Clinical Significance of B-Type Natriuretic Peptide and N-Terminal Pro-B-Type Natriuretic Peptide in Pediatric Patients: Insights into Their Utility in the Presence or Absence of Pre-Existing Heart Conditions

Abstract

The clinical significance of B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) and N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) in pediatric patients remains an area of evolving understanding, particularly regarding their utility in the presence or absence of pre-existing heart conditions. While clear cutoff values and established roles in heart failure are understood in adult patients, pediatric norms vary with age, complicating interpretation. Notably, the emergence of multi-system inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) has highlighted the importance of these markers not only in the detection of acute heart failure but also as a marker of disease severity and even as a differential diagnosis tool. This review summarizes current knowledge on the utility of BNP and NT-proBNP in pediatric patients. Their unique physiology, including circulation and compensation mechanisms, likely influence BNP and NT-proBNP release, potentially even in non-heart failure states. Factors such as dynamic volemic changes accompanying inflammatory diseases in children may contribute. Thus, understanding the nuanced roles of BNP and NT-proBNP in pediatric populations is crucial for the accurate diagnosis, management, and differentiation of cardiac and non-cardiac conditions.