Nesiritide (hBNP): a new class of therapeutic peptide for the treatment of decompensated congestive heart failure.
Natriuretic peptides are a family of endogenous peptide hormones with vasodilating, natriuretic, diuretic, and lusitropic properties. Administration of pharmacologic doses of exogenous natriuretic peptides may provide therapeutic benefit in patients with chronic heart failure. In controlled clinical trials, short-term administration of nesiritide (human brain natriuretic peptide) to patients with heart failure is associated with improved resting hemodynamics, modest increases in sodium excretion, evidence of suppression of neurohormonal activation, and improvements in symptoms of heart failure. Additional trials to determine the clinical efficacy and safety of nesiritide are warranted. (c)2001 by CHF, Inc.
Katz
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New York Presbyterian Medical Center, Department of Medicine, Division of Circulatory Physiology, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY 10032.