Association between natriuretic peptides and C-reactive protein with frailty in heart failure: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Heart failure (HF) and frailty are accompanied by a bidirectional relationship, sharing common risk factors including elevated levels of natriuretic peptides and inflammation. The aim of this study was to compare biomarkers associated with poor clinical outcomes, that is, plasma brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), N-terminal-pro B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), and C-reactive protein (CRP) in patients with HF and frailty vs. patients with HF without frailty.

From inception until July 2023, PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library a systematic literature search was conducted. To evaluate whether frailty is linked with greater levels of BNP, NT-proBNP, and CRP, a meta-analysis using a random-effects model was used to calculate the pooled effects (CRD42023446607).

Fifty-three studies were included in this systematic review and meta-analysis. Patients with HF and frailty displayed significantly higher levels of BNP (k = 11; SMD: 0.53, 95%CI 0.30–0.76, I² = 86%, P < 0.01), NT-proBNP (k = 23; SMD: 0.33, 95%CI 0.25–0.40, I² = 72%, P < 0.01), and CRP (k = 8; SMD: 0.30, 95%CI 0.12–0.48, I² = 62%, P < 0.01) vs. patients with HF without frailty. Using meta-regression, body mass index (BMI) and age were deemed potential moderators of these findings.

Frailty in HF is linked to increased concentrations of BNP, NT-proBNP, and CRP, which have been epidemiologically associated with adverse outcomes. The increased risk of NYHA III/IV classification further emphasizes the clinical impact of frailty in this population.