Changes of Brain Natriuretic Peptide and Atrial Natriuretic Peptide in Serum of Children with Congestive Heart Failure

Objective To study the serum level of brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) and atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) in patients with congestive heart failure (CHF) and assess the value of BNP. Methods The serum levels of BNP and ANP were determined by enzyme- linked immnoabsorbent assay.Cardial mdex(CI)and left ventricular election fraction(LVEF)in heart failure stage and period recouery of children with heart failare were determined by Doppler ultrasonography cardiogram. Results The BNP serum levels began to increase before heart failure (P0.01),and reach the highest level during CHF (P0.01). There was also a significant increase during the period of recovery . 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). The correlativi-ty between the plasma levels of BNP, CI and LVEF was better than ANP. Conclusions The serum BNP and ANP levels are significantly high in children with CHF. They are closely related to the degree of heart failure. BNP level has more sensitivity and specificity than ANP.