The use of a bedside assay for plasma B-type natriuretic peptide as a biomarker in the management of patent ductus arteriosus in premature neonates

Objective To test the utility of the bedside plasma concentration of B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) assay as a screen for patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) in premature neonates. Study design Newborn infants admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) had paired echocardiography and BNP Measurements at enrollment and every 4 to 5 days. Results Twentty neonates (gestational age similar to 28.6 weeks and birth weight similar to 1161 g) had 81 paired echocardiography and BNP determinations. BNP ranged from 5 to 3900 pg/mL. Fifty-six of 81 echocardiograms showed PDA. Significant correlations were found between BNP and ductal size and degree of shunting. Correlation was greater in infants > 2 days of age. BNP > 300 pg/mL predicted significant PDA, whereas BNP < 105 pg/mL, predicted absence of significant PDA. Conclusion Bedside measurement of BNP correlates with magnitude of PDA in premature newborns, particularly beyond day 2, and may be useful in guiding diagnostic and management strategies.