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Brain natriuretic peptide in term pregnancy
Ladin Yurteri-Kaplan1, Shelley Saber, Stacy Zamudio
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Hackensack University Medical Center, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey--New Jersey Medical School, Hackensack, NJ, USA. ladinyurterikaplan@gmail.com
Reproductive Sciences (Thousand Oaks, Calif.)
|May 2, 2012
Summary
Serum brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels in term pregnant patients are similar to non-pregnant women. These normal BNP ranges are influenced by pre-pregnancy factors and maintained throughout gestation.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Physiology
- Reproductive Endocrinology
- Biomarker Research
Background:
- Brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) is a key cardiac biomarker.
- Understanding normal BNP ranges during pregnancy is crucial for clinical interpretation.
- Physiological changes in pregnancy can affect cardiac function and biomarker levels.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish the normal range of serum brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) in uncomplicated, singleton, term pregnant individuals.
- To investigate correlations between BNP levels and physiological parameters during late pregnancy.
Main Methods:
- Serum samples were collected from 104 term pregnant patients upon admission to labor and delivery.
- Brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels were analyzed prior to intravenous fluid administration.
- Statistical analysis included correlation and comparison between demographic groups.
Main Results:
- The median serum BNP was 20 pg/mL (IQR 20 pg/mL; range 5-70 pg/mL).
- BNP negatively correlated with pre-pregnancy weight, pregnancy weight, and heart rate.
- BNP levels were higher in Hispanic women compared to African American women, independent of BMI and heart rate.
Conclusions:
- Serum BNP levels in term pregnant patients are comparable to those in non-pregnant women of reproductive age.
- Pre-pregnant conditions appear to set BNP levels, which are maintained despite significant cardiovascular changes during pregnancy.
- These findings provide a reference range for BNP in late pregnancy.
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