Approximately 70% patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) presented without ST-segment elevation on electrocardiogram. Patients with non-ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) often presented with atypical symptoms, which may be related to pre-hospital delay and increased risk of mortality. However, up to date few studies reported detailed symptomatology of NSTEMI, particularly among Asian patients. The objective of this study was to describe and compare symptoms and presenting characteristics of NSTEMI vs. STEMI patients.@*METHODS@#We enrolled 21,994 patients diagnosed with AMI from China Acute Myocardial Infarction (CAMI) Registry between January 2013 and September 2014. Patients were divided into 2 groups according to ST-segment elevation: ST-segment elevation (STEMI) group and NSTEMI group. We extracted data on patients' characteristics and detailed symptomatology and compared these variables between two groups.@*RESULTS@#Compared with patients with STEMI (N = 16,315), those with NSTEMI (N = 5679) were older, more often females and more often have comorbidities. Patients with NSTEMI were less likely to present with persistent chest pain (54.3% vs. 71.4%), diaphoresis (48.6% vs. 70.0%), radiation pain (26.4% vs. 33.8%), and more likely to have chest distress (42.4% vs. 38.3%) than STEMI patients (all P < 0.0001). Patients with NSTEMI were also had longer time to hospital. In multivariable analysis, NSTEMI was independent predictor of presentation without chest pain (odds ratio: 1.974, 95% confidence interval: 1.849-2.107).@*CONCLUSIONS@#Patients with NSTEMI were more likely to present with chest distress and pre-hospital patient delay compared with patients with STEMI. It is necessary for both clinicians and patients to learn more about atypical symptoms of NSTEMI in order to rapidly recognize myocardial infarction.@*TRIAL REGISTRATION@#www.clinicaltrials.gov (No. NCT01874691).
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Aged , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Arrhythmias, Cardiac , Pathology , China , Electrocardiography , Methods , Hospital Mortality , Myocardial Infarction , Pathology , Odds Ratio , Registries , Risk Factors , ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction , PathologyABSTRACT
BACKGROUND@#Patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) who present without typical chest pain are associated with a poor outcome. However, whether angiographic characteristics are related to a higher risk of mortality in this population is unclear. This study aimed to investigate whether the higher mortality risk in patients with STEMI without chest pain could be explained by their "high-risk" angiographic characteristics.@*METHODS@#We used data of 12,145 patients with STEMI who was registered in China Acute Myocardial Infarction registry from January 2013 to September 2014. We compared the infarct-related artery (IRA), thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI) flow grade in the IRA, and other angiographic characteristics between patients without and those with chest pain. Multivariable logistic regression model was used to identify independent risk factor of in-hospital mortality.@*RESULTS@#The 2922 (24.1%) patients with STEMI presented without typical chest pain. These patients had a higher TIMI flow grade (mean TIMI flow grade: 1.00 vs. 0.94, P = 0.02) and a lower rate of IRA disease of the left anterior descending artery (44.6% vs. 51.2%, χ = 35.63, P < 0.01) than did those with typical chest pain. Patients without chest pain were older, more likely to have diabetes, longer time to hospital and higher Killip classification, and less likely to receive optimal medication treatment and primary percutaneous coronary intervention and higher In-hospital mortality (3.3% vs. 2.2%, χ = 10.57, P < 0.01). After adjusting for multi-variables, presentation without chest pain was still an independent predictor of in-hospital death among patients with STEMI (adjusted odds ratio: 1.36, 95% confidence interval: 1.02-1.83).@*CONCLUSIONS@#Presentation without chest pain is common and associated with a higher in-hospital mortality risk in patients with acute myocardial infarction. Our results indicate that their poor prognosis is associated with baseline patient characteristics and delayed treatment, but not angiographic lesion characteristics.@*CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION@#NCT01874691, https://clinicaltrials.gov.
