Correlation Between NT-proBNP and Staging of Diabetic Kidney Disease: A Cross-Sectional Study

Correlation Between NT-proBNP and Staging of Diabetic Kidney Disease

Abstract

Background: Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is a prevalent and serious complication of diabetes mellitus, contributing significantly to end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), a biomarker of cardiac stress, has been increasingly recognized for its role in chronic kidney disease (CKD). However, its correlation with the staging of DKD remains underexplored. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between NT-proBNP levels and the staging of DKD in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Subjects and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 200 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and DKD. Patients were stratified into five stages based on the Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) classification. NT-proBNP levels were measured using an electrochemiluminescence immunoassay. The correlation between NT-proBNP and DKD stages was assessed using Spearmans rank correlation coefficient. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to adjust for confounders such as age, gender, body mass index (BMI), and hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c).  Results: The mean age of participants was 58.4 9.8 years, with 60% being male. NT-proBNP levels increased significantly with advancing DKD stages (p < 0.001). A strong positive correlation was observed between NT-proBNP levels and DKD stages (r = 0.72, p < 0.001). Multivariate analysis confirmed that NT-proBNP was independently associated with DKD staging (OR = 1.45, 95% CI: 1.321.59, p < 0.001). Conclusion: This study demonstrates a significant correlation between NT-proBNP levels and the staging of DKD, suggesting that NT-proBNP may serve as a useful biomarker for assessing disease severity in DKD. These findings highlight the potential role of NT-proBNP in the early identification and management of DKD patients at higher risk of cardiovascular complications.