Cord Blood (UCB) and 24 Hours Postnatal (PN-24) Reference Values of B-Type Natriuretic Peptide (BNP) among Elective CS (ECS) Born Healthy Full Term (FT) Neonates

Background: The fetal to neonatal transition is accompanied by lung expansion and lung fluid clearance soon after birth. BNP reference values are available mostly for preterm infants. BNP synthesized predominantly in the cardiac ventricle play an important role in the regulation of ECF volume and postnatal circulatory adaptation. Neonates born via ECS are at higher risk for postnatal transitional failure states like TTN. Reference values of BNPs among healthy FT born via ECS (not in labor) have not been reported.