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Background@#Patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) who present without typical chest pain are associated with a poor outcome. However, whether angiographic characteristics are related to a higher risk of mortality in this population is unclear. This study aimed to investigate whether the higher mortality risk in patients with STEMI without chest pain could be explained by their "high-risk" angiographic characteristics.@*Methods@#We used data of 12,145 patients with STEMI who was registered in China Acute Myocardial Infarction registry from January 2013 to September 2014. We compared the infarct-related artery (IRA), thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI) flow grade in the IRA, and other angiographic characteristics between patients without and those with chest pain. Multivariable logistic regression model was used to identify independent risk factor of in-hospital mortality.@*Results@#The 2922 (24.1%) patients with STEMI presented without typical chest pain. These patients had a higher TIMI flow grade (mean TIMI flow grade: 1.00 vs. 0.94, P = 0.02) and a lower rate of IRA disease of the left anterior descending artery (44.6% vs. 51.2%, χ2 = 35.63, P < 0.01) than did those with typical chest pain. Patients without chest pain were older, more likely to have diabetes, longer time to hospital and higher Killip classification, and less likely to receive optimal medication treatment and primary percutaneous coronary intervention and higher In-hospital mortality (3.3% vs. 2.2%, χ2 = 10.57, P < 0.01). After adjusting for multi-variables, presentation without chest pain was still an independent predictor of in-hospital death among patients with STEMI (adjusted odds ratio: 1.36, 95% confidence interval: 1.02–1.83).@*Conclusions@#Presentation without chest pain is common and associated with a higher in-hospital mortality risk in patients with acute myocardial infarction. Our results indicate that their poor prognosis is associated with baseline patient characteristics and delayed treatment, but not angiographic lesion characteristics.@*Clinical trial registration@#NCT01874691, https://clinicaltrials.gov.
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Background@#Mounts of studies have shown that low estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) is associated with increased risk of adverse outcomes in patients with coronary artery disease. However, high level of eGFR was less reported. In the study, we aimed to explore the relationship between the baseline eGFR, especially the high level, and contrast-induced acute kidney injury (CI-AKI) in a Chinese population who underwent an emergency percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).@*Methods@#Patients who underwent an emergency PCI from 2013 to 2015 were enrolled and divided into five groups as eGFR decreasing. Baseline characteristics were collected and analyzed. The rates of CI-AKI and the composite endpoint (including nonfatal myocardial infarction, revascularization, stroke, and all-cause death) at 6- and 12-month follow-up were compared. Logistic analysis for CI-AKI was performed.@*Results@#A total of 1061 patients were included and the overall CI-AKI rate was 22.7% (241/1061). The separate rates were 77.8% (7/9) in Group 1 (eGFR ≥120 ml·min·1.73 m), 26.0% (118/454) in Group 2 (120 ml·min·1.73 m> eGFR ≥90 ml·min·1.73m), 18.3% (86/469) in Group 3 (90 ml·min·1.73 m> eGFR ≥60 ml·min·1.73 m), 21.8% (26/119) in Group 4 (60 ml·min·1.73 m> eGFR ≥30 ml·min·1.73 m), and 40.0% (4/10) in Group 5 (eGFR <30 ml·min·1.73 m), with statistical significance (χ = 25.19, P < 0.001). The rates of CI-AKI in five groups were 77.8%, 26.0%, 18.3%, 21.8%, and 40.0%, respectively, showing a U-typed curve as eGFR decreasing (the higher the level of eGFR, the higher the CI-AKI occurrence in case of eGFR ≥60 ml·min·1.73 m). The composite endpoint rates in five groups were 0, 0.9%, 2.1%, 6.7%, and 0 at 6-month follow-up, respectively, and 0, 3.3%, 3.4%, 16.0%, and 30.0% at 12-month follow-up, respectively, both with significant differences (χ = 16.26, P = 0.009 at 6-month follow-up, and χ = 49.05, P < 0.001 at 12-month follow-up). The logistic analysis confirmed that eGFR was one of independent risk factors of CI-AKI in emergency PCI patients.@*Conclusions@#High level of eGFR might be associated with increased risk of CI-AKI in patients with emergency PCI, implying for future studies and risk stratification in clinical practice.
