natriuretic-peptide--brain and Dyspnea

Natriuretic peptides (NPs) encompass a family of structurally related hormone/paracrine factors acting through the natriuretic peptide system regulating cell proliferation, vessel tone, inflammatory processes, neurohumoral pathways, fluids, and electrolyte balance. The three most studied peptides are atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP), brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), and C-Type natriuretic peptide (CNP). ANP and BNP are the most relevant NPs as biomarkers for the diagnosis and prognosis of heart failure and underlying cardiovascular diseases, such as cardiac valvular dysfunction, hypertension, coronary artery disease, myocardial infarction, persistent arrhythmias, and cardiomyopathies. Cardiac dysfunctions related to cardiomyocytes stretching in the atria and ventricles are primary elicitors of ANP and BNP release, respectively. ANP and BNP would serve as biomarkers for differentiating cardiac versus noncardiac causes of dyspnea and as a tool for measuring the prognosis of patients with heart failure; nevertheless, BNP has been shown with the highest predictive value, particularly related to pulmonary disorders. Plasma BNP has been reported to help differentiate cardiac from pulmonary etiologies of dyspnea in adults and neonates. Studies have shown that COVID-19 infection also increases serum levels of N-terminal pro b-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) and BNP. This narrative review assesses aspects of ANP and BNP on their physiology, and predictive values as biomarkers. We present an overview of the NPs' synthesis, structure, storage, and release, as well as receptors and physiological roles. Following, considerations focus on ANP versus BNP, comparing their relevance in settings and diseases associated with respiratory dysfunctions. Finally, we compiled data from guidelines for using BNP as a biomarker in dyspneic patients with cardiac dysfunction, including its considerations in COVID-19.

Topics: Adult; Atrial Natriuretic Factor; Biomarkers; COVID-19; Dyspnea; Heart Failure; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Natriuretic Peptides

B-type (or brain) natriuretic peptide (BNP) is synthesized in cardiac myocytes and released constitutively into the circulation. Pressure/volume overload, neurohumoral factors, cytokines, and ischemia enhance BNP gene expression, and then precursor proBNP is produced. It has been thought that proBNP is cleaved into active BNP molecule and inactive marker molecule NT-proBNP intracellularly by processing enzyme furin, and they are released into the circulation. However, recent studies have shown that considerable amount of uncleaved proBNP circulates in the blood. The commercially available BNP assay kits consist of two antibodies that sandwich the BNP molecule. Therefore, if proBNP is present, BNP assay kit cross-reacts to proBNP and measures it as BNP. Therefore, it should be noted that the current BNP value is proBNP plus BNP. BNP and NT-proBNP have been established as a biomarker for heart failure patients presenting dyspnea. But many pitfalls are present for interpreting the BNP value. For example, the presence of renal dysfunction, age, female sex, atrial fibrillation, inflammation, hyperthyroidism, use of sacubitril/valsartan, and macro-proBNPemia overestimate BNP value, whereas the presence of obesity, immediately after acute coronary syndrome onset, and pericardial effusion underestimate BNP value. In the management for heart failure patients, BNP plays an important role. Therefore, clinicians should note the pitfall of interpretation of BNP and we describe the mechanism involved.

Topics: Atrial Fibrillation; Biomarkers; Dyspnea; Female; Heart Failure; Humans; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Natriuretic Peptides; Peptide Fragments

The performance of B-type natriuretic peptide to accurately diagnose dyspnea of cardiac origin has been widely proved. However, its impact in clinical practice is less clear.. We searched in Epistemonikos, the largest database of systematic reviews in health, which is maintained by screening multiple information sources, including MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane, among others. We extracted data from the systematic reviews, reanalyzed data of primary studies, conducted a meta-analysis and generated a summary of findings table using the GRADE approach.. We identified two systematic reviews including five studies overall, of which all were randomized trials. We concluded the use of B-type natriuretic peptide for the management of acute dyspnea in the emergency setting probably leads to a small reduction in the need for hospitalization. Additionally, it may slightly reduce mortality and intensive care unit admission, but the certainty of the evidence is low.. La exactitud diagnóstica del péptido natriurético cerebral (brain natriuretic peptide - BNP) para diferenciar el origen cardiogénico en pacientes con disnea aguda ha sido probada. Sin embargo, existe poca claridad en relación al impacto que tiene su incorporación en la práctica clínica.. Para responder esta pregunta utilizamos Epistemonikos, la mayor base de datos de revisiones sistemáticas en salud, la cual es mantenida mediante búsquedas en múltiples fuentes de información, incluyendo MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane, entre otras. Extrajimos los datos desde las revisiones identificadas, reanalizamos los datos de los estudios primarios, realizamos un metanálisis, preparamos tablas de resumen de los resultados utilizando el método GRADE.. Identificamos dos revisiones sistemáticas que en conjunto incluyeron cinco estudios primarios, todos correspondientes a ensayos aleatorizados. Concluimos que la incorporación de BNP en el manejo de pacientes con disnea aguda probablemente disminuye levemente la necesidad de hospitalización. Además, podría disminuir levemente la mortalidad y hospitalizaciones en unidad de cuidados intensivos.

