B-type natriuretic peptide as a marker for sepsis-induced myocardial depression in intensive care patients.

In early stages of septic shock, impaired myocardial function plays an important prognostic role. In this context, B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) has been shown to be a neurohumoral marker for left ventricular dysfunction, because myocardial strain and ischemia both increase BNP concentration. The present study was designed to test if BNP allows for identification of patients at risk for developing sepsis-induced myocardial depression and if an increased concentration of BNP is associated with an adverse outcome in patients with septic shock.In a prospective study, 93 patients with septic shock were divided into one group with normal ventricular function (left ventricular ejection fractio…