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Adult , Aged , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Acute Kidney Injury , China , Contrast Media , Emergency Medical Services , Glomerular Filtration Rate , Percutaneous Coronary Intervention , Risk FactorsABSTRACT
Objectives: To observe the prevalence of bleeding and to explore the independent predictors of bleeding in ST-segment elevation acute myocardial infarction patients with fibrinolysis therapy in China. Methods: From January 2013 to June 2014, 1 568 patients undergoing fibrinolysis in the Chinese Acute Myocardial Infarction Registry (CAMI) were prospectively included. Patients were divided into bleeding group (bleeding after fibrinolysis, n=55) and no bleeding group (without bleeding after fibrinolysis, n=1 513). Logistic regression analysis was performed to define the independent predictors of bleeding. Results: The prevalence of bleeding with fibrinolysis in these patients was 3.5% (55/1 568). The fibrinolysis success rate is 86%. Among them, the rate of intracranial bleeding was 0.6%, and the rate of gastrointestinal bleeding was 1.9%. The fibrinolysis success tended to be higher in patients with bleeding (94.1% vs 85.7%, P=0.0589) ,and the mortality rate was significantly higher in patients with bleeding (20.0% vs 7.1%, P=0.0019) . Logistic regression analysis showed that age≥75 years (OR=2.45, 95%CI:1.10-5.46, P=0.0290) and use of rtPA (HR=3.41, 95%CI:1.48~7.86, P=0.0040) were independent predictors of bleeding after fibrinolysis in this patient cohort. Conclusions: The prevalence of bleeding after fibrinolysis in Chinese STEMI patients is low. Older age and rtPA use are independent predictors of bleeding after fibrinolysis in this patient cohort.
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Objectives:To analyze the safety and efficacy of chemical ablation of anhydrous alcohol combined with gelatin sponge for patients with hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (HOCM). Methods:The clinical data of 7 HOCM patients, who underwent chemical ablation with anhydrous alcohol and gelatin sponge in Fuwai Hospital from May 2017 to December 2017, were analyzed. Results:There were 5 males and 2 females, with a median age of 56 years (range, 43-67 years), the mean interventricular septum thickness was (19.6 ± 4.8) mm, the number of ablated septal branch was 1-2, the amount of used anhydrous alcohol was 1.4 (1.0-2.0) ml, the amount of applied gelatin sponge was 0.5 (0.1-1.3) ml. After procedure, the left ventricular outflow tract pressure was significantly decreased ([31.6 ± 12.6] mmHg vs [86.4 ± 20.7] mmHg, P＜0.001), NYHA cardiac function was significantly improved (1.4 ± 0.5 vs 2.7 ± 0.8, P ＜0.05), no relevant complications occurred. Conclusions:Chemical ablation with anhydrous alcohol and gelatin sponge is safe and effective for patients with hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy.
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Objectives:The purpose of this study was to evaluate the prognostic value of the Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) and Global Registry of Acute Coronary Events (GRACE) risk scores for in-hospital mortality in Chinese ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients. Methods:Present data are obtained from the prospective, multicenter Chinese AMI (CAMI) registry, 107 hospitals from 31 provinces, municipalities or autonomous districts in China took part in this study. From January 2013 to September 2014, 17886 consecutive ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction patients admitted to these 107 hospitals were enrolled. For each patient, TIMI and GRACE risk scores were calculated using specific variables collected at admission. Their prognostic value on the primary endpoint (in-hospital mortality) was evaluated. Results:Mean age of this patient cohort was (61.9±12.4)years, 76.5% (n=13685) patients were males. The in-hospital mortality was 6.4%(n=1 153)and the median length of hospital stay was 10.0 days. The incidence of cardiac arrest at admission were 4.3% (n=764). Coronary reperfusion therapy including fibrinolytic therapy(n=1782), primary percutaneous coronary intervention (n=7763) and emergent coronary artery bypass grafting (n=10) were applied to 9555 (53.4%) patients and the median of time to reperfusion was 300.0 minutes. The predictive accuracy of TIMI and GRACE for in-hospital mortality was similar:TIMI risk score (AUC) [area under the curve:0.7956; 95% confidence interval (95%CI:0.7822~0.8090)] and GRACE risk score (AUC:0.8096; 95%CI:0.7963~0.8230). Conclusions:The TIMI and GRACE risk score demonstrate similar predictive accuracy for in-hospital mortality and there are some disadvantages in risk stratification by these two risk scores for Chinese STEMI patients.