Topics: Acute Disease; Databases, Factual; Dyspnea; Emergency Treatment; Heart Diseases; Humans; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic

Transfusion-associated circulatory overload (TACO) is the leading cause of transfusion-related major morbidity and mortality. Diagnosing TACO is difficult because there are no pathognomonic signs and symptoms. TACO biomarkers may aid in diagnosis, decrease time to treatment, and differentiate from other causes of posttransfusion dyspnea such a transfusion-related acute lung injury.. A systematic review of literature was performed in EMBASE, PubMed, the TRIP Database, and the Cochrane Library, from inception to June 2018. All articles discussing diagnostic markers for TACO were included. Non-English articles or conference abstracts were excluded.. Twenty articles discussing biomarkers for TACO were included. The majority investigated B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) and the N-terminal prohormone cleavage fragment of BNP (NT-proBNP), markers of hydrostatic pressure that can be determined within 1 hour. The data indicate that a post/pretransfusion NT-proBNP ratio > 1.5 can aid in the diagnosis of TACO. Posttransfusion levels of BNP less than 300 or NT-proBNP less than 2000 pg/mL, drawn within 24 hours of the reaction, make TACO unlikely. Cut-off levels that exclude TACO are currently unclear. In critically ill patients, the specificity of natriuretic peptides for circulatory overload is poor. Other biomarkers, such as cytokine profiles, cannot discriminate between TACO and transfusion-related acute lung injury.. Currently, BNP and NT-proBNP are the primary diagnostic biomarkers researched for TACO. An NT-proBNP ratio greater than 1.5 is supportive of TACO, and low levels of BNP or NT-proBNP can exclude TACO. However, they are unreliable in critically ill patients. Other biomarkers, including cytokines and pulmonary edema fluid-to-serum protein ratio have not yet been sufficiently investigated for clinical use.

Topics: Blood Transfusion; Critical Illness; Dyspnea; Female; Humans; Male; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Peptide Fragments; Pulmonary Edema; Transfusion Reaction

Biomarkers may help to rapidly differentiate heart failure from noncardiac causes of acute dyspnea. Natriuretic peptides are especially useful for this purpose and should be measured in all patients presenting with acute onset dyspnea. Due to their excellent negative predictive value, a normal serum concentration of natriuretic peptides makes acute heart failure unlikely. Assays exist for B‑type natriuretic peptide (BNP), N‑terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) and midregional pro-atrial natriuretic peptide (MR-proANP) with established cut-offs in the acute setting. Importantly, in patients treated with an angiotensin receptor-neprilysin inhibitor (ARNI), NT-proBNP (or MR-proANP) should be used instead of BNP, since the latter is increased by ARNI treatment. Besides their established diagnostic value in heart failure patients, the measurement of natriuretic peptides provides prognostic information and may help in guiding therapy. Additionally, multiple other biomarkers reflect several pathophysiological processes involved in heart failure patients. Their diagnostic and prognostic impact in heart failure needs to be established.

Topics: Acute Disease; Atrial Natriuretic Factor; Biomarkers; Dyspnea; Heart Failure; Humans; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Peptide Fragments; Prognosis

Congestion is one of the main predictors of poor patient outcome in patients with heart failure. However, congestion is difficult to assess, especially when symptoms are mild. Although numerous clinical scores, imaging tools, and biological tests are available to assist physicians in ascertaining and quantifying congestion, not all are appropriate for use in all stages of patient management. In recent years, multidisciplinary management in the community has become increasingly important to prevent heart failure hospitalizations. Electronic alert systems and communication platforms are emerging that could be used to facilitate patient home monitoring that identifies congestion from heart failure decompensation at an earlier stage. This paper describes the role of congestion detection methods at key stages of patient care: pre-admission, admission to the emergency department, in-hospital management, and lastly, discharge and continued monitoring in the community. The multidisciplinary working group, which consisted of cardiologists, emergency physicians, and a nephrologist with both clinical and research backgrounds, reviewed the current literature regarding the various scores, tools, and tests to detect and quantify congestion. This paper describes the role of each tool at key stages of patient care and discusses the advantages of telemedicine as a means of providing true integrated patient care.

Topics: Aftercare; Disease Progression; Dyspnea; Echocardiography; Edema, Cardiac; Emergency Medical Services; Emergency Service, Hospital; Heart Failure; Hospitalization; Humans; Lung; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Patient Discharge; Peptide Fragments; Plasma Volume; Prognosis; Pulmonary Edema; Telemedicine; Vena Cava, Inferior; Water-Electrolyte Balance; Weight Gain

The rising incidence of and the cost associated with heart failure have made it increasingly imperative to accurately diagnose heart failure upon presentation. Correctly identifying heart failure in an Emergency Department is extremely challenging, and according to estimates, is only confirmatory in approximately 40-50% of patients. For an accurate diagnosis of heart failure and the consequent treatment, there needs to be more accurate test relying on biochemical factors as opposed to general symptoms that patients are experiencing. Natriuretic peptides are now utilized in routine tests for heart disease diagnosis in emergency departments as it is relatively low cost, easy to use and is a quick way to exclude heart failure as a reason for dyspnea. In this review, we detail the role and value of individual natriuretic peptides, particularly BNP, NT-proBNP, and MR-proANP, in diagnosing acute heart failure.

Topics: Atrial Natriuretic Factor; Biomarkers; Dyspnea; Emergency Service, Hospital; Female; Heart Failure; Humans; Male; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Natriuretic Peptides; Peptide Fragments

Acute dyspnea is a frequent cause of access to the Emergency Department. Differentiation between cardiogenic and respiratory causes does not always seem simple and certain, causing a delay in initiating targeted therapies and prolonging the patient's stay in the emergency department. The basic elements for the diagnosis remain the history and the objective examination, supplemented by the execution of an electrocardiogram, a determination of blood parameters and the execution of a chest X-ray. The limits of radiological semeiotics, related to a low sensitivity to high specificity, promote other methods available to the first aid physician. Specifically, the determination of the natriuretic B-type peptide and transthoracic ultrasound is proposed as a method, recognized and validated by the recent letter on the patient bed, relatively easy to execute, fast learning, fast execution and non-invasive (referring to "ultrasound"). The sensitivity and specificity of both methods are high (86.7% and 93%, respectively) in the diagnosis of alveolus-interstitial syndrome, simplifying and accelerating the differential diagnosis of acute dyspnea.

