Diagnostic value of N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide levels in pediatric patients with ventricular septal defect

AbstractBackground and aimThe plasma concentrations of N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) can reflect the cardiac functions in patients with cardiac diseases. Our aim is to assess the value of NT-proBNP in the diagnosis of heart failure and evaluation of cardiac functions in pediatric patients with ventricular septal defect (VSD).Patients and methodThe study comprised 40 children with VSD (mean age 12±5months) and 20 healthy children as a control group. Detailed echocardiographic examination was performed and the level of NT-proBNP level was measured.ResultsThe plasma level of NT-proBNP was significantly higher in patients with VSD than in control subjects (P<0.05). Also, it was significantly increased in VSD patients with congestive heart failure (CHF) than those without heart failure (P