The relation between serum level of brain natriuretic peptide and amount of left to right shunt in patients with congenital heart disease

Abstract

Background: In responses to atrial and/or ventricular stretches, natriuretic peptides including atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP), brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), and pro-BNP are produced. In congenital heart diseases with a left-to-right shunts, including atrial septal defect (ASD), ventricular septal defect (VSD), and patent ductus arteriosus (PDA), the levels of BNP in the blood may be utilized as a marker for evaluating the amount of the shunt (Qp/Qs) and the extent of the hemodynamic abnormalities.Methods: This work was performed on 60 individuals ranging in age from 6 months to 18 years old, all infants and children had isolated VSD, ASD or PDA with left to right shunt (diagnosed by Echocardiography) Participants were split in to three groups: ASD: (n= 24). VSD (n= 25). PDA (n= 11). Results: A significant correlation was existed among the Qp/Qs ratio and level of pro BNP in serum (P value = 0.001), the pro-BNP serum level ≥ 125 pg/ml is related to significant Qp/Qs ratio (more than 1.5).Conclusion: Pro Pro-BNP may be utilized as a screening tool to determine the requirement for further intervention for individuals having ASD, VSD, and PDA based on their hemodynamic burden.