Elevated urinary NT-proBNP after pharmacological closure of patent ductus arteriosus in very low birth weight infants.

BACKGROUND

Hemodynamically significant patent ductus arteriosus (hsPDA) complicates the clinical course of preterm infants and contributes to increased morbidity and mortality. NT-proBNP is indicative of the effects of hsPDA on clinical and cardiac status of patients.

AIMS: The aim of this study was to evaluate the value of urinary NT-proBNP and NT-proBNP/creatinine ratio in follow-up of hsPDA.

STUDY

DESIGN

Urinary NT-proBNP and NT-proBNP/creatinine ratio (UNBCR) were measured and correlated with the presence of hsPDA. Measurements were performed in 92 neonates on postnatal days 14 and 28 by ELISA methodology. Of 92 neonates, 22 required therapeutic interventions.

RESULTS

Infants treated for hsPDA showed significant higher levels of urinary NT-proBNP and UNBCR on postnatal day 14 whereas similar results were determined on postnatal day 28. Cut-off level of NT-proBNP was 567pg/mL with a sensitivity of 79% and a specificity of 71%.

CONCLUSION

Our data showed that NT-proBNP and UNBCR levels as non-invasive and powerful methods in preterm infants may help clinicians to determine the effects of hsPDA on clinical and cardiac status of the patients even with first measurement on day 14.