NPPB and hypertensive disorder: The aim of this study was to assess the association of plasma NT-pro β-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) levels and mediators of HPA axis; cortisol and aldosterone in young obese metabolic syndrome patients with escalating stages of hypertension; normotensive (NT), pre-hypertension (pre-HT) and hypertensive (HT) pediatric patients.