Comparable increase of B-type natriuretic peptide and amino-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide levels in patients with severe sepsis, septic shock, and acute heart failure*

Abstract

In patients with severe sepsis or septic shock, BNP and N-terminal pro-BNP values are highly elevated and, despite significant hemodynamic differences, comparable with those found in acute HF patients. It remains to be determined how elevations of natriuretic peptide levels are linked to inflammation and sepsis-associated myocardial dysfunction.