Investigators at Childrens Hospital Los Angeles have found that unlike adults, levels of serum beta-natriuretic peptide (BNP) do not increase in pediatric trauma patients with serious head injuries. Serum BNP is a hormone produced by the heart. Blood levels of BNP rise as the heart is required to work harder. Recent reports in the medical literature show that BNP increases in adult trauma patients, especially in those with traumatic brain injury and intracranial bleeding. This correlation has led researchers to consider using BNP as a "marker" for traumatic brain injury... 
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