Comparison Between Urocortin 2 and Brain Type Natriuretic Peptide as a Biomarker in Patients With Acute Heart Failure

Heart failure (HF) is a clinical syndrome with symptoms and/or signs caused by a structural and/ or functional cardiac abnormality and corroborated by elevated natriuretic peptide levels and/or objective evidence of pulmonary or systemic congestion. (1) .The pathophysiology of HF is a complex interplay of genetic and multiple molecular mechanisms (from inflammation to hormonal pathways) performing in the composite network of the cardiovascular system environment. (2).

Monitoring of biomarkers in HF can be used to make an initial diagnosis, to aid in prognostic stratification, and to identify a patient's response to therapeutic intervention. (3).

Natriuretic peptide (NP) concentrations are quantitative plasma biomarkers for the presence and severity of haemo-dynamic cardiac stress and heart failure. (4). That facilitate renal filtration and sodium excretion whilst suppressing the vasoconstrictor sodium, retaining Renin angiotensin aldosterone system and exerting a tonic anti-trophic effect. (5). But the natriuretic peptide levels are significantly affected by weight, the NT- proBNP in obese subjects is much lower than normal weight subjects. (6). Other factors that affect BNP levels including gender, age and renal disease