Evolution of Plasma NT-proBNP Concentrations and Echocardiographic Changes in Cats Followed for ≥5 Years

Abstract:

Background: Long-term longitudinal investigations of relationships between feline [NT-proBNP] and cardiac disease could be informative but are not reported.

Objectives: Evaluate associations between feline plasma [NT-proBNP], echocardiographic findings, and time. Use baseline results to predict the development of cardiomyopathy (CM) in cats.

Methods: Sixty-three cats underwent echocardiography and measurement of plasma [NT-proBNP] twice: at baseline and ≥5 years later. Correlations between [NT-proBNP], echocardiographic findings, and time were investigated. Regression analyses sought to identify predictors of development of CM.

Results: Of 44 cats with normal baseline echocardiograms, 37 remained normal and 7 developed CM. Baseline [NT-proBNP] did not differ significantly between cats that developed CM and those that remained normal. Median [NT-proBNP] increased by 305 pmol/L in 7 cats that developed CM, versus 7 pmol in the other 37 cats . Of 57 cats with baseline [NT-proBNP] < 100 pmol/L, 11 had [NT-proBNP] ≥100 pmol/L at second exam; 6 had developed CM . Fifty-nine cats had negative baseline point-of-care (POC) NT-proBNP; of these, 7 had developed CM on the second exam and all 7 had positive POC NT-proBNP. Only 1/63 cats had baseline [NT-proBNP] ≥100 pmol/L + normal echo, then [NT-proBNP] ≥100 pmol/L + CM at second exam. Both baseline [NT-proBNP] and the amount it increased were significantly associated with CM.

Conclusion: Longitudinal assessments of [NT-proBNP] and echocardiography provide insights into the emergence of feline CM. Baseline [NT-proBNP] and amount of change in [NT-proBNP] are associated with CM .