N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide: a measure of significant patent ductus arteriosus

Background: B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) is a marker for ventricular dysfunction secreted as a pre-prohormone, pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (proBNP), and cleaved into BNP and a biologically inactive fragment, N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP). Little is known about the clinical usefulness of NT-proBNP in preterm infants. Objective: To evaluate the usefulness of plasma NT-proBNP in diagnosing haemodynamically significant patent ductus arteriosus (hsPDA) in neonates and examine some factors that might affect this. Methods: Infants born at 1.6 mm on two-dimensional echocardiography, along with clinical features of PDA. Results: Forty-nine infants were analysed. Median GA was 30 weeks (range 24–33) and median BW 1220 g (range 550–1950). Eighteen infants with hsPDA had higher day 3 plasma NT-proBNP values (median 32 907 pg/ml; range 11 396–127 155) (p Conclusion: Plasma NT-proBNP level on day 3 is a good marker for hsPDA in preterm infants. Serial measurements of NT-proBNP may be useful in assessing the clinical course of PDA.