Umbilical arterial N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide levels in preeclampsia, fetal growth restriction, preterm birth and fetal distress.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate fetal cardiopulmonary stress in pregnancies complicated by preeclampsia (PE), fetal growth restriction (FGR), preterm birth (PT), and fetal distress (FD) using umbilical arterial blood N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP).

MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included 146 blood samples that were drawn from umbilical arteries at the time of delivery (20 cases of PE, 11 cases of FGR, 31 cases of PT, 23 cases of FD, and 61 cases of gestational age-matched controls) and analyzed. The main outcome measures included neonatal birthweight, cord pH, and umbilical arterial NT-proBNP.

RESULTS: The umbilical arterial NT-proBNP levels were significantly higher in the PE, FGR, PT, and FD groups than in the control group. The umbilical arterial NT-proBNP levels were negatively correlated with gestational age, birthweight, and umbilical arterial pH.

CONCLUSIONS: Umbilical arterial NT-proBNP levels are elevated in stressful fetal conditions and have the potential to be considered as a marker for fetal cardiopulmonary stress.