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B-type natriuretic peptide: issues for the intensivist and pulmonologist
Jason Phua1, Phua Jason, Tow Keang Lim
1Division of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, National University Hospital, Singapore.
Critical Care Medicine
|September 9, 2005
Summary
B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) and N-terminal pro-BNP (NT-proBNP) are useful heart failure biomarkers but are affected by many conditions. Understanding these confounders is crucial for accurate interpretation in critical illness and pulmonary diseases.
Area of Science:
- Biomarkers
- Critical Care Medicine
- Pulmonary Medicine
Background:
- B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) and N-terminal pro-BNP (NT-proBNP) are established biomarkers for heart failure.
- Their diagnostic utility can be confounded by various non-cardiac conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the literature on the utility of BNP and NT-proBNP as biomarkers.
- To focus on their role and interpretation in critical illness and pulmonary diseases.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of published articles on BNP and NT-proBNP.
- Analysis of factors influencing biomarker levels in intensive care unit settings.
Main Results:
- Elevated BNP and NT-proBNP levels are observed in numerous critical illnesses.
- Conditions include cardiac diseases, shock, pulmonary hypertension, ARDS, PE, COPD, and renal failure.
Conclusions:
- BNP and NT-proBNP elevations occur in heart failure, critical illness, and pulmonary diseases.
- These biomarkers can indicate severity and prognosis in diverse clinical scenarios.
- Clinicians must consider non-cardiac causes for elevated BNP and NT-proBNP.