Drug Utilization Pattern in Heart Failure Patients and Its Correlation With NT-Probnp Levels in a Tertiary Care Hospital
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Abstract
Introduction: The management of HF has evolved significantly with the introduction of novel therapeutic agents and biomarker-guided strategies. NT-proBNP (N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide) guided therapy reduces cardiovascular events and improves clinical outcomes compared to symptom-based management alone. Tertiary care centers generally demonstrate higher utilization rates of novel therapies, and analysis of those drug utilization patterns will help to identify prescription gaps and opportunities for quality improvement interventions. Aim & Objective: To analyze prognostic marker NT-proBNP level in heart failure patients and analyze the usage of conventional and new drug therapy utilization in heart failure patients and also to assess the NT-proBNP guided drug therapy in heart failure patients. Materials & Methods: A cross-sectional study was started after getting IHEC approval (22/281) in a Tertiary health center. 367 OP/IP Case sheets of heart failure patients investigated for the NT-proBNP levels was collected from MRD, the following details like Age, Gender, Diagnosis, and Laboratory levels of serum NT-proBNP, Drug Therapy were noted. The data was analyzed using frequency distribution. Results: Diuretic use (100%) proves their fundamental role in managing congestion, consistent with current guidelines. ARB/ACE inhibitors usage peaking at 69% in the moderate high NT-proBNP group (1000-5000 pg/ml) but declining to 35% in patients with severely elevated levels (>5000 pg/ml). The adoption of newer evidence-based therapies remained disappointingly low around 2-3%. Discussion & Conclusion: The observed underutilization of guideline-directed therapies, in patients with severely elevated NT-proBNP, represents a missed opportunity for disease modification. Implementing NT-proBNP-guided treatment protocols could facilitate therapeutic response and clinical outcomes.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Dr. A. Umamaheswari, Dr. K. Bhuvaneswari, Ms. Shayna Femy
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