Comparison of mass spectrometry and clinical assay measurements of circulating fragments of B-type natriuretic peptide in patients with chronic heart failure.

Background: Multiple B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) fragments circulate in patients with heart failure (HF) but the types and relative quantities, particularly in relation to bioactive BNP 1-32, remain poorly defined. The purpose of the study was to relate clinically available BNP values with quantitative information on the concentration of pre-secretion and post-processed fragments of BNP detected by mass spectrometry.

Methods And Results: Seventy Class I-IV patients were prospectively enrolled with blood drawn into tubes containing a preservative to protect against BNP degradation.