| Abstrakt: |
This article focuses on the clinical usefulness of B-type natriuretic peptide measurement. The identification of natriuretic peptides led to an explosion of basic and clinical investigations to clarify their physiology, pathophysiologic role in heart failure, and clinical usefulness. The natriuretic peptide family comprises atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP), BNP, C-type natriuretic peptide, and D-type natriuretic peptide. ANP and BNP are synthesised in the heart. At present, there are four BNP assays commercially available for routine clinical practice. BNP can be assayed by a rapid fluorescence immunoassay, an enzyme immunoassay, or a chemiluminescent immunoassay, and NT-proBNP can be measured by an electrochemiluminescent assay. |
