BACKGROUND: N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (ntproBNP) is an established marker of heart failure in adult cardiology. We analyzed nt-proBNP in the circulation of fetuses with increased volume load secondary to anemia and investigated the effect of treatment on nt-proBNP concentration. METHODS: Fetuses undergoing intrauterine transfusion (IUT) were examined. nt-proBNP was measured before IUT and correlated with hemoglobin concentrations, ultrasonographic findings, and Doppler measurements of the peak systolic velocity of the middle cerebral artery (MCA-PSV). RESULTS: A total of 27 patients (7 with hydrops) and 78 controls were examined. nt-proBNP was markedly elevated in anemia (P < 0.001). Concentrations were highest in hydropic fetuses (P < 0.03); no differences were present in hemoglobin and MCA-PSV values between hydropic and nonhydropic cases. In fetuses undergoing multiple IUTs nt-proBNP normalized after the third IUT, whereas hemoglobin and MCA-PSV remained abnormal. CONCLUSION: Levels of circulating nt-proBNP correlate well with the degree of myocardial workload in the hyperdynamic state of fetal anemia. We hypothesize that normalization of nt-proBNP after serial transfusions is an indicator of myocardial adjustment to chronic anemia. nt-proBNP measurement may be useful in the management of fetal anemia, particularly in cases at risk of hydrops and fetuses requiring multiple transfusions.
BACKGROUND: N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (ntproBNP) is an established marker of heart failure in adult cardiology. We analyzed nt-proBNP in the circulation of fetuses with increased volume load secondary to anemia and investigated the effect of treatment on nt-proBNP concentration. METHODS: Fetuses undergoing intrauterine transfusion (IUT) were examined. nt-proBNP was measured before IUT and correlated with hemoglobin concentrations, ultrasonographic findings, and Doppler measurements of the peak systolic velocity of the middle cerebral artery (MCA-PSV). RESULTS: A total of 27 patients (7 with hydrops) and 78 controls were examined. nt-proBNP was markedly elevated in anemia (P < 0.001). Concentrations were highest in hydropic fetuses (P < 0.03); no differences were present in hemoglobin and MCA-PSV values between hydropic and nonhydropic cases. In fetuses undergoing multiple IUTs nt-proBNP normalized after the third IUT, whereas hemoglobin and MCA-PSV remained abnormal. CONCLUSION: Levels of circulating nt-proBNP correlate well with the degree of myocardial workload in the hyperdynamic state of fetal anemia. We hypothesize that normalization of nt-proBNP after serial transfusions is an indicator of myocardial adjustment to chronic anemia. nt-proBNP measurement may be useful in the management of fetal anemia, particularly in cases at risk of hydrops and fetuses requiring multiple transfusions.