N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide level as a screening tool for cardiac involvement in paediatric diseases of extracardiac origin

摘要

Serum concentrations of N-terminal natriuretic pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) correlate well with the severity of cardiac disease in children and adults. There are also paediatric illnesses of extracardiac origin that may cause deterioration of the cardiac function in some patients (pts). A high NP level can signify a concomitant cardiac involvement in respiratory distress, or secondary to a systemic disease.