LAUSR

Studies on the association of elevated B‐type natriuretic peptide (BNP)/N‐terminal pro‐B‐type natriuretic peptide (NT‐proBNP) level with adverse clinical outcomes have yielded conflicting results in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). This meta‐analysis aimed to assess the prognostic value of BNP/NT‐proBNP level in AF patients. A comprehensive literature search was conducted using PubMed and Embase databases up to July 1, 2020. Studies investigating the association between BNP/NT‐proBNP level and adverse clinical outcomes in patients with AF were eligible. Outcome measures were all‐cause mortality, stroke/systemic embolism, major bleed, and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs). Ten studies recruiting 29 543 patients with AF were included. Elevated BNP/NT‐proBNP level was independently associated with higher risk of all‐cause mortality (risk ratios [RR] 1.92; 95% confidence intervals [CI] 1.50–2.45), stroke/systemic embolism (risk ratio [RR] 2.53; 95% CI 2.00–3.19), and MACEs (RR 2.17; 95% CI 1.89–2.49). However, the association between elevated BNP/NT‐proBNP level and major bleed was not statistically significant (RR 1.14; 95% CI 0.92–1.40). Elevated BNP/NT‐proBNP level is significantly associated with higher risk of all‐cause mortality, stroke/systemic embolism, and MACEs. Determination of BNP/NT‐proBNP level may play an important role in risk stratification of AF patients.