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Are B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) and N-terminal-pro-BNP useful in neonates?

Department of Neonatology, National Maternity Hospital, Dublin, Ireland

Correspondence to:
Correspondence to:
Eleanor J Molloy
Department of Neonatology, National Maternity Hospital, Holles St, Dublin 2, Ireland; elesean{at}hotmail.com

ABSTRACT
B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) and N-terminal-pro-BNP (NTpBNP) have a major role in screening and diagnosis of cardiac disease and monitoring of the treatment response in children and adults. This review discusses the evidence underpinning the potential benefits of these natriuretic peptides in neonatology. They may serve as a useful adjunct to echocardiography in the diagnosis of patent ductus arteriosus and its response to treatment and the diagnosis of persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn. However, more work is needed to explore the possible roles of BNP/NTpBNP in the management of sepsis and monitoring of cardiac performance in neonates.

Abbreviations: BNP, B-type natriuretic peptide; NTpBNP, N-terminal-pro-BNP; PPHN, persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn

Keywords: preterm infant; sepsis; ventricular function; patent ductus arteriosus; natriuretic peptides; BNP; NT pro-BNP