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Objectives:To explore the clinical and coronary disease characteristics and prognosis of Chinese patients with ST segment elevation myocardial infarction and without typical chest pain. Methods:By extracting data from China Acute Myocardial Infarction Registry, we included 12 145 STEMI patients who underwent coronary angiography between 01 January 2013 to 30 September 2014. Variables of interest were extracted and compared between AMI patients without vs with typical chest pain. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to identify independent predictors of in-hospital mortality. Results:There were approximately 24% (2922/12145) STEMI patients without typical chest pain. Compared with typical chest pain patients, patients without typical chest pain had higher prevalence of diabetes (20.0% vs 17.8%), longer time of disease onset to hospital, lower rate of IRA disease of left anterior descending artery (44.6% vs 51.2%). These patients were less likely to receive primary percutaneous coronary intervention (64.9% vs 73.9%) and had higher in-hospital mortality (3.3% vs 2.2%, P＜0.05). Multivarite Logistic regression analysis indicated atypical chest pain was an independent risk factor for in-hospital death (OR:1.364, 95% confidence interval:1.018-1.827). Conclusions:Approximately a quarter STEMI patients presented without typical chest pain in this patient cohort and they had longer disease onset to hospital time, were less likely to receive PCI, and associated with higher in-hospital mortality risk. Efforts should be made to identify these patients in order to apply the optimal treatments to them.
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Objectives: To study serum level of M2-muscarinic receptor autoantibody (M2-AAb) in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) patients with its relationship to relevant clinical parameters. Methods: Our research included in 2 groups: HCM group, 133 patients and they were divided into 3 subgroups:Obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HOCM) subgroup, 72, Latent obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (LHOCM) subgroup, 22 and Non-obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (NOCM) subgroup, 39; since there was no obstruction of left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) in LHOCM and NOCM patients at resting, LHOCM and NOCM patients were combined as LHOCM+NOCM subgroup, 61 in comparison with HOCM subgroup. And Control group, 40 subjects had no organic heart disease and autoimmune diseases which were confirmed by 12 lead ECG, transthoracic echocardiography and routine hematological tests, they were not using β-blockers, glucocorticoids and immune-suppressants. Serum levels of M2-AAb were examined by ELISA, the relationship between M2-AAb and relevant clinical parameters were studied. Results: Compared with Control group, HCM group had increased serum level of M2-AAb [22.91 (17.21, 29.64) ng/ml] vs (17.14±5.66) ng/ml, P<0.01; M2-AAb was similar among HOCM, LHOCM and NOCM subgroups; M2-AAb in female patients were higher than male, P=0.001. Further investigation presented that the patients with family history of sudden death had the higher M2-AAb, P<0.05; patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) or left atrial diameter (LAD)≥50 mm or moderate to severe mitral regurgitation (MR) had the higher M2-AAb than those without such problems, all P<0.05. In HCM group, log M2-AAb was positively related to resting LVOT gradient (r=0.178, P=0.040); in HOCM subgroup, log M2-AAb was marginal positively related to resting LVOT gradient (r=0.224, P=0.058). Conclusions: Serum M2-AAb was elevated in HCM patients; gender, family history of sudden death may affect M2-AAb level; patients combining AF or LAD≥50 mm or moderate-severe MR had the higher M2-AAb and it was related to resting LVOT gradient.
