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Updated: Jun 12, 2026
10:05
Testing the Efficacy of Pharmacological Agents in a Pericardial Target Delivery Model in the Swine
Published on: July 7, 2016
During treatment protocol for univentricular heart serum levels of natriuretic peptides decrease.
Anneli Eerola1, Eero Jokinen, Heikki Sairanen
1Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital of Tampere, Tampere, Finland. anneli.eerola@fimnet.fi
Summary
Serum levels of natriuretic peptides, including N-terminal proatriopeptide (ANPN) and N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), decreased in children with univentricular heart (UVH) disease during treatment. However, NT-proBNP levels remained elevated compared to controls, indicating ongoing volume overload.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Cardiology
- Congenital Heart Disease
- Biomarker Research
Background:
- Univentricular heart (UVH) disease requires complex surgical palliation.
- Monitoring hemodynamic status in pediatric UVH patients is crucial.
- Natriuretic peptides are established biomarkers for cardiac stress.
Purpose of the Study:
- To prospectively evaluate serum levels of N-terminal proatriopeptide (ANPN) and N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) in children undergoing treatment for UVH.
- To assess the changes in these peptide levels throughout the treatment protocol.
- To compare peptide levels in UVH patients with healthy controls.
Main Methods:
- Prospective analysis of serum samples from 19 children with UVH at multiple pre-operative time points.
- Cross-sectional measurement of peptide levels in 32 UVH patients (pre-TCPC) and 12 UVH patients (post-TCPC).
- Comparison with age-matched control groups.
Main Results:
- Peptide levels (ANPN and NT-proBNP) decreased between surgical stages (first operation, BDG, pre-TCPC).
- Throughout follow-up, peptide levels remained significantly higher than in controls.
- Post-TCPC, NT-proBNP levels were elevated (median 201 ng/l) compared to controls, with higher levels noted in patients with right ventricle (RV) morphology pre-TCPC.
Conclusions:
- Natriuretic peptide levels decrease during the treatment protocol for UVH, reflecting reduced volume overload.
- Elevated NT-proBNP levels post-treatment suggest persistent hemodynamic challenges.
- These natriuretic peptides can serve as valuable tools for monitoring hemodynamics in pediatric UVH patients.
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