title: Understanding the clinical biochemistry of N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide: the prerequisite for its optimal clinical use.
abstract: With the introduction of the first rapid, fully automated assay for N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (Nt-proBNP) determination, clinical laboratories are now able to transfer a number of preliminary information derived from pilot research experiences to the context of clinical cardiology. Some confounding factors may, however, affect the interpretation of the Nt-proBNP test and its clinical value. The objective of this review is to highlight and discuss these potentially confounding variables.
authors.affiliation: Laboratorio Analisi Chimico Cliniche 1, Azienda Ospedaliera Spedali Civili, Brescia, Italy. panteghi@bshosp.osp.unibs.it
authors.forename: Mauro
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Panteghini
authors.forename: Aldo
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Clerico
mesh_terms: D000367:Age Factors; D009320:Atrial Natriuretic Factor / Q000097:blood / Q000378:metabolism; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000032:analysis; D000939:Epitopes / Q000276:immunology; D006331:Heart Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D007118:Immunoassay; D020097:Natriuretic Peptide, Brain / Q000097:blood / Q000378:metabolism; D009419:Nerve Tissue Proteins / Q000097:blood* / Q000378:metabolism; D010446:Peptide Fragments / Q000097:blood* / Q000378:metabolism; D011379:Prognosis
chemical_list: D015415:Biomarkers; D000939:Epitopes; D009419:Nerve Tissue Proteins; D010446:Peptide Fragments; C109794:pro-brain natriuretic peptide (1-76); D020097:Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; D009320:Atrial Natriuretic Factor