Markovic-Sovtic, Gordana (55159695800)Gordana (55159695800)Markovic-SovticKosutic, Jovan (55928740700)Jovan (55928740700)KosuticJankovic, Borisav (7005898688)Borisav (7005898688)JankovicBojanin, Dragana (56060584100)Dragana (56060584100)BojaninSovtic, Aleksandar (16234625700)Aleksandar (16234625700)SovticRadojicic, Zoran (6507427734)Zoran (6507427734)RadojicicRakonjac, M. Zorica (57189368551)M. Zorica (57189368551)Rakonjac2025-06-122025-06-122014https://doi.org/10.1111/ped.12258https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-84901919953&doi=10.1111%2fped.12258&partnerID=40&md5=969437afe67c94a8551f048224a3c8f5https://remedy.med.bg.ac.rs/handle/123456789/8808Background N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) is used as a biomarker to differentiate congestive heart failure from lung disease in adults and children. The clinical significance of its use in term neonates has not yet been extensively studied. Methods NT-proBNP level was measured in 62 term neonates admitted for respiratory distress (RD): 38 with congenital heart disease (CHD) and 24 with pulmonary disease. The control group consisted of 28 healthy neonates. Findings of auscultation, chest radiography, Silverman-Anderson score and echocardiography were recorded for each patient. Blood samples for measuring NT-proBNP were collected on admission, when blood sampling was indicated for the clinical management of the newborn. Results In the control group NT-proBNP was significantly higher during the first week of life compared to the rest of the neonatal period (P < 0.001). The RD group, regardless of etiology, had significantly higher NT-proBNP than the control group (P < 0.001). Neonates with more severe RD had significantly higher NT-proBNP (P = 0.002). No significant difference was found between the RD group with CHD and those with pulmonary disease. Neonates with CHD and myocardial hypocontractility had significantly higher NT-proBNP than those with normal contractility (P = 0.022). Conclusion Term neonates with RD have significantly higher NT-proBNP than healthy neonates. A single measurement of NT-proBNP level cannot be used as the sole biomarker for distinguishing between cardiac and pulmonary cause of RD in term neonates. © 2013 The Authors. Pediatrics International © 2013 Japan Pediatric Society.congenital heart diseaseN-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptidepulmonary diseaserespiratory distressterm neonate