American journal of obstetrics and gynecology
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Am. J. Obstet. Gynecol. · Aug 2005
Comparative StudyEvaluation of B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels in normal and preeclamptic women.
B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) is synthesized in cardiac ventricles in response to volume expansion. This study evaluated BNP levels to determine trends during pregnancy, and to assess BNP as a diagnostic tool in preeclampsia. ⋯ In normal pregnancies, median BNP values are <20 pg/mL, and stable throughout gestation. In severe preeclampsia BNP levels are elevated. This may reflect ventricular stress and/or subclinical cardiac dysfunction associated with preeclampsia.