Brain natriuretic peptide as a cardiotoxicity biomarker in children with hematological malignancies

Aim. Aim of our study was to evaluate BNP as early cardiotoxicity biomarker after completion of chemotherapy in twenty children with hematological malignancies at diagnosis (t=0) and after completion of intensive chemotherapy (t=1). Methods. Demographic data, underlying disease, cumulative anthracyclines dose, measurement of serum BNP and evaluation of systolic function of left ventricle with ejection fraction (EF) and shortening fraction (FS) in both times . Pathological values for EF and FS were found in 4 (20%) and 1 (5%) patient at t=1, while respective values were normal at diagnosis. Results. Mean BNP values at t=0 were 59.09±19-95 pg/mL and differ significantly from values at t=1 (153.22±29-14 pg/mL) (P=0.04). Mean value of EF also differed significantly (75.42±4.11% vs. 69.87±10.51%, P=0.04). No statistic difference was found regarding FS values at both (P=0.102). Conclusion. Present data indicate that anthracyclines related cardiotoxicity is registered in children with hematological malignancies and BNP represents a useful biomarker of myocardial dysfunction.