B-type natriuretic peptide in pediatrics.
OBJECTIVE
There has been growing interest in the use of serum B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) and the N-terminal segment of its pro-hormone (NT-proBNP) as biomarkers for cardiac disease. The aim of this review is to summarize the current state of knowledge regarding BNP and NT-proBNP measurement in the pediatric population.


METHODS
A computerized literature search on the National Library of Medicine was done and all articles including BNP and pediatrics were selected and discussed.


RESULTS
The data from several studies suggest that the measurement of BNP may be useful in diagnosing and managing pediatric heart failure, congenital heart disease, cardiac transplantation and patients on chemotherapy. There are difficulties in establishing appropriate reference ranges in children.


CONCLUSIONS
There is insufficient evidence for the routine use of BNP or NT-proBNP. Further research to clearly define the clinical utility in the pediatric age group is eagerly anticipated.
Davis
Gershwin K
GK
Department of Paraclinical Sciences, Faculty of Medical Sciences, The University of the West Indies, Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex, Champs Fleurs, Trinidad, West Indies. gershwindavis@yahoo.com
Bamforth
Fiona
F
Sarpal
Amrita
A
Dicke
Frank
F
Rabi
Yacov
Y
Lyon
Martha E
ME
D002648:Child; D006801:Humans; D020097:Natriuretic Peptide, Brain / Q000097:blood* / Q000737:chemistry / Q000502:physiology; D010372:Pediatrics; D011487:Protein Conformation
D020097:Natriuretic Peptide, Brain