B-type natriuretic peptide: diagnostic and therapeutic applications in infants and children.

The natriuretic peptide system plays an active role in the regulation of fluid balance and systemic vascular resistance. Peptides of the natriuretic system produced through recombinant DNA technology are now available for clinical use including both atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) and brain-type natriuretic peptide (BNP). Assays of BNP are available and may be used for both diagnostic and prognostic purposes in various clinical scenarios. The basic physiology of the natriuretic peptide system is presented, applications of BNP monitoring as a diagnostic tool are reviewed, and reports regarding the use of recombinant BNP in the pediatric population are discussed.