Brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) is a cardiac neurohormone of increasing interest over recent years, with research applications expanding at a rapid rate and new data published on a monthly basis. Initially developed as a diagnostic aid for those with acute shortness of breath, clinical applications are now increasing, and this article reviews these clinical applications of BNP and the evidence for effectiveness of the synthetic BNP analogue nesiritide.
BackgroundThe natriuretic peptides are a family of vasoactive vascular neurohormones whose role in cardiovascular homeostasis has been a subject of great interest in recent years. The two members of the family of most interest, atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) and brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), have been extensively researched, with BNP in particular established as a useful clinical diagnostic and prognostic tool. This review will concentrate on BNP and review the myriad of uses it has taken on in the field of diagnostic chemical pathology, before looking at the role of the synthetic BNP analogue, nesiritide, in the treatment of cardiac failure.