摘要：To test the utility of the bedside p.a.ma concentration of B-type natriuretic peptide (BNp) assay as a screen for patent ductus arteriosus (p.a. in premature neonates. Study design: Newborn infants admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) had paired echocardiography and BNp measurements at enrollment and every 4 to 5 days. Results: Twenty neonates (gestational age ～ 28.6 weeks and birthweight ～ 1161 g) had 81 paired echocardiography and BNp determinations. BNp ranged from 5 to 3900 pg/mL. Fifty-six of 81 echocardiograms showed p.a. Significant correlations were found between BNp.a.d ductal size and degree of shunting. Correlation was greater in infants >2 days of age. BNp >300 pg/mL predicted significant p.a. whereas BNp < 105 pg/mL predicted absence of significant p.a. Conclusion: Bedside measurement of BNp correlates with magnitude of p.a.in premature newborns, particularly beyond day 2, and may be useful in guiding diagnostic and management strategies.