pleural N-terminal pro-BNP in CHF

Q; What is the utility of measuring pleural N-terminal pro-BNP?


Answer: Excessive diuresis in congestive heart failure (CHF) may make pleural effusion looks exudative. Pleural fluid NT-proBNP has a high degree of correlation in CHF and may have a utility in such situations. 5

#pulmonary
#cardiology



References:

1. Porcel JM. Utilization of B-type natriuretic peptide and NT-proBNP in the diagnosis of pleural effusions due to heart failure. Curr Opin Pulm Med 2011; 17:215. 

2. Kolditz M, Halank M, Schiemanck CS, et al. High diagnostic accuracy of NT-proBNP for cardiac origin of pleural effusions. Eur Respir J 2006; 28:144. 

3. Tomcsányi J, Nagy E, Somlói M, et al. NT-brain natriuretic peptide levels in pleural fluid distinguish between pleural transudates and exudates. Eur J Heart Fail 2004; 6:753. 

4. Porcel JM, Martínez-Alonso M, Cao G, et al. Biomarkers of heart failure in pleural fluid. Chest 2009; 136:671. 

5. Porcel JM, Chorda J, Cao G, et al. Comparing serum and pleural fluid pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) levels with pleural-to-serum albumin gradient for the identification of cardiac effusions misclassified by Light's criteria. Respirology 2007; 12:654.