B-type natriuretic peptide: prognostic marker in congenital diaphragmatic hernia

Background B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) has not been evaluated in newborns with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH). We hypothesized that BNP and severity of pulmonary hypertension (PH) would predict clinical outcome in these infants. Methods We measured BNP levels and assessed severity of PH by echocardiography at one day and one week of life. Outcome was classified by status at 56 days (or prior discharge): Good (n=13) if alive on room air and Poor (n=14) if expired or receiving respiratory support. We estimated area under the curve (AUC) and 95% confidence interval (CI). Results BNP levels were higher at one day in newborns with Poor outcome (median 220 pg/mL versus 55 pg/mL, P