NT-proBNP Goal Achievement Is Associated With Significant Reverse Remodeling and Improved Clinical Outcomes in HFrEF

Objectives: This study aims to assess the association between biomarker-guided therapy and left ventricular (LV) remodeling.

Background: In patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), it is unclear if lowering natriuretic peptides reflects structural and functional changes in the heart. This study aims to assess the association between biomarker-guided therapy and left ventricular (LV) remodeling.

Methods: The GUIDE-IT (Guiding Evidence Based Therapy Using Biomarker Intensified Treatment in Heart Failure) Echo Substudy was a multicenter study that randomized 268 patients with HFrEF (EF ≤40%) to either pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP)-guided treatment or usual care. Echocardiograms were performed at baseline and 12 months in 124 patients. Remodeling indices and clinical outcomes were compared between treatment arms and by achievement of the NT-proBNP goal of <1,000 pg/ml at 12 months.

Results: At 12 months, the changes in EF and LV volumes were similar between the biomarker-guided and usual care arms with no difference in clinical outcomes; however, lowering NT-proBNP to <1,000 pg/ml, regardless of treatment strategy, was associated with a significantly greater increase in EF compared with those not reaching goal (9.9 ± 8.8% vs. 2.9 ± 7.9%; p < 0.001) and lower LV volumes. The extent of reverse remodeling correlated with the change in NT-proBNP: a decrease of 1,000 pg/ml was associated with an increase in EF of 6.7% and a reduction in systolic and diastolic volumes of 17.3 ml/m² and 15.7 ml/m², respectively. Adverse events were significantly lower among patients achieving the NT-proBNP goal (p < 0.001).

Conclusions: Among patients with HFrEF, lowering NT-proBNP to <1,000 pg/ml by 12 months was associated with significant reverse remodeling and improved outcomes. A greater reduction in NT-proBNP was associated with more extensive reverse remodeling. (Guiding Evidence Based Therapy Using Biomarker Intensified Treatment [GUIDE-IT]; NCT01685840).