Cardiac troponin T and N-terminal-pro-B type natriuretic peptide reflect myocardial function in preterm infants

Abstract

Background: Cardiovascular compromise is increasingly recognized in preterm infants. Currently, echocardiography is the best tool to assess myocardial contractility and guide management. Elevated levels of cardiac troponin T (cTnT) and N-terminal-pro-B type natriuretic peptide (NTpBNP) are associated with poor myocardial contractility and low cardiac output in adults. Objective: To examine the range of cTnT and NTpBNP in preterm infants, to correlate NTpBNP and cTnT with echocardiographic markers of cardiac function and to assess the influence of antenatal and postnatal factors on these biochemical markers. Study Design: Plasma concentrations of cTnT and NTpBNP were measured in infants <1500..