title: Natriuretic peptides in children: physiology and clinical utility.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This article reviews the genetics, biochemistry, and physiology of the natriuretic polypeptide family and their receptors; their roles in cardiac, bone, and lipid metabolism in children; and pharmacological agents that utilize the natriuretic polypeptide system.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Clinically, measurements of circulating levels of the natriuretic polypeptides are useful diagnostic and prognostic markers of cardiovascular disease in children. The natriuretic polypeptides also play an important role in growth and body composition. Therapeutic application of the natriuretic polypeptide system may provide new treatments for cardiac, renal, bone, and metabolic disease in children.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The natriuretic polypeptide system has promising clinical utility in the care of pediatric patients with cardiac, renal, bone, and metabolic disease.
authors: Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, University of South Florida and All Children's Hospital, St Petersburg, Florida, USA. alenz@health.usf.edu
authors: Anne M
authors: AM
authors: Lenz