The Association between N-terminal Pro-Brain Natriuretic Peptide Levels in the Umbilical Vein and Amniotic Fluid Volume Abnormalities.
Purpose The amniotic fluid volume (AFV) is known as a predictor for the wellness of a fetus. We aimed to investigate whether N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NTproBNP) levels reflect AFV abnormalities in otherwise normal fetuses. Methods We recruited 24 women with isolated oligohydramnios, 23 women with isolated polyhydramnios, and 36 women with normal AFV at a tertiary referral center. NT-proBNP levels in umbilical venous samples and the individual characteristics of the three groups were compared. One-way ANOVA and Kruskal-Wallis analysis of variance were used for multi-group comparisons of continuous variables. When a significant difference was detected, the Scheffe test was performed as a post-hoc analysis. Proportions were compared using the Chi-square (χ2) test. Results Maternal age, body mass indices, weight gained in pregnancy and NT-proBNP levels were similar among the three groups. Apgar scores at 1 and 5 minutes significantly correlated with NT-proBNP levels in all newborns (Spearman's r = 0.23; p = 0.03 and Spearman's r = 0.24; p = 0.02, respectively). The umbilical venous NT-proBNP levels did not differ between newborns who needed mechanical ventilation and those who didn't (p = 0.595). Conclusions NT-proBNP is a biomolecule that may provide insights into the pathogenesis of fetal circulatory problems and subsequent renal failure. Further investigations are warranted.
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Zekai Tahir Burak Women's Health Care, Training and Research Hospital, Ankara, Turkey.
Ali Ozgur
AO
Ersoy
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Zekai Tahir Burak Women's Health Care, Training and Research Hospital, Ankara, Turkey.
Sibel
S
Ozler
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Zekai Tahir Burak Women's Health Care, Training and Research Hospital, Ankara, Turkey.
Efser
E
Oztas
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Zekai Tahir Burak Women's Health Care, Training and Research Hospital, Ankara, Turkey.
Ebru
E
Ersoy
Department of Biochemistry, Ataturk Education and Research Hospital, Ankara, Turkey.
Merve
M
Ergin
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Zekai Tahir Burak Women's Health Care, Training and Research Hospital, Ankara, Turkey.
Salim
S
Erkaya
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Zekai Tahir Burak Women's Health Care, Training and Research Hospital, Ankara, Turkey.
Dilek
D
Uygur
D000328:Adult; D000653:Amniotic Fluid; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D005260:Female; D005312:Fetal Blood; D006801:Humans; D020097:Natriuretic Peptide, Brain / Q000097:blood*; D010446:Peptide Fragments / Q000097:blood*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011446:Prospective Studies; D014471:Umbilical Veins
D010446:Peptide Fragments; C109794:pro-brain natriuretic peptide (1-76); D020097:Natriuretic Peptide, Brain