NT-Pro-BNP and echocardiography for the early assessment of cardiovascular dysfunction in neonates with sepsis

To investigate the predictive manner of N-terminal fragment of brain natriuretic peptide (NT-Pro-BNP) and echocardiography in the early assessment of cardiovascular dysfunction (CVD) in neonates with sepsis, we recruited 108 neonates with sepsis in intensive care units and divided them into a sepsis with CVD (sepsis + CVD) group (n = 48) and a sepsis only group (n = 60). Neonates with other infections (n = 65) constituted the control group. Clinical, laboratory, and bedside echocardiography findings were evaluated. Compared to both the sepsis only and control groups, the sepsis + CVD group showed an earlier onset of symptoms [52.94 (0–185.6) h], higher NT-Pro-BNP levels (P = .02), a higher Tei index (0.52 + 0.03; P = .03), and lower ejection fraction (62.61% ± 12.31%, P < .05). Compared to the control group, the sepsis + CVD group exhibited hematogenous etiology (P < .05), lower albumin (ALB) levels (P = .04), lower white blood cell counts (P = .03), a higher high-sensitivity C-reactive protein/ALB ratio, and a larger right-ventricle-inner diameter (10.74 + 2.42 mm; P = .01). CVD in the septic neonates could be predicted by either NT-Pro-BNP levels (cut-off: 12,291.5 pg/L; sensitivity, 80%; specificity, 79%; area under the curve-receiver operating characteristic, 0.81) or Tei index (cut-off: 0.45; sensitivity, 74%; specificity, 77%; area under the curve-receiver operating characteristic, 0.78). NT-Pro-BNP levels and echocardiography can be used to determine early onset of CVD in neonatal sepsis, which facilitates timely pharmacological interventions and treatment.