Pericardial fluid ANP was higher in patients with EF <50% (P=0.017), while BNP was higher in patients with left ventricular dilatation >54 mm (P=0.0168).
Observational (n=22)
Do ANP and BNP levels in pericardial fluid reflect cardiac function in patients undergoing cardiac surgery?
BNP levels in pericardial fluid may serve as sensitive indicators of left ventricular diastolic dysfunction and dilatation in patients with heart failure.
p-value: p=0.0168
BACKGROUND: It is well known that the plasma concentrations of atrial and brain natriuretic peptides, as cardiac hormones, are elevated in heart failure. HYPOTHESIS: Pericardial fluid in patients with various heart diseases contains both natriuretic peptides that are released into the pericardial fluid. However, it is unknown whether these peptides reflect cardiac function in patients with various heart diseases, more than both the peptides in blood. METHODS: Plasma and pericardial fluid samples were obtained from 22 patients undergoing cardiac surgery for the measurement of atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) and brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels in plasma and pericardial fluid. RESULTS: The ANP levels in pericardial fluid were higher in patients with impaired left ventricular systolic function (ejection fractionor=50%; 77.0+/-4.9 versus 14.0+/-50.9, p=0.017), but not BNP.However, BNP levels in pericardial fluid were significantly higher in patients with left ventricle dilatation (left ventricular diastolic dimension54 mm; 130.3+/-68.9: 709.7+/-324.7, p=0.0168). Moreover, BNP levels in pericardial fluid were significantly higher in Grade III than Grade II and I (Grade I: echo-free space10 mm). CONCLUSION: These results suggest that BNP levels in pericardial fluid served as more sensitive and accurate indicators of left ventricular diastolic dysfunction, and that increased BNP levels in pericardial fluid may have an important pathophysiologic role in heart failure as a cardiocyte-derived antifibrotic factor.
Watanabe et al. (2009) conducted an observational in Heart failure (n=22). Pericardial fluid ANP and BNP levels vs. Normal cardiac function was evaluated on Left ventricular systolic function and left ventricular dilatation (p=0.0168). Pericardial fluid ANP was higher in patients with EF <50% (P=0.017), while BNP was higher in patients with left ventricular dilatation >54 mm (P=0.0168).