Pulmonary artery diameter and NT-proBNP in patients with Covid-19: Predicting prognosis and mortality

Afr Health Sci. 2023 Jun;23(2):553-564. doi: 10.4314/ahs.v23i2.64.

Abstract

Background: The diverse and complex presentations of COVID-19 continue to impact the world. Factors related to prognosis and mortality are still not fully illuminated.

Objectives: We aimed to asses the relationship of N-terminal pro B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) and main pulmonary artery diameter (MPAD) with COVID-19 prognosis and mortality.

Methods: 152 COVID-19 patients over the age of 18, were included in the study. Thoracic CT, NT-proBNP values, laboratory and demographic data of these patients were obtained by retrospectively examining the patient files and scanning the results through the patient registry.

Results: According to multivariate logistic regression (LR) analysis, high NT-proBNP level (OR=3.542; 95% CI=1.745-9.463; p=0.021) and MPAD/ascending aortic diameter (AAD) ratio>0.75 (OR=2.692; 95% CI=1.264-9.312; p=0.036) were determined as independent risk factors predicting mortality in COVID-19 patients. A significant positive correlation was observed between NT-proBNP level and MPA diameter (r=0.296, p<0.001). The cut-off value was measured as 27.5 mm for MPA diameter and 742 pg/ml for NT-proBNP.

Conclusions: Accurate and effective interpretation of available radiological and laboratory data is essential to reveal the factors predicting prognosis and mortality in COVID-19. In this study,we evaluated that the thorax CTs and determined that the MPAD/AAD and NT-proBNP level were independent risk factors in predicting mortality.

Keywords: COVID-19; MPAD/AAD ratio; NT-proBNP; Pulmonary artery diameter.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Biomarkers
  • COVID-19*
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Natriuretic Peptide, Brain*
  • Peptide Fragments
  • Prognosis
  • Pulmonary Artery / diagnostic imaging
  • Retrospective Studies

Substances

  • pro-brain natriuretic peptide (1-76)
  • Natriuretic Peptide, Brain
  • Peptide Fragments
  • Biomarkers