PS-204 The Utility Of N-terminal Pro-brain Natriuretic Peptide In Assessment Of Respiratory Distress In Term Neonates

• Published in: Archives of disease in childhood Vol. 99; no. Suppl 2; p. A186
• Main Authors: Markovic-Sovtic, G, Kosutic, J, Jankovic, B, Sovtic, A, Bojanin, D, Rakonjac, Z
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: London BMJ Publishing Group LTD 01.10.2014
• Subjects: Blood; Brain natriuretic peptide; Cardiovascular diseases; Children; Congestive heart failure; Control Groups; Coronary artery disease; Echocardiography; Etiology; Lung diseases; Neonates; Newborn babies; Peptides; Radiography
• ISSN: 0003-9888; 1468-2044
• DOI: 10.1136/archdischild-2014-307384.502

Background and aimsThe N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NTpro-BNP) is used to differentiate congestive heart failure and lung disease in children and adults. The aim of our study was to determine its utility in the assessment of respiratory distress (RD) in term neonates. We sought to find out whether it can distinguish cardiac from pulmonary aetiology of respiratory distress in term neonates.MethodsThe NT pro-BNP level was determined in 60 neonates admitted for RD. They were further divided in two subgroups: 37 with congenital heart disease (CHD) and 23 with pulmonary disease. The control group consisted of 30 neonates with no signs of RD. Findings of auscultation, chest radiography, Silverman score and echocardiography were recorded for each patient. Blood samples for determining NT pro-BNP levels were obtained on admission, when blood sampling was indicated for the clinical management of the newborn.ResultsThe RD group, regardless of aetiology, showed significantly higher levels of NT- pro BNP than the control group (p < 0.001). Neonates with more severe RD had significantly higher level of NT-pro BNP (p = 0.002). No significant difference was found between neonates with RD due to CHD and those with RD due to pulmonary disease.ConclusionsTerm neonates with RD have significantly higher NT-pro BNP levels than healthy neonates. Higher level of NTpro-BNP indicates more severe RD. A single measurement of NT pro-BNP leve lcannot be used as the sole biomarker for distinguishing between cardiogenic and noncardiogenic aetiology of RD in term neonates.