Topics: Acute Disease; Diagnosis, Differential; Dyspnea; Electrocardiography; Emergency Service, Hospital; Humans; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Sensitivity and Specificity; Ultrasonography

B-type natriuretic peptides are markers of myocardial wall stress. BNP or NT-proBNP are used for the differential diagnosis of acute dyspnoe where normal serum concentrations make a cardiac cause unlikely. New data show their importance for risk prediction in different stages of heart failure and in primary prevention. Natriuretic peptide guided therapy improves titration of heart failure medications. Compared to BNP, NT-proBNP is better suited during therapy with the new angiotensin-rezeptor-neprilysin-inhibitor Sacubitril/Valsartan. This review article summarizes current data on the importance of B-type natriuretic peptides for the interface of ambulatory and hospital care and presents recommendations for their practical use in patient care.

Topics: Biomarkers; Dyspnea; Evidence-Based Medicine; Heart Failure; Humans; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Peptide Fragments; Prognosis; Reproducibility of Results; Risk Assessment; Sensitivity and Specificity

Biomarkers have become an integral part of practicing medicine, especially in heart failure. The natriuretic peptides are commonly used in the evaluation of heart failure, but their role extends beyond diagnosis and includes risk stratification and management of heart failure patients. Newer biomarkers have arrived and are becoming part of routine care of heart failure patients. Both ST2 and high-sensitivity troponin have significant prognostic value for mortality, but also may assist in the titration of medical therapy. Procalcitonin can help guide appropriate antibiotic use in patients with heart failure. The ability to appropriately use and interpret these biomarkers is imperative to the care of heart failure patients, especially as these newer biomarkers become widely used.

Topics: Adrenergic beta-Antagonists; Aged; Biomarkers; Calcitonin; Comorbidity; Diagnosis, Differential; Diuretics; Dyspnea; Female; Heart Failure; Humans; Interleukin-1 Receptor-Like 1 Protein; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Patient Discharge; Pneumonia, Bacterial; Prognosis; Severity of Illness Index; Spironolactone; Survival Analysis; Troponin

Acute heart failure (AHF) is one of the most common diagnoses assigned to emergency department (ED) patients who are hospitalized. Despite its high prevalence in the emergency setting, the diagnosis of AHF in ED patients with undifferentiated dyspnea can be challenging.. The primary objective of this study was to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of the operating characteristics of diagnostic elements available to the emergency physician for diagnosing AHF. Secondary objectives were to develop a test-treatment threshold model and to calculate interval likelihood ratios (LRs) for natriuretic peptides (NPs) by pooling patient-level results.. PubMed, EMBASE, and selected bibliographies were searched from January 1965 to March 2015 using MeSH terms to address the ability of the following index tests to predict AHF as a cause of dyspnea in adult patients in the ED: history and physical examination, electrocardiogram, chest radiograph (CXR), B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP), N-terminal proB-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), lung ultrasound (US), bedside echocardiography, and bioimpedance. A diagnosis of AHF based on clinical data combined with objective test results served as the criterion standard diagnosis. Data were analyzed using Meta-DiSc software. Authors of all NP studies were contacted to obtain patient-level data. The Quality Assessment Tool for Diagnostic Accuracy Studies-2 (QUADAS-2) for systematic reviews was utilized to evaluate the quality and applicability of the studies included.. Based on the included studies, the prevalence of AHF ranged from 29% to 79%. Index tests with pooled positive LRs ≥ 4 were the auscultation of S3 on physical examination (4.0, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 2.7 to 5.9), pulmonary edema on both CXR (4.8, 95% CI = 3.6 to 6.4) and lung US (7.4, 95% CI = 4.2 to 12.8), and reduced ejection fraction observed on bedside echocardiogram (4.1, 95% CI = 2.4 to 7.2). Tests with low negative LRs were BNP < 100 pg/mL (0.11, 95% CI = 0.07 to 0.16), NT-proBNP < 300 pg/mL (0.09, 95% CI = 0.03 to 0.34), and B-line pattern on lung US LR (0.16, 95% CI = 0.05 to 0.51). Interval LRs of BNP concentrations at the low end of "positive" results as defined by a cutoff of 100 pg/mL were substantially lower (100 to 200 pg/mL; 0.29, 95% CI = 0.23 to 0.38) than those associated with higher BNP concentrations (1000 to 1500 pg/mL; 7.12, 95% CI = 4.53 to 11.18). The interval LR of NT-proBNP concentrations even at very high values (30,000 to 200,000 pg/mL) was 3.30 (95% CI = 2.05 to 5.31).. Bedside lung US and echocardiography appear to the most useful tests for affirming the presence of AHF while NPs are valuable in excluding the diagnosis.

Topics: Acute Disease; Diagnosis, Differential; Dyspnea; Echocardiography; Electrocardiography; Emergency Service, Hospital; Heart Failure; Humans; Lung; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Peptide Fragments; Physical Examination; Radiography, Thoracic

Cardiac natriuretic peptides (BNP, NT-proBNP) play a pivotal role in cardiovascular homeostasis, mainly due to their roles in vasodilatation, natriuresis, diuresis and due to their antiproliferative properties. Proper measurement of the natriuretic peptide levels may help differentiate between respiratory and cardiac forms of dyspnea, diagnose early forms of heart failure, evaluate severity of heart failure (prognosis) and monitor the efficacy of therapy. In many countries natriuretic peptide levels are being used as one of the earliest diagnostics tools to evaluate the involvement of the heart. Current theoretical and clinical data confirm the importance of natriuretic peptides in routine healthcare. These roles are clearly described in international recommendations and guidelines. In the current review the authors discuss the problems of the measurement of natriuretic peptides in Hungary, including several aspects related to laboratory medicine, cardiology and health economy.

