OBJECTIVEOverseas research has shown the value of brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) in the diagnosis and treatment of heart failure in children. However, a reference range of BNP values is lacking, limiting its clinical application. This study was designed to determine a reference range for children aged 1 to 16 years.

METHODSPlasma BNP (BNP32, NT-proBNP) concentrations were measured in 190 healthy children (95 boys and 95 girls) using an enzyme immunoassay. Their age ranged from 1 to 16 years (mean=10.6 +/- 4.2 years).

RESULTSThe mean plasma concentration of BNP32 in 190 children was 51.89 +/- 48.36 pg/mL, with the 10th and the 90th percentile rank of 27.00 pg/mL and 75.00 pg/mL respectively. The mean plasma concentration of BNP32 in girls was 60.33 +/- 62.91 pg/mL, and 44.22 +/- 27.14 pg/mL in boys, but no statistical differences were found. The mean plasma concentration of NT-proBNP in 190 children was 246.04 +/- 67.27 fmol/mL. The girls had slightly higher plasma NT-proBNP levels than the boys, but there were no statistical differences between them. Neither plasma BNP32 concentration nor NT-proBNP concentration was related to age.

CONCLUSIONSThis study first reported a reference range of BNP values for healthy Chinese children aged 1-16 years. Both age and gender are not related to BNP values.