Objective    To observe the influence of recombinant human brain natriuretic peptide (rhBNP) treatment on serum C-reactive protein (CRP) level in patients with congestive heart failure.     Methods    Forty patients with congestive heart failure (NYHA class Ⅳ)were divided into experimental group (n=20) receiving rhBNP and control group (n=20) receiving isosorbide dinitrate.  Blood pressure and central venous pressure were observed and hypersensitive CRP was checked before and one week after treatment in both groups.     Results    No obvious change of blood pressure at each time point was found after BNP treatment (systolic blood pressure: P=0.804; diastolic blood pressure: P=0.492) while significant decrease of CVP was noted (P=0.016). Serum CRP level was significantly decreased one week after BNP treatment (10.1±7.4 mg/L vs 7.7±5.0 mg/L; P=0.013) in experimental group

obviously different from that in the control group (P=0.044). hsCRP change was positively related to CVP change (Pearson correlation: 0.469

P=0.043).     Conclusion    Brain natriuretic peptide effectively decreases serum C-reactive protein level in the patients with congestive heart failure

indicating its possible role in relieving inflammation in heart failure.