Utility of N-terminal (NT)-Brain Natriuretic Peptide (proBNP) in the Diagnosis and Prognosis of Pregnancy Associated Cardiovascular Conditions: A Systematic Review

Cardiovascular disease includes many diseases such as heart failure, cardiomyopathy, valvular disease, pericardial disease, peripheral vascular disease, rheumatic heart disease, and vascular disease to name a few. Cardiovascular disease in pregnancy is on the rise especially with women being pregnant at an older age. Brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) could be a factor in determining the severity. BNP is elevated in heart failure. This study will attempt to determine the relationship between BNP and pregnancy outcomes in women with heart failure. A keyword combination search was performed using varying databases. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were implemented and relevant articles were obtained to formulate ideas to support the topic. BNP, the amino acid peptide, is secreted by both atrial and ventricular monocytes. BNP and N-terminal (NT)-pro hormone BNP (NT-proBNP) are elevated in heart failure and seen in pregnant women alike. Within six to 12 weeks it returns to normal levels. Normal levels were shown to have good pregnancy outcomes in that the baby is healthy with normal birth weight and the mother is free of cardiovascular complications, whereas at elevated levels the pregnancy outcome was not favorable. NT-proBNP, when elevated in the pregnant patient, is a predictor of poor pregnancy outcomes, especially in patients with precursors. Testing for this peptide in pregnant women during the early stages of pregnancy could help determine the best course of action for a better outcome.