Can plasma B-type natriuretic peptide levels predict need for mechanical ventilation after injury?

To link to full-text access for this article, visit this link: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.amjsurg.2010.07.038 Byline: Brian D. Vander Werf, John Watt, Bellal Joseph, Julie Wynne, Narong Kulvatunyou, Terence O'Keeffe, Randall S. Friese Keywords: B-type natriuretic peptide; Outcomes; Trauma; Injury; Fluid resuscitation; Mechanical ventilation Abstract: B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) is a neurohormone released from cardiomyocytes in response to volume expansion and increased ventricular wall distension. Increased plasma BNP levels are associated with mortality in critically ill patients cared for in medical intensive care units (ICUs). Additionally, plasma BNP levels may serve as a biomarker for excessive fluid resuscitation after injury. The utility of plasma BNP levels as a prognosticator of outcomes after injury has not been previously described. The purpose of this study was to describe the change in plasma BNP levels over the first 48 hours after injury and determine if there was a correlation between plasma BNP levels and clinical outcomes. Author Affiliation: Division of Trauma, Critical Care & Emergency Surgery, University of Arizona College of Medicine, Tucson, AZ, USA Article History: Received 11 March 2010; Revised 13 July 2010 Article Note: (footnote) This study was supported by grant T35HL007479 from the National Institutes of Health (Bethesda, MD).