N-terminal pro–B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) has been used in the evaluation on heart function in many heart diseases. However, little is known in patients with acute carbon monoxide poisoning (ACOP). Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) can be applied as a preliminary test method to measure the left ventricular function. In the present study, we investigate the clinical significance of NT-proBNP combined with LVEF on heart function in 68 patients with ACOP.

A total of 68 ACOP patients hospitalized were divided into 3 groups: the mild, the moderate, and the severe group. During the same period, 30 healthy volunteers were chosen to represent the control group. The serum NT-proBNP was immediately measured and LVEF was monitored by an echocardiogram within 24 hours after admission. All data were analyzed and compared for the groups investigated.

N-terminal pro–B-type natriuretic peptide showed a significant increase and LVEF a considerable decrease in all 3 clinic groups (P < .01) when compared with the control group. Levels of NT-proBNP are increased and levels of LVEF are decreased when the clinic group changed from mild, moderate, to severe. N-terminal pro–B-type natriuretic peptide is negatively correlated with LVEF (r = −0.955, P = .045). Combined detection of NT-proBNP and LVEF in the diagnosis of heart function was found to be more sensitive compared with the single index after ACOP (χ² = 14.636, P < .05).

There are an increased level of NT-proBNP and a decrease of LVEF, which represents a clear sign of heart malfunction by ACOP. Combined NT-proBNP and LVEF detection technique has a significant advantage in the diagnosis of patients with myocardial contraction function damage after ACOP.