PLASMA ALPHA-ATRIAL NATRIURETIC PEPTIDE CONCENTRATIONS IN ACUTE RESPIRATORY-FAILURE ASSOCIATED WITH SEPSIS - PRELIMINARY-STUDY

Plasma α-atrial natriuretic peptide (α-ANP) concentrations were measured during mechanical ventilation in nine patients with acute respiratory failure (ARF) associated with sepsis. The relationships between α-ANP and pulmonary hemodynamic variables were examined. A total of 22 measurements of α-ANP and other variables were obtained. The mean plasma α-ANP concentration of 22 measurements was 120.1 ± 79.8 pg/ml (normal 31.7 ± 12.0, mean ± SD). Plasma α-ANP concentrations correlated with mean pulmonary artery pressure (MPAP) (r = .703, p < .01) and pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) (r = .606, p < .01), but not with other variables. These findings suggest that α-ANP elevation may be related to the increases in MPAP and PVR in ARF associated with sepsis.