Utility of Rapid B-Type Natriuretic Peptide Assay for Diagnosis of Symptomatic Patent Ductus Arteriosus in Preterm Infants

Abstract

In preterm infants, the circulating BNP levels correlated well with the clinical and echocardiographic assessments of PDA. Although not a stand-alone test, the rapid BNP assay provides valuable information for the detection of infants with sPDA that require treatment. Moreover, serial BNP measurements may be of value in determining the clinical course of PDA in preterm infants.