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Objective: To evaluate the predictive value of PARIS bleeding score on in-hospital bleeding of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) patients after drug-eluting stent (DES) implantation with dual-antiplatelet therapy (DAPT). Methods: There were 27 594 AMI patients enrolled in China acute myocardial infarction (CAMI) registry between 2013-01-01 to 2014-09-30 from 107 hospitals, and 14 625 of them had successful in-hospital DES implantation with DAPT were studied. Based on BARC (bleeding academic research consortium definition) criteria, the end point major bleeding (MB) events were defined by both BARC type 3, 5 and BARC type 2, 3, 5; the incidence of in-hospital bleeding, clinical features and predictive value of PARIS bleeding score according to different BARC type were evaluated. Results: Compared with non-MB patients, MB patients had the higher PARIS bleeding score, P<0.001. Based on PARIS score risk stratification, taking BARC type 3, 5 as endpoint, 77/14 625 (0.53%) patients had bleeding events, PARIS scores were different among high risk, mid risk and low risk patients, P<0.001; bleeding risk in mid risk patients was 2.38 times higher than low risk patients, P=0.006 and bleeding risk in high risk patients was 4.78 times higher than low risk patients, P<0.001.Taking BARC type 2,3,5 as endpoint,223(1.52%)patients had bleeding events,bleeding risk in mid risk patients was 1.64 times higher than low risk patients, P=0.002 and bleeding risk in high risk patients was 2.23 times higher than low risk patients, P=0.001. ROC analysis showed that PARIS score had predictive value on both BARC type 3, 5 and BARC type 2, 3, 5 bleeding, area under curve (AUC) of BARC type 3, 5 (AUC: 0.672) was higher than AUC of BARC type 2, 3, 5 (AUC:0.596) (z=2.079, P=0.038), which implied that PARIS score had better predictive value in severe bleeding events. Conclusion: PARIS bleeding score had predictive value on in-hospital bleeding in AMI patients after DES implantation with DAPT, it can also be used in bleeding risk stratification. PARIS bleeding score had better predictive value on severe bleeding.
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To assess the safety and feasibility of total laparoscopy distal gastrectomy [TLDG]. This meta-analysis was conducted between April and July 2013 in Sichuan Cancer Hospital, Chengdu, China. We searched PubMed, EMBASE and China Knowledge Resource Integrated Database updated until May 2013. Eight retrospective studies and one prospective study involving 2,046 total patients were included. The results showed that TLDG was associated with lower blood loss [mean difference=-22.39, p=0.04]. and a greater number of harvested lymph significant difference between the 2 groups in operation time, time to first flatus, length of postoperative hospital stay, and postoperative complications. Compared with laparoscopy-assisted distal gastrectomy, TLDG resulted in reduced blood loss, and a greater number of harvested lymph nodes. Total laparoscopy distal gastrectomy is safe and feasible for gastric cancer
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Humans , Laparoscopy/methods , Gastrectomy , Retrospective Studies , Prospective StudiesABSTRACT
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To analyze the incidence of coronary artery disease (CAD) and outcome of patients with left ventricular noncompaction (LVNC).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Fifty-one patients with LVNC evaluated by echocardiography and/or cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) from January 2006 to August 2010 were retrospectively reviewed. Coronary angiography or MDCT was performed for detecting coronary artery disease. Predictors of the cardiac events were analyzed by Cox regression analysis.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>There were 31 LVNC patients without CAD and 20 LVNC patients with CAD including single vessel coronary disease in 9 cases, double vessel coronary disease in 3 cases, three vessel coronary disease in 5 cases and left main coronary disease in 3 cases. Coronary artery bypass graft and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) were performed in 4 patients. Compared to LVNC patients without CAD, mean age (P = 0.008), incidence of hypertension (65.0% vs. 19.4%, P = 0.001), diabetes mellitus (40.0% vs. 12.9%, P = 0.026) and hyperlipidemia (55.0% vs. 25.8%, P = 0.035) were significantly higher while NT-proBNP level was significantly lower (P = 0.049) in LVNC patients with CAD. Incidence of major cardiac events was similar in LVNC patients with or without CAD. LogNT-proBNP is the independent prognostic factor for adverse cardiac events in patients with LVNC (HR 3.993, 95%CI 1.140 - 13.988, P = 0.030).