title: Evidence for natriuretic peptides A and B as non-invasive markers in congenital and valvular heart disease.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic utility of natriuretic peptides of type A and B as noninvasive markers in the diagnosis and treatment of congenital and valvular heart disease.
  
  
  METHODS
  Blood samples from 82 patients with various congenital and valvular heart diseases were measured for A and B natriuretic peptide levels and levels compared with those in a reference group of blood donors. Electrochemiluminiscence immunoassay and immunoluminometric essay were used for quantification of natriuretic peptides A and B. Particular reference values in serum or plasma of blood donors were adapted from literature.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Natriuretic peptide levels in cardiac patients were significantly higher than reference levels. The levels of both peptides in blood serum or plasma showed positive correlation with age, gender and disease severity.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Natriuretic peptides are efficient, non-invasive cardiac markers for facilitating diagnosis, management and treatment of valvular heart disease.
authors.affiliation: Department of Clinical Biochemistry and Pathobiochemistry, 2nd Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Faculty Hospital Motol, Prague, Czech Republic. kotaska@email.cz
authors.forename: Karel
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Kotaska
authors.forename: Richard
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Prusa
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D009320:Atrial Natriuretic Factor / Q000097:blood*; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000097:blood; D005260:Female; D006330:Heart Defects, Congenital / Q000097:blood / Q000175:diagnosis*; D006349:Heart Valve Diseases / Q000097:blood / Q000175:diagnosis*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D020097:Natriuretic Peptide, Brain / Q000097:blood*; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D015415:Biomarkers; D020097:Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; D009320:Atrial Natriuretic Factor