Evidence for natriuretic peptides A and B as non-invasive markers in congenital and valvular heart disease.

AIM The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic utility of natriuretic peptides of type A and B as noninvasive markers in the diagnosis and treatment of congenital and valvular heart disease. METHODS Blood samples from 82 patients with various congenital and valvular heart diseases were measured for A and B natriuretic peptide levels and levels compared with those in a reference group of blood donors. Electrochemiluminiscence immunoassay and immunoluminometric essay were used for quantification of natriuretic peptides A and B. Particular reference values in serum or plasma of blood donors were adapted from literature. RESULTS Natriuretic peptide levels in cardiac patients were significantly higher than reference levels. The levels of both peptides in blood serum or plasma showed positive correlation with age, gender and disease severity. CONCLUSIONS Natriuretic peptides are efficient, non-invasive cardiac markers for facilitating diagnosis, management and treatment of valvular heart disease.