Topics: Acute Disease; Ambulatory Care; Biomarkers; Blood Chemical Analysis; Chronic Disease; Diagnosis, Differential; Direct Service Costs; Dyspnea; Heart Failure; Humans; Hungary; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Natriuretic Peptides; Patient Admission; Patient Discharge; Peptide Fragments; Prognosis; Reagent Kits, Diagnostic; Respiratory Tract Diseases; Severity of Illness Index; Treatment Outcome

Pulmonary hypertension is frequent in advanced chronic respiratory diseases, with an estimated prevalence at the time of pulmonary transplantation of 30-50 % in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, 30-50 % in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, 50 % in combined pulmonary fibrosis and emphysema, 75 % in sarcoidosis, and more than 75 % of cases in pulmonary Langerhans cell histiocytosis. Histologic features include varying degrees of pulmonary arterial remodeling (prominent), vascular rarefaction (emphysema), fibrosis or specific involvement of the pulmonary arteries (idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, sarcoidosis, lymphangioleiomyomatosis, pulmonary Langerhans cell histiocytosis), in situ thrombosis, and frequently associated involvement of the pulmonary veins (idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, sarcoidosis). Pulmonary hypertension is usually detected using echocardiography with Doppler, however right heart catheterisation is required to confirm precapillary pulmonary hypertension defined by pulmonary artery pressure ≥ 25 mm Hg, with pulmonary artery wedge pressure ≤ 15 mm Hg. When present, it is associated with decreased exercise capacity and worse mortality. Pulmonary hypertension in chronic respiratory disease is almost invariably multifactorial; hypoxia is one of its main determinants, however supplemental oxygen therapy rarely reverses pulmonary hypertension. Management of pulmonary hypertension in chronic respiratory disease is mostly based on the optimal treatment of the underlying disease. Available data do not support the use of drug therapies specific for pulmonary hypertension in the setting of chronic respiratory diseases, however very few clinical studies have been conducted so far specifically in this context.

Topics: Antihypertensive Agents; Biomarkers; Cardiac Catheterization; Chronic Disease; Dyspnea; Echocardiography, Doppler; Exercise Tolerance; Humans; Hypertension, Pulmonary; Lung Transplantation; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Oxygen Inhalation Therapy; Prognosis; Respiratory Tract Diseases; Severity of Illness Index; Vascular Resistance; Vasodilator Agents

Based on a case report, this article reviews the different forms of cardiac involvement in amyloidosis. This affection refers to the extracellular tissue deposition of protein fibrils (the amyloid substance), which gradually invades a variety of organs, disrupting their function. The clinical presentation depends on the type of the amyloidogenic protein and on its main distribution. The most severe cardiac impairment and with the worse prognosis is seen in its primary form (or AL), while it is less frequent, with a slower course and a better prognosis in its other forms: secondary (AA), familial (ATTR) or senile (SSA).

Topics: Amyloidosis; Biopsy; Defibrillators, Implantable; Dyspnea; Echocardiography; Electrocardiography; Heart Diseases; Heart Transplantation; Humans; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Male; Middle Aged; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Peptide Fragments

Acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) is a complex clinical event associated with excess morbidity and mortality. Managing ADHF patients is challenging because of the lack of effective treatments that both reduce symptoms and improve clinical outcomes. Existing guideline recommendations are largely based on expert opinion, but several recently published trials have yielded important data to inform both current clinical practice and future research directions. New insight has been gained regarding volume management, including dosing strategies for intravenous loop diuretics and the role of ultrafiltration in patients with heart failure and renal dysfunction. Although the largest ADHF trial to date (ASCEND-HF, using nesiritide) was neutral, promising results with other investigational agents have been reported. If these findings are confirmed in phase III trials, novel compounds, such as relaxin, omecamtiv mecarbil, and ularitide, among others, may become therapeutic options. Translation of research findings into quality clinical care can not be overemphasized. Although many gaps in knowledge exist, ongoing studies will address issues around delivery of evidence-based care to achieve the goal of improving the health status and clinical outcomes of patients with ADHF.

Topics: Adrenomedullin; Atrial Natriuretic Factor; Biomarkers; Blood Pressure Monitoring, Ambulatory; Cardiotonic Agents; Clinical Trials as Topic; Diet, Sodium-Restricted; Diuretics; Dopamine; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Dyspnea; Glycopeptides; Heart Failure; Hemofiltration; Hospitalization; Humans; Natriuretic Agents; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Nitroglycerin; Peptide Fragments; Prognosis; Protein Precursors; Quality of Health Care; Relaxin; Risk Assessment; Saline Solution, Hypertonic; Urea; Vasodilator Agents; Xanthines

Natriuretic peptides (NPs) are entered in current guidelines for heart failure (HF) diagnosis and management because of their high specificity and sensibility in screening patients with acute dyspnea. Due to their availability and relatively low cost, they became the first step examinations in HF patients evaluation at hospital admission together with clinical and chest radiography examination. NPs are released following any cardiac haemodynamic stress due to volume or pressure overload and should be considered as a mirror of cardiac condition helping in recognizing patients with poor outcome. Moreover, the exact role of NPs in early HF stages, in isolated diastolic dysfunction, and in general population is questioned. Several promising reports described their potential role; however, the wide cut-off definition, inclusion criteria, and intrinsic measurement biases do not actually consent to their clinical application in these settings. A multimodality strategy including both NPs and imaging studies appears to be the best strategy to define the cardiac dysfunction etiology and its severity as well as to identify patients with higher risk. In this review, we describe the current and potential role of NPs in patients with asymptomatic cardiac insufficiency, evaluating the requirement to obtain a better standardization for imaging as for laboratory criteria.

Topics: Artifacts; Biomarkers; Clinical Trials as Topic; Comorbidity; Diastole; Dyspnea; Emergency Service, Hospital; Heart Failure; Heart Function Tests; Hemodynamics; Humans; Kidney Failure, Chronic; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Natriuretic Peptides; Peptide Fragments; Reference Standards; Risk Assessment; Sensitivity and Specificity; Sodium Potassium Chloride Symporter Inhibitors; Ventricular Dysfunction, Left

B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) is a member of a fournatriuretic peptide family that shares a common 17-peptide ring structure. The N-terminal fragment (NT-pro-BNP) is biologically inert, but both are secreted in the plasma in equimolar quantities and both have been evaluated for use in the management of congestive heart failure. BNP and NT-pro-BNP are frequently used in the diagnosis of congestive heart failure and distinguishing between patients with dyspnoea of cardiac or pulmonary origin. Values of NT-pro-BNP are affected by age or the presence of one or several co-morbidities such as chronic renal failure, type 2 diabetes, and acute coronary syndrome. 'Normal' values of these peptides also vary depending on the type of test used. The performance characteristics of these tests vary depending on the patients on whom they are used and the manufacturer. For this reason, the determination of reference values for this peptide represents such a challenge.

