Normal amino-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) values in amniotic fluid

Area of Science:

• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Maternal-Fetal Medicine
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) produced by fetal membranes maintains uterine quiescence.
• Established reference values for NT-proBNP in amniotic fluid across gestation are lacking.
• This study investigates NT-proBNP concentrations in amniotic fluid during normal pregnancy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the range of fetal NT-proBNP values in amniotic fluid.
• To establish gestational age-specific reference ranges for NT-proBNP.
• To explore the potential of NT-proBNP as a predictor of preterm delivery risk.

Main Methods:

• Amniotic fluid samples were collected from 218 women with singleton gestations.
• Exclusion criteria included multiple gestation, chorioamnionitis, infection, and specific fetal conditions.
• NT-proBNP concentrations were measured using the automated Elecsys® proBNP assay.

Main Results:

• A significant decline in amniotic fluid NT-proBNP concentrations was observed with increasing gestational age.
• Data were collected from 17 to 41 weeks of gestation.
• The study analyzed 218 amniotic fluid samples.

Conclusions:

• Gestational age is a critical factor in interpreting NT-proBNP values in amniotic fluid.
• The established data can serve as reference values in fetal medicine.
• The inferior limit of the normal curve may serve as a predictor for preterm delivery risk.