[Usefulness of determining the blood levels of B-type natriuretic peptide in the evaluation of cardiotoxicity in children treated with anthracyclines].

Cardiotoxicity of anthracydines is a serious clinical problem, and it is the main factor limiting their wide use, despite the recognized antineoplastic properties of anthracyclines. Early detection of adverse effects of anthracyclines is therefore very important for proper prevention of congestive heart failure. Current methods of detection of cardiotoxic activity of anthracyclines (ECG, ECHO) are suitable only for fully symptomatic cases. In subclinical damage of the heart these methods are insufficient. Measurement of NT-proBNP has been shown to be a sensitive indicator of cardiac abnormalities. Concentration of NT-proBNP in blood increases very early in response to volume overload of the ventricles of the heart seen in congestive heart failure. Chemical and physical features of NT-proBNP: long half-time in blood, low requirements for sample collection and storage conditions and easy availability of kits for its measurements make NT-proBNP a very good marker of subclinical postanthracycline congestive heart failure.