Normal Reference Ranges
Adult
< 125 (< 75 yrs) | < 450 (> 75 yrs) pg/mL
Pediatric
< 125 pg/mL
Clinical Significance
The inactive, N-terminal fragment of the prohormone for BNP. Has a much longer half-life (1-2 hours) than BNP, making it often more reliable, though it is more heavily affected by renal dysfunction.
Causes of High
- Heart Failure
- Cor pulmonale
- Pulmonary Embolism
- Renal failure (reduced clearance)
Causes of Low
- Normal finding
- Obesity (can falsely lower)