Dehydration with high natriuretic peptide levels! A word of caution

Cardiology. 2011;118(2):75-8. doi: 10.1159/000326855. Epub 2011 Apr 18.

Abstract

B-type natriuretic peptide is secreted primarily by cardiomyocytes in response to increased ventricular or atrial wall stress reflecting volume or pressure overload. The relationship between natriuretic peptides and the severity of heart failure is well established. We present here a case where natriuretic peptide levels were increased due to dehydration in the abscence of renal impairment. Normalization of natriuretic peptide level was achieved by stopping the diuretics and the administration of normal saline.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Atrial Natriuretic Factor / blood*
  • Dehydration / drug therapy*
  • Dehydration / etiology*
  • Diuretics / adverse effects
  • Diuretics / metabolism*
  • Echocardiography
  • Female
  • Hemodynamics
  • Humans
  • Hypertrophy, Left Ventricular / blood*
  • Hypertrophy, Left Ventricular / diagnostic imaging
  • Infusions, Intravenous
  • Natriuretic Peptides / blood
  • Sodium Chloride / administration & dosage*

Substances

  • Diuretics
  • Natriuretic Peptides
  • Sodium Chloride
  • Atrial Natriuretic Factor