Study of N-Terminal Pro B-Type Natriuretic Peptide as a Predictor of Severity in Patients with Community Acquired Pneumonia

Abstract

Background: Pneumonia can affect people of all ages and is a major public health problem worldwide. The present study
was undertaken for assessing the role of NT- PRO BNP as predictor of severity in patients with community acquired
pneumonia. Materials & methods: A total of 100 patients with confirmed diagnosis of CAP were enrolled in the present
study. Chest X ray/ CT scan was used for confirming the diagnosis. NT- pro BNP levels were measured within the first 72
hours of hospitalization at the emergency department. Pneumonia severity index (PSI) was calculated. All the results were
recorded in Microsoft excel sheet and were analyzed by SPSS software. Results: Mean NT-pro BNP levels were found to be
1321.91 ng/L. Mortality was seen in 16 percent of the patients. Mean NT-pro BNP levels among patients of grade , Grade 2,
Grade 3, grade 4 and Grade 5 PSI was found to be 469.5 ng/L, 1077.64 ng/L, 1042.74 ng/L, 1269.07 ng/L and 3028 ng/L
respectively. While analysing statistically, significant results were obtained. NT-pro BNP among the patients of the survivor
group was 954.27 ng/L and was found to be significantly lower in comparison to the patients of the non-survivor group
(3252 ng/L). NT-pro BNP among the patients with CURB-65 score of less than 3 was 1112.69 ng/L and was found to be
significantly lower in comparison to the patients of the non-survivor group (2607.07 ng/L). While assessing the correlation
of NT- pro BNP levels with ICU admission, significant results were obtained.Conclusion: NT-proBNP levels correlated
with the clinical severity of the disease. Hence; NT-proBNP levels might be an effective parameter in predicting the disease
course.