Topics: Age Factors; Biomarkers; Comorbidity; Diagnosis, Differential; Dyspnea; Heart Failure; Humans; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Peptide Fragments; Predictive Value of Tests; Prognosis; Reproducibility of Results; Risk Factors; Severity of Illness Index

Heart failure with normal ejection fraction (HFNEF) accounts for approximately 50% of heart failure (HF) cases. To establish the utility of brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) in differentiating HF-related severe dyspnea from non-HF-related acute dyspnea, we used an estimation formula (eF) that was obtained from a series of three meta-regressions. We selected 60 out of 2721 case-control and follow-up studies that were published from 1998 to 2010. The heart failure levels (HFLs) were assessed using the New York Heart Association (NYHA) criteria. Random-effects meta-regression analyses of the natural logarithm (ln) of the BNP odds ratio (OR) were performed on the HFLs. The ln of the median BNP values (lnmBNP) was meta-regressed over the laboratory method (LM). A third meta-regression was performed on the HFLs to account for only the lnmBNP in the homogeneous LM subgroups. To determine the eF, the data from the diseased and control subjects were combined. The Bland-Altman method was used to detect eF bias. The overall BNP(OR) in the subgroup with severe HF was 35. The lnmBNP analysis showed that LM was a significant heterogeneity factor in the meta-regression (slope -0.38; CI -0.59 to -0.16). The meta-regression of lnmBNP on the HFL resulted in the following calculation for eF: estimated HFL (eHFL)=(lnmBNP-3.157)/0.886. The Bland-Altman test revealed no significant difference (0.0997; 95% CI -2.84 to 3.06) between HFL and eHFL. The severe eHFL showed a 78% accuracy. Based on the eF obtained from this meta-analysis, the BNP outcomes were shown to reliably diagnose severe dyspnea in HF and differentiate this condition from non-HF acute dyspnea.

Topics: Case-Control Studies; Dyspnea; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Heart Failure; Humans; Male; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain

Topics: Acute Coronary Syndrome; Acute Disease; Atrial Natriuretic Factor; Biomarkers; Critical Care; Dyspnea; Heart Diseases; Heart Failure; Humans; Immunoassay; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Practice Guidelines as Topic; Pulmonary Embolism; Reference Values; Risk Assessment

Brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) and N-terminal brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) are important biomarkers for pediatric cardiovascular diseases. Peptide levels are associated with age and gender. Current studies have shown that BNP and NT-proBNP are valuable in the diagnosis of heart failure, with a high specificity and sensitivity. They also contribute to differentiating heart failure from acute respiratory distress induced by simple pulmonary factors. In addition, BNP and NT-proBNP are useful in the evaluation of disease severity and treatment guidance in children with pulmonary hypertension, cardiomyopathy and Kawasaki disease. Current limitations include the relatively small sample size of the study, the detection method and a range of normal values that are not completely uniform.

Topics: Cardiomyopathies; Cardiovascular Diseases; Child; Dyspnea; Familial Primary Pulmonary Hypertension; Heart Failure; Humans; Hypertension, Pulmonary; Mucocutaneous Lymph Node Syndrome; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Peptide Fragments

Since the initial studies showing the usefulness of B-type natriuretic peptide for aiding in heart failure diagnosis, a vast number of other clinical applications for this neurohormone have emerged. In addition to refining our capabilities to diagnose and prognosticate in acute heart failure, natriuretic peptides are now being used in outpatient heart failure clinics, in screening programs, and in risk prediction algorithms in various settings. In just 10 years, B-type natriuretic peptide has gone from being an unknown biomarker to being one of the most useful in cardiology and beyond. In this perspective piece, the investigators review what we have learned about using natriuretic peptides over the past 10 years and the anticipated advances in their use over the next decade.

Topics: Acute Disease; Aftercare; Biomarkers; Cardio-Renal Syndrome; Dyspnea; Emergency Service, Hospital; Heart Failure; Humans; Mass Screening; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Peptide Fragments; Predictive Value of Tests; Prognosis; Risk Assessment

The aim of the study was to assess the usefulness of systematic natriuretic peptide testing in the management of patients presenting with acute dyspnea to emergency departments (EDs).. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials assessing the usefulness of B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) or its N-terminal fragment (NT-proBNP) in the management of patients presenting with dyspnea into ED. We searched Medline, Embase, and conference proceedings without restriction on neither language nor publication year. Selection of studies, data collection, and assessment of risk of bias were performed by 2 reviewers independently and in duplicate. Outcomes included hospital admission rate, time to discharge, and length of hospital stay, mortality and rehospitalization rates, and total direct medical costs. Combined risk ratios were estimated using fixed or random effects model. Duration and cost data were not combined.. Four randomized controlled trials, representing 2041 patients, were selected. In 4 trials, there was a tendency for hospital admission to be reduced in the intervention group (combined risk ratio, 0.95; 95% confidence interval, 0.89-1.01). Time to discharge was significantly reduced in 2 trials, whereas there was no significant reduction in hospital length of stay in 3 trials. There was no significant effect on in-hospital and 30-day mortality rates or rehospitalization rates (3 trials reporting each outcome). Two trials found significant reduction in direct costs.. The current evidence remains inconclusive on whether systematic natriuretic peptide testing is useful for the management of patients presenting to ED with acute dyspnea.

