# NT-proBNP as a Predictive and Prognostic Biomarker for Complications in Hypertensive Pregnancy Disorders

## TL;DR

NT-proBNP is a useful and affordable biomarker for predicting complications in hypertensive pregnancy disorders, especially when combined with other tests.

## Contribution

NT-proBNP provides independent and complementary value to the sFlt-1/PlGF ratio in predicting maternal-fetal complications in HDP.

## Key findings

- NT-proBNP levels were significantly higher in preeclampsia compared to non-PE HDP and controls.
- NT-proBNP ≥200 pg/mL independently predicted maternal-fetal complications with 80% sensitivity and 71% specificity.
- Combining NT-proBNP with sFlt-1/PlGF improved prediction accuracy for complications.

## Abstract

Background/Objectives: Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) remain a significant cause of maternal and perinatal morbidity worldwide. In some healthcare settings, access to angiogenic testing is limited, underscoring the need for affordable biomarkers to guide risk assessment. NT-proBNP, a marker of myocardial wall stress and cardio-renal dysfunction, may offer complementary prognostic value to the angiogenic sFlt-1/PlGF ratio. Methods: In this prospective multicenter observational study, we enrolled 180 pregnant women and categorized them into preeclampsia (PE, n = 95), non-PE HDP (gestational or chronic hypertension, n = 25), and healthy controls (n = 60). NT-proBNP and sFlt-1/PlGF levels were measured at enrollment, after 20 weeks of gestation, predominantly during the second and third trimesters. Associations with proteinuria, uric acid, creatinine, and maternal–fetal complications were examined using multivariable logistic regression adjusted for maternal age, BMI, and gestational age. Discrimination was assessed using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis, and the incremental value of NT-proBNP beyond the sFlt-1/PlGF ratio was evaluated using ΔAUC and net reclassification improvement (NRI). Results: Median NT-proBNP levels were significantly higher in PE compared with non-PE HDP and controls (p < 0.01). NT-proBNP ≥200 pg/mL independently predicted maternal–fetal complications (adjusted OR 3.12, 95% CI 1.41–6.90, p = 0.005) and correlated with proteinuria (r = 0.47), creatinine (r = 0.43), and uric acid (r = 0.40) (all p < 0.001). sFlt-1/PlGF alone yielded an AUC of 0.84 (95% CI 0.77–0.89), while NT-proBNP alone demonstrated an AUC of 0.78 (0.71–0.84). Combining both biomarkers improved discrimination (AUC 0.88, 95% CI 0.82–0.92), with a ΔAUC of 0.04 (p = 0.02) and a continuous NRI of 0.21 (p = 0.03). The 200 pg/mL threshold for NT-proBNP achieved 80% sensitivity and 71% specificity (p < 0.001). Conclusions: NT-proBNP provides independent and complementary prognostic value to the sFlt-1/PlGF ratio in predicting maternal–fetal complications in HDP. A practical threshold of 200 pg/mL aids risk assessment, and integrating NT-proBNP into angiogenic models improves prediction. Further multicenter studies are needed to validate multimarker strategies and their cost-effectiveness.