Plasma C-terminal pro-endothelin-1 and the natriuretic pro-peptides NT-proBNP and MR-proANP in very preterm infants with patent ductus arteriosus.

Background: In very preterm infants, clinical decision-making, such as closing a patent ductus arteriosus (PDA), may be aided by measuring circulating natriuretic and endothelial pro-peptides.

Objectives: To investigate the association between perinatal characteristics, PDA echocardiography and plasma concentrations of stable pro-peptides of B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), atrial natriuretic peptide (MR-proANP) and endothelin-1 (CT-proET-1).

Methods: A prospective, cross-sectional, single-center study was performed in 66 infants who were less than 32 weeks of gestational age.

Plasma copeptin in preterm infants: a highly sensitive marker of fetal and neonatal stress.

Context: Copeptin is a stable by-product of arginine-vasopressin synthesis and reflects its secretion by the pituitary.

Objective: The objective of the study was to investigate perinatal factors affecting copeptin concentrations in preterm infants at birth and at 3 d of life.

Design And Setting: This was a prospective cross-sectional study at two Swiss university hospitals.