Topics: Aged; Dyspnea; Emergency Service, Hospital; Female; Heart Failure; Hospitalization; Humans; Length of Stay; Male; Middle Aged; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Patient Discharge; Peptide Fragments

Whereas the role of the cardiac natriuretic peptides, ANP and BNP, in some aspects of physiology and pathophysiology is clear, their potential in diagnosis, prognosis, and therapeutics in many clinical disorders remains uncertain. We predict that circulating levels of these peptides will find increasing diagnostic utility in patients presenting with dyspnoea, in guiding the complex pharmacotherapy in heart failure, and may likewise be useful in guiding the management of patients on chronic maintenance renal dialysis. We predict also that levels of these peptides will be of practical use as prognostic indicators in 'at-risk' populations (such as those with diabetes, coronary heart disease, hypertension, thalassaemia, etc.) but probably not in the general population. It appears likely that administration of these peptides will find a place in the therapeutics of acute myocardial infarction, but this is less clear for heart failure. We describe the presence of a segment of the signal peptide for BNP within the circulation and discuss its potential clinical utility.

Topics: Animals; Atrial Natriuretic Factor; Dyspnea; Heart Failure; Humans; Myocardial Infarction; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Peptide Fragments; Prognosis

The use of biomarkers has been demonstrated useful in many acute diseases both for diagnosis, prognosis and risk stratification.. The purpose of this review is to analyze several biomarkers of potential use in patients referring to Emergency Department with acute dyspnea.. The role of natriuretic peptides has a proven utility in the diagnosis, risk stratification, patient management and prediction of outcome in acute and chronic heart failure (HF). New immunoassays are available for the detection of mid-region prohormones in patients with acute dyspnea such as Mid-region pro-adrenomedullin (MR-proADM) and Mid-region pro-atrial natriuretic peptide (MR-proANP). Also procalcitonin, copeptin and D-dimer, which are markers of inflammation, bacterial infections and sepsis, seem to be useful in the differential diagnosis of dyspnea. Conventional and high-sensitivity troponins are fundamental, not only in the diagnosis of acute coronary syndromes, but also as indicators of mortality in patients with acute decompensated heart failure.. Further studies with randomized controlled clinical trials will be needed to prove the theoretical clinical advantages offered by a shortness of breath biomarkers in terms of diagnostic, prognostic, cost effective work-up and management of patients with acute dyspnea.. A multimarker pannel approach performed by rapid and accurate assays could be useful for emergency physicians to promptly identify different causes of dyspnea thus managing to improve diagnosis, treatment and risk stratification.

Topics: Acute Disease; Adrenomedullin; Atrial Natriuretic Factor; Biomarkers; Calcitonin; Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide; Dyspnea; Fibrin Fibrinogen Degradation Products; Humans; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Peptide Fragments; Protein Precursors; Troponin T

The B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) and the amino-terminal fragment of proBNP (NT-proBNP) are increased in heart failure in proportion to severity of symptoms, degree of left ventricular dysfunction, and elevation of cardiac filling pressures. These natriuretic peptides (NPs) are increasingly used for diagnostic and prognostic purposes in acute heart failure. While NP levels on admission provide independent prognostic information, serial determinations during hospitalization and at discharge better reflect adequacy of treatment and prognosis. The addition of BNP and NT-proBNP to usual clinical decision making enhances detection of high-risk patients who need aggressive follow-up and adjustment of treatment.

Topics: Acute Disease; Diabetes Mellitus; Dyspnea; Emergency Service, Hospital; Heart Failure; Humans; Kidney Failure, Chronic; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Peptide Fragments; Prognosis; Risk Assessment; United States; Ventricular Dysfunction, Left

N-terminal fragment of pro B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) has emerged as an important adjunct in the management of heart failure (HF) and other cardiovascular diseases. NT-proBNP is a 76-amino acid peptide created during cleavage of the precursor molecule, Pro B-type natriuretic peptide (ProBNP). NT-proBNP is of significant diagnostic value in patients presenting with possible HF and is an important prognostic factor in this condition and other cardiovascular diseases. Ongoing research supports the potential value of this biomarker in non-cardiovascular disease. This review will describe clinical applications of NT-proBNP in HF and a broad range of other conditions.

Topics: Biomarkers; Cardiovascular Diseases; Coronary Artery Disease; Diastole; Dyspnea; Heart Failure; Humans; Kidney Failure, Chronic; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Peptide Fragments; Peripheral Vascular Diseases; Prognosis; Ventricular Function, Left

Topics: Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors; Diagnosis, Differential; Digoxin; Diuretics; Dyspnea; Echocardiography; Edema; Exercise Tolerance; Female; Heart Failure; Humans; Male; Mineralocorticoid Receptor Antagonists; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Patient Education as Topic; Referral and Consultation; Terminal Care; Ventricular Dysfunction, Left

Measurable B-type natriuretic peptides (BNPs), which are largely produced by the left ventricle, include BNP and N-terminal prohormone BNP (NT-proBNP). These proteins are released by cardiomyocytes in response to wall tension and neurohumoral signals, and are established tools in the diagnosis and prognosis of heart failure (HF). We identified 32 articles for entry into evidence tables that presented original data on BNP and/or NT-proBNP in more than 100 patients with acute coronary syndromes (ACS) presenting with chest discomfort with or without dyspnea. Natriuretic peptide (NP) elevation was associated with older age, female sex, hypertension, diabetes, prior HF, prior ischemic heart disease, and reduced renal function. Clinical correlates of elevated blood NP levels included left main or 3-vessel coronary disease, lipid-rich plaques with large necrotic cores in proximal locations, large zones of myocardial ischemia or infarction, no-reflow and impaired perfusion after percutaneous intervention, reduced left ventricular ejection fraction, higher Killip classification, and the development of cardiogenic shock. All studies indicated that after adjustment for baseline predictors and clinical risk scores, elevated NP concentrations were independently predictive of the development of HF and all-cause mortality. In contrast, studies did not consistently demonstrate that NPs were predictive of myocardial infarction and rehospitalization for ACS. In addition to baseline measurement, there is consensus that repeat testing at 4 to 12 weeks and 6 to 12 months in follow-up is helpful in the anticipation of late cardiac sequelae and may assist in assessing prognosis and guiding management.

