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: Twenty neonates (gestational age approximately 28.6 weeks and birth weight approximately 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.