B-type natriuretic peptide: issues for the intensivist and pulmonologist.
OBJECTIVE
B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) and N-terminal pro-BNP (NT-proBNP), although promising as biomarkers for heart failure, are affected by multiple confounders. The purpose of this article is to review the literature on the utility of BNP and NT-proBNP as biomarkers, with a focus on their role in critical illness and pulmonary diseases.


METHODS
Published articles on BNP and NT-proBNP.


METHODS
Multiple disorders in the intensive care unit cause elevated BNP and NT-proBNP levels, including cardiac diseases, shock, pulmonary hypertension, acute respiratory distress syndrome, acute pulmonary embolism, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, renal failure, and other conditions.


CONCLUSIONS
Intensivists and pulmonologists should understand that BNP and NT-proBNP levels might be raised to different degrees not only in heart failure but also in critical illness and various pulmonary diseases; in these situations, BNP and NT-proBNP may also serve as markers of severity and prognosis.
Phua
Jason
J
Division of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, National University Hospital, Singapore.
Jason
Phua
P
Lim
Tow Keang
TK
Keang
Lim Tow
LT
Lee
Kang Hoe
KH
Hoe
Lee Kang
LK
D015415:Biomarkers / Q000097:blood*; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000097:blood; D006801:Humans; D007362:Intensive Care Units; D020097:Natriuretic Peptide, Brain / Q000097:blood*; D010446:Peptide Fragments / Q000097:blood*; D015272:Pulmonary Medicine
D015415:Biomarkers; D010446:Peptide Fragments; C109794:pro-brain natriuretic peptide (1-76); D020097:Natriuretic Peptide, Brain