Dynamic changes and its clinical significance of N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide in patients with major trauma

Objective To detect the dynamic change of N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) in patients with major trauma and measure its relation to the outcome.Methods Sixty patients with major trauma were measured with serum NT-proBNP level at 1,3,and 7 days postinjury.According to the prognosis,the patients were allocated to survival group (n =47) and death group (n =13).Changes in NT-proBNP was detected and compared between the two groups.Correlation of NT-proBNP level with acute physiology and chronic health evaluation Ⅱ (APACHE Ⅱ) and ISS was analyzed at each time point.Receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) was developed to determine the prognostic value of NT-proBNP.Results Overall NT-proBNP level revealed no statistical difference at each time point and kept within normal reference range.NT-proBNP level in death group increased gradually,whereas in survival group the increase was followed by a reduction.Moreover,NT-proBNP level was higher in death group than in survival group at each time point.Area under the ROC of NT-proBNP had no statistical difference with that of APACHE Ⅱ and ISS at each time point.Conclusions Obviously high or continuously increased NT-proBNP level may indicate an unfavorable prognosis of major trauma patients.NT-proBNP can be used as a marker to dynamically predict prognosis of major trauma patients. Key words: Multiple trauma;  N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide;  Prognosis