Current opinion in critical care
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This review discusses the physiology of natriuretic peptides as a group and brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) in more detail. It will also highlight implications for the use of the natriuretic peptides in the diagnosis and treatment of patients with cardiovascular disease. ⋯ Current data suggest that single and serial plasma measurement of BNP concentrations is a useful tool in the diagnosis and risk stratification of patients with heart disease. Nesiritide, the human recombinant form of BNP, is a new promising parenteral treatment in decompensated heart failure.