Clinical significance of serum N-terminal of the prohormone brain natriuretic peptide level in pregnant hypertensive patients with retinopathy

Serum level of the N-terminal of the prohormone brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) is an important factor in pregnancy-induced hypertension. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the clinical significance of serum NT-proBNP level in pregnant hypertensive patients with retinopathy. Patients divided into gestational hypertension, mild preeclampsia, and serious preeclampsia groups underwent routine fundus examination; each group included 60 patients. Serum NT-proBNP level was concurrently measured by using an immunochromatographic assay. Fundus examination results were generally normal in the gestational hypertension and mild preeclampsia groups. The serum NT-proBNP level was normal or slightly high in these two groups, but without a significant difference (P>0.05). However, in the serious preeclampsia group, fundus lesions were obvious and the serum NT-proBNP level was increased, with a significant difference compared with those in the other groups (P<0.01). When serum NT-proBNP level is increased significantly in patients with pregnancy-induced hypertension, fundus examination should be involved.