The ontogeny of biochemical markers of cardiac dysfunction.
OBJECTIVE
Biochemical markers are available to detect cardiac involvement in many pediatric disease states and should be considered.


RESULTS
Analyses of three markers are readily available in clinical laboratories for improved diagnosis.


CONCLUSIONS
Increased workload of the heart has been associated with the release of biochemical markers (natriuretic peptides and cardiac enzymes) that indicate that a new genetic program has been activated and maladaptation is occurring in the atria, ventricles, or both. This review summarizes those that have been identified in fetal and pediatric practice. The expression of such markers is traced from early embryonic development to fetal life, to the neonate, to childhood, and then to adult life.
Huhta
James C
JC
Department of Pediatrics, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida 33701, USA. huhfam@aol.com
Asante-Korang
Alfred
A
Serrano
Maria
M
Gudur
Suma
S
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D009320:Atrial Natriuretic Factor / Q000097:blood* / Q000235:genetics; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000097:blood; D002648:Child; D006084:Graft Rejection / Q000097:blood; D006331:Heart Diseases / Q000097:blood* / Q000196:embryology / Q000235:genetics; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D009080:Mucocutaneous Lymph Node Syndrome / Q000097:blood / Q000150:complications; D020097:Natriuretic Peptide, Brain / Q000097:blood* / Q000235:genetics; D051437:Renal Insufficiency / Q000097:blood / Q000150:complications; D018805:Sepsis / Q000097:blood / Q000150:complications; D020107:Troponin T / Q000097:blood*
D015415:Biomarkers; D020107:Troponin T; D020097:Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; D009320:Atrial Natriuretic Factor