title: NT-proBNP Levels Improve the Ability of Predicting a Hemodynamically Significant Patent Ductus Arteriosus in Very Low-Birth-Weight Infants.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  A hemodynamically significant Patent ductus arteriosus (HsPDA) in premature infants is known to be associated with significant morbidity. Recently brain natriuretic peptides and superior mesenteric artery (SMA)-resistive indices have been used to effectively diagnose HsPDA.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To assess the sensitivity and specificity of N-terminal proBNP (NT-proBNP) in predicting an HsPDA diagnosed by clinical and echocardiographic criteria including pulsatility index (PI) of SMA.
  
  
  METHODS
  All preterm neonates <1500 g were evaluated with echocardiograms and NT-proBNP levels on the 3(rd) to 5(th) day of life and then every week until the echo showed either a closed PDA or non-HsPDA.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Sixty-nine babies with mean gestational age of 27 weeks were included in the study. NT-proBNP levels were significantly higher in the HsPDA group (n=22) with a mean±SEM of 24420±3190 compared to 3072±332 in the non-HsPDA group (n=47) (P<0.001). NT-pro BNP level of 5900 pg/ml had 96% sensitivity and 90% specificity of predicting HsPDA.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  With frequently changing hemodynamics in low-birth weight infants, including NT-proBNP and PI of SMA improve the ability of assessing the effects of a HsPDA and will help timing of intervention.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pediatrics, Brookdale University Hospital and Medical Center; Childrens Hospital of Michigan, Pediatric Cardiology, MI, USA ; Department of Pediatrics, Childrens Hospital of Michigan, Pediatric Cardiology, MI, USA.
authors.forename: Sujatha
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Buddhe
authors.forename: Sarita
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Dhuper
authors.forename: Roger
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Kim
authors.forename: Laya
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Weichbrod
authors.forename: Eman
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Mahdi
authors.forename: Nishant
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Shah
authors.forename: Sashi
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Kona
authors.forename: Myron
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Sokal
keywords: Brain natriuretic peptide; patent ductus arteriosus; premature infants
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