Normal values of B type natriuretic peptide in infants, children, and adolescents

Abstract

Plasma BNP concentrations in newborn infants are relatively high, vary greatly, and decrease rapidly during the first week of life. In children older than 2 weeks, the mean plasma concentration of BNP is lower than in adults. There is a sex related difference in the second decade of life, with higher BNP concentrations in girls. BNP concentrations in girls are related to pubertal stage.