NT-proBNP levels as a predictor of higher left ventricular end-diastolic pressure in children with small perimembranous ventricular septal defect.

Introduction: The decision to close small ventricular septal defect is still controversial. Previous study showed that ventricular dysfunction in adulthood is correlated with small perimembranous ventricular septal defect. N terminal pro B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) is a neurohormone secreted primarily from the ventricles in response to increased left and right ventricular pressure and volume load.