MONITORING OF CARDIAC NATRIURETIC PEPTIDES DURING DIAGNOSIS, MANAGEMENT, AND TREATMENT OF CARDIAC DISEASES

摘要

In a cardiac monitoring method, at least an inactive natriuretic peptide (22) and an active natriuretic peptide (20) are assayed in a biological sample taken from a patient. Both the inactive and active natriuretic peptides are produced in the patient responsive to cardiac stress. A therapeutic agent (26), such as a synthetic or mimetic natriuretic peptide, is administered to the patient. The administered therapeutic agent substantially interferes with the active natriuretic peptide assay but does not substantially interfere with the inactive natriuretic poetize assay. Kinetics of the administered therapeutic agent are determined based on at least the active natriuretic peptide assay. Cardiac diagnostic information is determined based on at least the inactive natriuretic peptide assay. FIG. 1