Among the most promising tests for early detection of congestive heart failure (CHF) are brain natriuretic peptides (BNPs), but it is unclear if homocysteine can aid in differentiating those with and without disease. We attempt to use a combination of tests to reduce the need for echocardiography without missing any cases of CHF. We compared 50 CHF patients with an ejection fraction of less tha...

BACKGROUND/AIMS The association of raised levels of natriuretic peptides with elevated risk of mortality was investigated in the present analysis of the Membrane Permeability Outcome study. METHODS N-terminal probrain type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) was measured in 618 incident haemodialysis patients, randomised to either high-flux or low-flux. Characteristics of patients with NT-proBNP ...

Background: Plasma concentrations of atrial natriuretic peptides are correlated with atrial pressures, as are left ventricular ejection fraction and left ventricular filling abnormalities. Aims: This study investigated the relation of atrial natriuretic peptides to both left ventricular systolic and diastolic function in heart failure. Methods: Plasma concentrations of atrial natriuretic peptid...

INTRODUCTION Increased natriuretic peptides are associated with increased cardiovascular and all-cause mortality for haemodialysis (HD) patients. However, debate continues whether these biomarkers are increased by extracellular water (ECW) excess and can be used to aid clinical assessment of volume status and help determine target weight. METHODS We measured N terminal probrain natriuretic pe...

BACKGROUND Natriuretic peptide concentrations in adults require age- and sex-specific reference intervals for optimal interpretation. Females have higher natriuretic peptide concentrations, and hypotheses suggest that estrogen may be responsible. This study sought to determine the influence of hormone modulation on N-terminal probrain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) by using a pediatric cohort....

BACKGROUND Exercise is associated with changes in circulating B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) and N-terminal-proBNP (NT-proBNP). However, the biological relevance of this phenomenon is poorly examined. We sought to assess determinants of absolute (Δ) and relative (Δ%) exercise-induced changes in BNP and NT-proBNP. METHODS BNP (n = 418) and NT-proBNP (n = 478) at rest and peak exercise were m...

In the 25 years since de Bold et al demonstrated the existence of an atrial natriuretic factor, investigation of the cardiac natriuretic peptides has produced a maturing knowledge base1,2 identifying the cardiac peptides and addressing stimuli for secretion of atrial (ANP) and B-type (BNP) natriuretic peptides, the processing and release of the mature bioactive carboxy terminal peptides, togeth...

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES Measurement of natriuretic peptides may be recommended prior to echocardiography in patients with suspected heart failure. Cut-off point for heart failure diagnosis in primary care is not well established. We aimed to assess the optimal diagnostic cut-off value of N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide on a community population attended in primary care. METHODS ...

BACKGROUND In the absence of ocular target organ damage (ocular-TOD), diagnosis of hypertension is challenging in cats. Biomarkers would provide additional support for the diagnosis of hypertension. HYPOTHESIS Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), N-terminal probrain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), cardiac troponin I (cTnI), and urine protein-to-creatinine ratio (UPC) are predictors of ...