Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 17, 2025
Hemodynamic Precision in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit using Targeted Neonatal Echocardiography
Published on: January 27, 2023
Correlation between pulmonary to systemic flow ratio and N-terminal Pro-B-type natriuretic peptide level in children
Li-Chin Liao1,2,3,4,5, Yun-Yu Chen6,7,8,9, Yun-Ching Fu4,10,11
1Doctoral Program in Translational Medicine, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan.
Introduction:
Atrial septal defect (ASD) increases pulmonary to systemic flow ratio (Q p/Q s) which is an important determinant factor for treatment. N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) levels are correlated with volume overloading of the heart. This study aims to explore the relationship between Q p/Q s and NT-proBNP levels in children with ASD.
Materials And Methods:
Between January 2010 and December 2023, 464 patients under 20 years old with ASD who underwent cardiac catheterization and received NT-proBNP test were enrolled retrospectively. Baseline characteristics such as sex, body weight, and age were recorded. Q p/Q s was measured during standardized right heart catheterization according to Fick principle.
Results:
A significant positive correlation existed between NT-proBNP and Q p/Q s (R = 0.507, P < 0.001), with an R 2 of 0.258. The linear regression model indicates that a one-unit (pg/ml) increase in NT-proBNP corresponded to a 0.003-unit increase in Q p/Q s (P < 0.001). Patients with a Q p/Q s ratio ≥ 2 had significantly higher NT-proBNP levels than those with a ratio <2 (P < 0.001).
Conclustion:
This study, the largest cohort to date, reveals the correlation between non-invasive NT-proBNP level and invasive Q p/Q s measurement in children with ASD.