Topics: Acute Coronary Syndrome; Algorithms; Biomarkers; Chest Pain; Critical Pathways; Dyspnea; Evidence-Based Medicine; Humans; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Peptide Fragments; Practice Guidelines as Topic; Predictive Value of Tests; Prognosis; Risk Assessment; Risk Factors; Up-Regulation

Although the accuracy of B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) testing for diagnosing acute decompensated heart failure has been extensively evaluated, the effect of this test on clinical outcomes remains unclear.. To investigate whether BNP testing of patients presenting with acute dyspnea in the emergency department leads to fewer admissions, shorter length of stay, and improved short-term survival compared with usual care without BNP testing.. Two reviewers searched Ovid MEDLINE and EMBASE, without language restrictions, to identify pertinent studies published from January 1996 to July 2010.. Randomized, controlled trials that compared BNP testing to diagnose heart failure with routine care in patients presenting with acute dyspnea and information about 1 or more of the following outcomes: mortality, admission, or length of hospital stay.. Two authors independently reviewed articles, extracted data, and assessed quality and risk for bias of studies.. Five trials conducted in 5 countries and involving 2513 patients met inclusion criteria. Study settings had differing emergency department staffing models and used various BNP testing protocols. The pooled estimate of effect of BNP testing on all-cause mortality had wide confidence bounds and was inconclusive (odds ratio, 0.96 [95% CI, 0.65 to 1.41]). Admission rates decreased in the tested group compared with the control group (odds ratio, 0.82 [CI, 0.67 to 1.01]), although this finding was not statistically significant. Length of hospital and critical care unit stay were both modestly reduced in the tested group compared with the control group, with a mean difference of -1.22 days (CI, -2.31 to -0.14 day) and -0.56 day (CI, -1.06 to -0.05 day), respectively.. Few relevant trials were studied. Patients included in the trials and the settings in which trials were conducted were heterogeneous.. B-type natriuretic peptide testing in the emergency department for patients presenting with acute dyspnea decreased length hospital of stay by about 1 day and possibly reduced admission rates but did not conclusively affect hospital mortality rates.. Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.

Topics: Aged; Biomarkers; Dyspnea; Emergency Service, Hospital; Female; Heart Failure; Hospital Mortality; Hospitalization; Humans; Intensive Care Units; Length of Stay; Male; Middle Aged; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Treatment Outcome

Peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) is a rare but potentially lethal complication of pregnancy occurring in approximately 1 : 3,000 live births in the United States although some series report a much higher incidence. African-American women are particularly at risk. Diagnosis requires symptoms of heart failure in the last month of pregnancy or within five months of delivery in the absence of recognized cardiac disease prior to pregnancy as well as objective evidence of left ventricular systolic dysfunction. This paper provides an updated, comprehensive review of PPCM, including emerging insights into the etiology of this disorder as well as current treatment options.

Topics: Angiotensin Receptor Antagonists; Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors; Anticoagulants; Cardiomyopathies; Cytokines; Dyspnea; Edema; Electrocardiography; Female; Humans; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Complications, Cardiovascular; Prognosis; Puerperal Disorders; Risk Factors; Stroke Volume; Tachycardia; Troponin T; Ventricular Dysfunction, Left

The approach to the diagnosis of heart failure is complex, but the diagnostic armamentarium has increased significantly in the past decade. Diagnostic markers such as B-type natriuretic peptide and NT pro-B-type natriuretic peptide have proven value for the diagnosis of heart failure over and above the traditional tools that included only the history, physical examination, and chest radiography. Invasive and noninvasive impedance cardiography can be used to diagnose or even predict development of heart failure, but its role in clinical practice still needs to be better defined.

Topics: Biomarkers; Cardiography, Impedance; Diagnosis, Differential; Dyspnea; Electrocardiography; Heart Failure; Humans; Medical History Taking; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Peptide Fragments; Phonocardiography; Physical Examination; ROC Curve; Sensitivity and Specificity; Triage; Troponin I

Acutely decompensated congestive heart failure is a major public health problem, with constantly rising prevalence, morbidity, mortality and need for hospitalization in both America and Europe. In 2001, the FDA approved the use of the drug nesiritide, which is a recombinant form of human brain or B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) for the treatment of acutely decompensated congestive heart failure. In 2005, suspicions arose that nesiritide may worsen renal function and increase the risk of short term mortality when given to patients with acutely decompensated heart failure.. The present study reviews the recent literature with respect to the risk of deterioration in renal function and survival after the use of nesiritide in these patients.. Administration of nesiritide may be considered for the treatment of heart failure and especially in patients with dyspnea at rest or with minimal activity.. Extreme caution is required when using nesiritide in patients with both heart failure and concurrent morbidities such as renal dysfunction.

Topics: Blood Urea Nitrogen; Creatinine; Dyspnea; Heart Failure; Humans; Infusions, Intravenous; Kidney; Natriuretic Agents; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Renal Insufficiency; Survival Analysis

It is estimated that approximately 50% of the heart failure population has a normal left ventricular ejection fraction, a complex broadly referred to as heart failure with normal left ventricular ejection fraction (HFNEF). While these patients have been considered in epidemiologic studies and clinical trials to represent a single pool of patients, limited more detailed studies indicate that HFNEF patients are a very heterogeneous group, with a number of key pathophysiologic mechanisms. This review summarizes and critically analyzes available data on the pathophysiology of HFNEF, placing it into context with a recently developed diagnostic algorithm. We evaluate the utility of commonly applied echocardiographic measures and biomarkers and integrate mechanistic observations into potential future therapeutic directions.