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Coronary artery disease is common in patients with LVNC and associated with traditional risk factors for CAD. Poor prognosis is associated with increased NT-proBNP but not with CAD in this patient cohort.</p>
Subject(s)
Adolescent , Adult , Aged , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Young Adult , Cardiomyopathies , Diagnosis , Pathology , Heart Ventricles , Pathology , Incidence , Isolated Noncompaction of the Ventricular Myocardium , Diagnosis , Pathology , Prognosis , Retrospective StudiesABSTRACT
The case is a 54-year-old man with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, mid-ventricular obstruction, apical aneurysm, and recurrence sustained monomorphic ventricular tachycardia (VT). A coronary angiogram revealed myocardial bridging located in the middle of the left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD), and the left ventriculogram showed an hour-glass appearance of the left ventricular cavity. There was a significant pressure gradient of 60 mmHg across the mid-ventricular obliteration at rest. A successful myectomy of the inappropriate hypertrophy myocardium and excision of the apical aneurysm were performed. Pathologic analysis demonstrated fibrosis in the apical aneurysm and thickened and narrowed vessels in the adjacent area. During the follow-up of eighteen months, the patient remained clinically stable and free from arrhythmic recurrence.
Subject(s)
Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Cardiomyopathy, Hypertrophic , Diagnosis , Heart Aneurysm , Tachycardia, VentricularABSTRACT
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To observe the correlation of plasma amino-terminal pro-A-, B- and C-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proANP, NT-proBNP and NT-proCNP) levels with New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class and echocardiographic derived parameters of cardiac function in heart failure patients.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Data of NYHA grade, echocardiographic derived parameters of cardiac function, plasma levels of NT-proANP, NT-proBNP and NT-proCNP (measured by enzyme immunoassay method) were obtained in 112 heart failure patients and 44 normal control subjects. The correlation analysis was made between NT-proANP, NT-proBNP, NT-proCNP and NYHA functional class, left atrium diameter (LAD), left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVEDD) and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), respectively.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The plasma concentrations of NT-proANP, NT-proBNP and NT-proCNP in heart failure patients were significantly higher than in control group (all P<0.05). Correlation analysis revealed a strong correlation between NT-proANP and NT-proBNP (r = 0.790, P = 0.000) and a weak correlation between NT-proCNP and NT-proBNP (r = 0.278, P = 0.003) as well as between NT-proCNP and NT-proANP (r = 0.236, P = 0.012) in heart failure patients. Univariant analysis showed that NT-proANP and NT-proBNP were positively correlated to LAD, LVEDD and negatively correlated to LVEF (all P<0.05) while there was no significant correlation between NT-proCNP and echocardiographic derived parameters of cardiac function in heart failure patients. Multivariate stepwise regression analysis including age, gender, NYHA classification, LAD, LVEDD and LVEF revealed that NYHA classification, LVEF, LAD and age were independent predictors of NT-proANP; while NYHA classification, LVEF and age were independent predictors of NT-proBNP while there was no association among these factors and NT-proCNP.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>In heart failure patients, the plasma concentration of NT-proANP, NT-proBNP and NT-proCNP were significantly increased and NT-proANP, NT-proBNP but not NT-proCNP were significantly correlated to NYHA classification and echocardiographic derived parameters of cardiac function.</p>