patients and methods this cross-sectional study included a total of 120 adult predialysis ckd patients. forty patients were allocated in each predialysis ckd group of stages 3, 4, and 5. serum ctnt and hs-crp, plasma nt-probnp, and single spot urine albumin creatinine ratio (acr) were measured. ultrasonographic examination of carotid artery was done with 7.5 mhz linear probe in b mode ultrasono...

Brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) is a peptide hormone secreted by cardiomyocytes in response to atrial or ventricular wall stretch and/or pressure overload. It promotes a number of systemic effects, including vasodilatation, increase in urinary output and sodium excretion, as well as inhibition of the sympathetic nervous system and the renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system. Plasma BNP levels have...