NT-proBNP Levels and Cardiopulmonary Function in Children with Sickle Cell Disease.
Publication Date
2020
Journal Title
Pediatr Pulmonol
Abstract
Patients with Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) are living longer and subsequently more apt to develop cardiopulmonary dysfunction. NT-proBNP levels have been used in adults with SCD to assess for pulmonary hypertension and mortality. While the incidence of PH is low in pediatrics, it is reasonable to presume that NT-proBNP levels can be used to assess risk for the development of cardiopulmonary morbidity. We hypothesized that NT-proBNP levels would be increased in patients with SCD compared to age-adjusted healthy children; additionally, these levels would be associated with labs indicative of hemolysis and would demonstrate evidence of obstructive lung disease and cardiac dysfunction. We retrospectively evaluated patients with SCD, 8-18 years old, at a large, tertiary care children's hospital. NT-proBNP levels were assessed in correlation with hemolytic lab work, spirometry, and echocardiographic data. The age group 8-14 years old, 75% of our cohort's population, had a median NT-proBNP of 70pg/mL, greater than their age-adjusted counterparts (52pg/mL). NT-proBNP levels were associated with an increased degree of hemolysis when compared with hemoglobin (Hb) [r = -0.43, p < 0.0001], reticulocyte count [r = 0.25, p = 0.01] and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels [r = 0.47, p < 0.0001]. An inverse trend was found between NT-proBNP and spirometric data. Lastly, a positive correlation was found between NT-proBNP and diastolic left ventricular size [r = 0.28, p = 0.047]. The correlations found suggest that NT-proBNP may be used prospectively to identify patients with SCD at increased risk for the development of cardiopulmonary dysfunction. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Volume Number
56
Issue Number
2
Pages
495-501
Document Type
Article
Status
Faculty
Facility
School of Medicine
Primary Department
General Pediatrics
PMID
DOI
10.1002/ppul.25155