Relationship between pericardial fluid B-type natriuretic peptide and ventricular structure and function.

摘要

BACKGROUND: We undertook this study to investigate the levels of pericardial B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) and its relationship with ventricular structure and function. METHODS: Pericardial and plasma BNP concentrations were measured in 18 patients with congenital ventricular septal defect. RESULTS: The mean level of BNP in the pericardial fluid (324.8+/-137.3 pg/mL) was higher than the plasma (20.8+/-6.1 pg/mL) (p=0.03). Pericardial BNP was correlated with the plasma BNP (r=0.85, p<0.01). A good correlation was also found between the pericardial BNP and left atrial diameter, left ventricular end-diastolic and end-systolic diameter, left ventricular ejection fraction, right ventricular diameter and pulmonary artery systolic pressure (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The levels of BNP in pericardial fluid were higher than in the plasma. Similar to plasma BNP, pericardial BNP is also related to the ventricular structure and function.