BRAIN NATRIURETIC PEPTIDE AND ATRIAL-NATRIURETIC-PEPTIDE LEVELS IN NORMAL-PREGNANCY AND PREECLAMPSIA

Brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) was increased in many hypertensive sub jects. In this study, we have evaluated maternal, umbilical plasma and amniotic fluid BNP and atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) in 19 normote nsive pregnant women and in 35 preeclamptic patients. The maternal pla sma and umbilical cord plasma ANP (p < 0.05) and BNP (p < 0.005) level s were significantly higher than those in normal pregnancy. There was no significant correlation among ANP level, BNP level, clinical sympto ms and laboratory examinations. It is suggested that ANP and BNP may b e rather a sequel to preeclamptic pathophysiological changes, and may not play an important role as the etiological factor of preeclampsia.