Correlation analysis between echocardiographic flow pattern and N-terminal-pro-brain natriuretic peptide for early targeted treatment of patent ductus arteriosus.

Objective: Echocardiographic flow patterns of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) are useful to predict the development of hemodynamically significant ductus in premature infants. N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) concentrations seem to be useful to detect PDA. We investigated how NT-proBNP levels change on the basis of different flow patterns during the first day of life, and whether NT-proBNP might represent a reliable decision tool in PDA management.

Methods: Neonates with gestational age <32 weeks were assessed prospectively, using paired Doppler-echocardiographic evaluation and NT-proBNP values, at T0 (6-24 h of life), and daily until ductal closure.

Results: At T0, NT-proBNP concentrations of 41 neonates correlated to the kind of pattern (p = 0.018) with the highest values in neonates with pulsatile or growing patterns. A value <9854 pg/ml identified neonates with spontaneous closure (sensitivity 71.8%, specificity 100%). Overall, 32 infants needed treatment. Pre-treatment NT-proBNP values increased compared to those at T0, significantly in neonates with growing pattern at T0 (p = 0.001). After treatment, NT-proBNP concentrations decreased compared to pre-treatment values (p = 0.0024), more markedly in the responders than in the non-responders (p = 0.042).

Conclusions: NT-proBNP concentrations at T0 show a good agreement with different flow patterns and represent a useful tool to identify neonates at risk of developing hemodynamically significant PDA.