ADMA and NT pro-BNP are Associated with Overall Mortality in Elderly.

BACKGROUND: Increased asymmetrical dimethylarginine (ADMA) and NT pro-BNP concentrations have been associated with mortality in patients with cardiovascular (CV) disease and the general population. The use of these prognostic markers in an older population is not established yet. The aim of the present study was to investigate the prognostic value of age, sex, BMI, co-medication, and CV laboratory risk markers in geriatric care patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this prospective observational single-centre cohort study data of long-term geriatric care patients were collected. Blood samples were collected between 14.09.2009 to 16.12.2009 and mortality was recorded up to 90 months. ADMA, its symmetric isomer SDMA, L-arginine, NT pro-BNP, and CRP were determined at study entry. Simple associations of risk factors for survival period were explored by Spearman correlation coefficient. Significant univariate predictors for survival period were used in the Cox-proportional hazard model.

RESULTS: 481 patients were screened, and data from 449 patients were analyzed. 381 patients died during the observation period. Full data sets from 344 patients were used for Cox-regression analysis. Male sex, older age, lower BMI, use of neuroleptic medicine, peripheral artery disease, and elevated plasma concentrations of ADMA, NT-pro BNP, and CRP were significant predictors of mortality.

CONCLUSION: The concentration of ADMA and NT pro-BNP may be used as an early risk marker for overall mortality in geriatric care. Neuroleptic medicine is associated with increased mortality in this population. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.