A new approach to the interpretation of B-type natriuretic peptide concentration in children with congenital heart disease

Abstract Objectives BNP is the unique cardiac marker that reflects not as much degree of heart muscle damage, but mostly severity hemodynamic disorder, which important in congenital disease. The only disadvantage this barely studied reference values for children. It known younger child is, higher value will be. By shifting from interpreting absolute towards application zlog-transformed data clinical practice, we can overcome above problems. Methods We performed an age-adjusted zlog transformation concentration. age dependence was accounted by a piecewise linear interpolation logarithms concentration among healthy children different groups age. Results measured 351 patients (under 1 year old) with various diseases. median at time testing 52 days [10; 166]; weight 4.1 kg [3.2; 6.2]. conditions investigated included almost all diseases, well primary tumors. After transformation, eliminated age-dependence, proved comparing concentrations two univentricular and biventricular hemodynamics. Conclusions disease disorders, objective, age-independent clear mechanism be used to interpret marker.