Clinical relevance of time course of BNP levels in neonates with congenital heart diseases

► BNP was evaluated in neonates and infants with (or without) congenital heart defects. ► BNP levels increased in the first days of life in both patients and controls. ► Thereafter, BNP showed stable high values in patients, but a decrease in controls. ► Diagnostic accuracy of BNP assay increases from birth to second week of life. ► Age-dependent decision values of BNP assay are recommended in the first weeks of life.