title: The natriuretic peptides in cardiovascular medicine.
abstract: Within the last five years, assay systems for measurement of plasma levels of brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) have been approved as a diagnostic aid for heart failure (HF). Similarly, nesiritide, a recombinant form of human BNP, has been approved for the treatment of acutely decompensated HF. Both BNP as a diagnostic test and a therapeutic modality are rapidly becoming integrated into clinical practice. The purpose of this review is to provide a brief overview of the physiology of the natriuretic peptides relevant to their informed clinical use. The current literature regarding the utility of measuring BNP for the diagnosis and management of HF is reviewed and practical recommendations regarding the interpretation of BNP levels are offered. The clinical literature regarding the use of recombinant BNP for the treatment of HF is reviewed, underscoring current gaps in our knowledge regarding the indications for and benefits of this novel agent.
authors.affiliation: Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota 55905, USA. redfield.margaret@mayo.edu
authors.forename: Vijaya K
authors.initials: VK
authors.lastname: Munagala
authors.forename: John C
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Burnett
authors.forename: Margaret M
authors.initials: MM
authors.lastname: Redfield
mesh_terms: D009320:Atrial Natriuretic Factor / Q000502:physiology; D006332:Cardiomegaly / Q000503:physiopathology; D004231:Diuresis / Q000502:physiology; D006333:Heart Failure / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000401:mortality; D006801:Humans; D007668:Kidney / Q000187:drug effects; D009203:Myocardial Infarction / Q000097:blood; D009318:Natriuresis / Q000502:physiology; D045283:Natriuretic Agents / Q000097:blood / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000502:physiology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D020097:Natriuretic Peptide, Brain / Q000097:blood / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000502:physiology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D020098:Natriuretic Peptide, C-Type / Q000502:physiology; D012372:ROC Curve; D016019:Survival Analysis; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014664:Vasodilation / Q000502:physiology; D020257:Ventricular Remodeling
chemical_list: D045283:Natriuretic Agents; D020097:Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; D020098:Natriuretic Peptide, C-Type; D009320:Atrial Natriuretic Factor