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.