B-type natriuretic peptides in heart failure.
There is increasing interest in the B-type natriuretic peptides in many clinical settings, with most research centered on patients with heart failure. These peptides have a strong negative predictive value in patients suspected of having this diagnosis, but are also known to be powerfully predictive of an adverse outcome. This latter property is particularly important in patients with advanced heart failure, allowing the selection of at-risk individuals for therapies that are in scarce resource. There is also ongoing research into B-type natriuretic peptide as a treatment for decompensated heart failure, as well as in other clinical contexts. This review aims to summarize the contemporary and established data on the B-type natriuretic peptides, with particular emphasis in the context of advanced heart failure.
Gardner
Roy S
RS
Royal Infirmary, Scottish National Advanced Heart Failure Service, Department of Cardiology, Glasgow, UK. rsgardner@doctors.org.uk
Chong
Kwok S
KS
McDonagh
Theresa A
TA