Comparison of NT-proCNP and CNP plasma levels in heart failure, diabetes and cirrhosis patients

► NT-proCNP circulates at higher concentrations than CNP, allowing a direct assay. ► Plasma NT-proCNP was higher in CHF, diabetes and cirrhosis with respect to controls. ► In CHF the NT-proCNP concentration showed a significant increase as a function of clinical severity. ► CNP assay resulted better associated with disease than NT-proCNP assay in all the different clinical conditions. ► NT-proCNP determination could become widespread in clinical biochemistry laboratories.