B-type and N-terminal Pro-B-type Natriuretic Peptides Are Equally Useful in Assessing Patent Ductus Arteriosus in Very Preterm Infants

Aim: B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) and N-terminal pro-BNP (NTproBNP) have been shown to correlate with the size of the patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) in preterm infants. We investigated whether BNP or NTproBNP was more closely correlated with PDA size.

Methods: This prospective observational study included preterm infants born <32 weeks' gestation who had an echocardiogram performed within the first four days of life. Blood samples were taken simultaneously for BNP and NTproBNP measurements prior to echocardiographic examination.

Results: Of the 60 infants recruited, 58 had complete data sets. The cohort's mean and standard deviation (SD) gestational age was 27(+3) (2(+2)) weeks, the mean (SD) birthweight was 1032 (315) grams, and 46 (79.3%) infants had a PDA with a mean (SD) diameter of 3.2 (0.9) mm. Median and interquartile range (IQR) BNP levels were 486.5 (219-1316) pg/mL for infants with a PDA and 190 (95.5-514.5) pg/mL for infants without a PDA. Median (IQR) NTproBNP levels were 10 858.5 (6319-42 108) pg/mL for infants with a PDA and 7488 (3363-14 227.5) pg/mL for infants without a PDA. Both BNP (R = 0.35, p = 0.0066) and NTproBNP (R = 0.31, p = 0.018) were significantly correlated with PDA size.

Conclusion: BNP and NTproBNP are similarly useful for assessing PDA size in preterm infants.