Serum BNP levels are associated with malignant pericardial effusion

Abstract

Introduction The development of malignant pericardial effusion indicates a poor prognosis and is the leading cause of cardiac tamponade. The objectives of the study were to examine the levels of BNP in traumatic, malignant and non-malignant pericardial effusion etiologies, and to assess the value of serum and pericardial fluid BNP levels in the prognosis of malignant pericardial effusion. Methods A of 56 patients with clinical and echocardiographic diagnosis of pre-tamponade or tamponade who required pericardiocentesis were included in the study. BNP levels were assessed in the serum and within the pericardial fluid. The diagnostic value of BNP levels in discriminating between malignant and non- malignant etiology of pericardial effusion was examined using a receiver-operating characteristic (ROC). Results Pericardial fluid BNP levels were similar across all etiology groups. In patients with malignant etiology, the amount of pericardial fluid was high and their serum BNP levels were relatively low. BNP levels were strong predictors of malignant pericardial effusion, and the cut-off point of BNP ≤ 250 pg/ml demonstrated the highest sensitivity (90.0%) for malignant etiology. Conclusions Low serum BNP levels were significantly associated with malignancy in patients undergoing pericardiocentesis for pericardial effusions. Serum BNP levels <250 pg/ml may trigger more extensive diagnostic testing for malignant pericardial effusion in patients with small pericardial effusion who are not considered for pericardiocentesis due to small effusion, in whom the etiology is unclear.

Predictive value of a nomogram model for adverse outcomes in very low birth weight infants with patent ductus arteriosus: A prospective study

“…Echocardiography is the gold standard bedside investigation to diagnose PDA, which can be used to estimate shunt volume and assess its hemodynamic significance and can also help in assessing the hemodynamic impact from pulmonary overcirculation and systemic hypoperfusion due to shunt volume ( 12 – 14 ). B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) is synthesized and secreted by the ventricular myocardium and is used in the diagnosis and management of congestive heart failure ( 15 – 17 ). N-terminal proBNP (NT-proBNP), which is cleaved by proBNP, has a longer half-life than BNP and is therefore preferred for clinical use ( 18 , 19 ).…”

Development and validation a simple scoring system to identify malignant pericardial effusion

“…With the help of some auxiliary tools, this gray area can be reduced, which is helpful to achieve a clear diagnosis ( 7 ). Previous studies have shown that some laboratory indicators, such as various tumor markers, vascular endothelial growth factor, and serum BNP ( 8 – 10 ), have certain value in the differential diagnosis of benign and malignant PE. But the diagnostic accuracy still needs to be improved, and some new markers have not been widely used in clinical practice.…”