Serum Levels of Natriuretic Peptides in Children before and after Treatment for an Atrial Septal Defect, a Patent Ductus Arteriosus, and a Coarctation of the Aorta—A Prospective Study

Background and Objectives . We evaluated and compared the influence of treatment for atrial septal defect (ASD), patent ductus arteriosus (PDA), and coarctation of the aorta (CoA) on serum levels of N-terminal proatriopeptide and N-terminal probrain natriuretic peptide. Correlations between peptide levels and echocardiographic measurements were calculated. Patients and Methods . Peptide levels were measured and echocardiography performed before and 6–12 months after treatment in 21 children with ASD, 25 with PDA, 15 with CoA, and 76 control children. Results . ANPN levels were higher than in controls at baseline in all patient groups, and NT-proBNP in patients with ASD and PDA. Both peptide levels were elevated 6 months after treatment and decreased thereafter. Peptide levels were higher in patients with volume than pressure overload. They correlated with echocardiographic measurements. At the 6-month follow-up, dimensions of the originally overloaded ventricle had normalized only in patients with PDA. Conclusions . After intervention, peptide levels decrease but normalization takes over 6 months. The type of correlation between peptide levels and echocardiography varies according to the loading condition. Measurement of peptide levels can be used for monitoring the course of a patient's heart disease.