The use of B-type natriuretic peptide and N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide concentrations to guide diagnosis and treatment of patent ductus arteriosus in preterm infants

The high morbidity and compliments of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) in preterm infants are reported, but the diagnostic and prognostic appraisal of PDA is still debatable. The B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) and N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) are found efficient in diagnosis of hemodynamically significant patent ductus arteriosus (hsPDA) in preterm infants, and also helpful in therapy decisions and prediction of treatment response. However, the type of assay and cut-off values have not yet reached a consent, so that further researches are needed. Key words: Natriuretic peptide, brain/ME; Ductus arteriosus, patent/DI/TH; Infant, premature; Review