The Serum Level Of Brain Natriuretic Peptide In Congestive Heart Failure

Objective To study the serum level of brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) in patients with congestive heart failure (CHF) and assess the value of BNP.Methods The serum levels of BNP and ANP were determined in 40 childern with CHF and 40 normal children by enzyme-linked immnoabsorbent assay.Results The BNP serum level began to increase before heart failure (p<0.01),and reach the highest level during CHF (p<0.01). There was also significant increase during the period of recovery. The BNP levels were significantly different during every stage of CHF(p<0.01). The similar results were determined in ANP. The ratio of BNP/ANP was very significantly higher than that in normal children. There was very significant increase in positive rate of BNP than ANP during CHF(p<0.05).Conclusion The BNP and ANP serum levels were significantly higher (former even higher) in children with CHF. It was closely related to the severity of heart failure. BNP level has more sensitivity and specificity than ANP in diagnosis of CHF.