The place of brain natriuretic peptide in ascites monitoring and treatment for chronic liver diseases

Objective: The aim of the study was to show the possible relationship between ascites formation and plasma Brain Natriuretic Peptide (BNP) levels, and to determine the importance of that relation for diagnosis and treatment in cirrhosis patients .  Method: Forty-seven cirrhosis patients who had been followed in Akdeniz University Gastroenterology outpatient clinic were enrolled in the study. The proBNP levels and ultrasonographic (USG) ascites levels of the patients had been recorded together with the initial laboratory findings. After a 3-month period, proBNP and ascites levels had been determined in routine controls. Corresponding baseline and control results were evaluated. Results: Plasma proBNP levels were significantly increased in patients with ascites at baseline and control. The baseline group had a proBNP level of 137.04 ± 69 pg / ml (p \u003c0.05), and the control group 160.78 ± 76 pg / ml (p \u003c0.05). Patients in the baseline cirrhosis group with ascites and control cirrhosis patients with increased and unchanged ascites level showed a significant increase in plasma proBNP levels with 140 ± 59.3 pg/ml at baseline and 206.01 ± 61.91 pg/ml after 3 months (p \u003c0.05). Plasma pro BNP level was observed to decrease in patients with decreased ascites level, however. In the group with increased ascites level, proBNP level was 140.2 ± 51pg / ml at the baseline, and 206.1 ± 58 pg / ml after 3 months (p \u003c0.05). ProBNP was identified to be decreased in the ascites group, however, the change was not statistically significant. Conclusions: proBNP levels are significantly higher in patients with initial cirrhosis. There is a significant relationship between the amount of ascites fluid and plasma proBNP levels in cirrhosis patients.Although a numerical decrease in the group with decreased ascites was identified, the change was not statistically significant