Topics: Algorithms; Atrial Fibrillation; Biomarkers; Cardiac Pacing, Artificial; Coronary Artery Disease; Diastole; Dyspnea; Echocardiography, Doppler; Exercise; Heart Failure; Hemodynamics; Humans; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Oxygen Consumption; Peptide Fragments; Stroke Volume; Systole; Ventricular Function, Left

Acute dyspnea is one of the leading causes of emergency hospitalization of elderly patients. Clinical diagnostic procedures are difficult in this geriatric population. Acute heart failure is the most frequent cause of acute dyspnea in geriatric patients. The use of plasma B natriuretic peptide (BNP) assays in the general population has profoundly improved its medical management. There has also been progress recently for other frequent causes of dyspnea in the elderly, including infection and venous thromboembolic disease. Procalcitonin assays may be useful as a prognostic factor for infectious disease. Nevertheless, the real value of BNP assays in geriatric populations must be clarified by interventional studies.

Topics: Acute Disease; Aged; Biomarkers; Calcitonin; Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide; Diagnosis, Differential; Dyspnea; Emergencies; Emergency Service, Hospital; Female; Fibrin Fibrinogen Degradation Products; Heart Failure; Humans; Male; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Patient Admission; Pneumonia; Protein Precursors; Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive; Thromboembolism; Troponin

Congestive heart failure (CHF) is the main cause of acute dyspnea in patients presenting to an emergency department (ED) and is associated with high morbidity and mortality. B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) is a polypeptide, released by ventricular myocytes in direct proportion to wall tension, which lowers renin-angiotensin-aldosterone activation. For the diagnosis of CHF, both BNP and the biologically inactive NT-proBNP have similar accuracy. Threshold values are higher in an elderly population, and in patients with renal dysfunction. They might also have a prognostic value. Studies have demonstrated that the use of BNP or NT-proBNP in dyspneic patients early following admission to the ED, reduced the time to discharge and total treatment cost. BNP and NT-proBNP should be available in every ED 24 h a day, because the literature strongly suggests the beneficial impact of an early appropriate diagnosis and treatment in dyspneic patients. The purpose of this review is to indicate recent developments in biomarkers of heart failure and to evaluate their impact on clinical use in the emergency setting.

Topics: Acute Disease; Aged; Biomarkers; Diagnosis, Differential; Dyspnea; Emergency Service, Hospital; Female; Heart Failure; Humans; Male; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Natriuretic Peptides; Peptide Fragments; Sensitivity and Specificity

Acutely dyspneic patients are challenging, because their symptoms can be due to cardiac, pulmonary or other diseases. B-type natriuretic peptide testing offers higher diagnostic accuracy (85%-90%) than clinical assessments for identifying heart failure as the cause of dyspnea. On the other hand, the high clinical sensitivity and negative predictive value of natriuretic peptides permit to rule out heart failure with an accuracy > 90%. Natriuretic peptides are the most powerful, single prognostic markers of complications associated with acute dyspnea and permit the early recognition of high-risk patients. It has been shown that systematic natriuretic peptide testing reduces the economic expenses associated with clinical management of acutely dyspneic patients. Finally, whether these biomarkers could be used to guide heart failure therapy in the acute setting remains to be elucidated.

Topics: Clinical Chemistry Tests; Cost-Benefit Analysis; Dyspnea; Emergency Service, Hospital; Heart Failure; Humans; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Natriuretic Peptides; Prognosis

We sought to compare the diagnostic performance of B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) and N-terminal proBNP measurements in patients presenting to acute care settings with dyspnea, a common presenting symptom of heart failure.. We conducted a systematic review of the literature. For all included studies, we applied the QUADAS 14-question quality assessment tool for systematic reviews of diagnostic accuracy and abstracted the data for every published cut point.. We screened 4338 studies and included nine in the meta-analysis. All 9 studies scored positively on at least 50% of the QUADAS questions. The pooled estimates of sensitivity and specificity were the same for the BNP studies (0.97 (95% CI: 0.96, 0.98) and 0.70 (95% CI: 0.56, 0.85)) as for the NT-proBNP studies (0.95 (95% CI: 0.90, 1.01) and 0.72 (95% CI: 0.53, 0.90)). Tests for heterogeneity were significant in both subgroups: BNP (I(2)=97.9%, p<0.001) and NT-proBNP (I(2)=87.5%, p<0.001). Similar overall results were found for the likelihood and diagnostic odds ratios.. BNP and NT-proBNP have very similar diagnostic performance characteristics and can be used to rule out heart failure as a cause of dyspnea in the acute clinical setting. However, there is no easily identifiable optimum cut point value for each peptide.

Topics: Dyspnea; Emergency Medical Services; Heart Failure; Humans; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Peptide Fragments; Sensitivity and Specificity

Circulating concentrations of B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) and the aminoterminal fragment (NT-proBNP) of its prohormone (proBNP) are increased in congestive heart failure in proportion to the severity of symptoms, the degree of left ventricular dysfunction, and cardiac filling pressures. Following the introduction of rapid, automated assays for determination of BNP and NT-proBNP, these peptides are increasingly used for diagnostic and prognostic purposes.. To review studies evaluating the diagnostic and prognostic value of BNP and NT-proBNP, with special emphasis on their performance as indicators of acute heart failure in the intensive care unit.. In patients presenting with acute dyspnea, both BNP and NT-proBNP are accurate indicators of acute heart failure and provide prognostic information above and beyond conventional risk markers. Increased plasma levels of BNP and NT-proBNP are not specific for heart failure and may be influenced by a variety of cardiac and noncardiac conditions commonly seen in the intensive care unit, including myocardial ischemia, cardiac arrhythmias, sepsis, shock, anemia, renal failure, hypoxia, acute pulmonary embolism, pulmonary hypertension, and acute respiratory distress syndrome.. The diagnostic performance of BNP and NT-proBNP as indicators of acute heart failure depends on the clinical setting. In the intensive care unit, particular caution should be used in the interpretation of elevated BNP and NT-proBNP levels.

Topics: Acute Disease; Biomarkers; Dyspnea; Heart Failure; Humans; Intensive Care Units; Lung Diseases; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Peptide Fragments; Prognosis; Sepsis

In contrast to their established role in the evaluation of acute dyspnea in emergency department (ED) patients, applications of B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) and N-terminal-proBNP (NT-proBNP) in patients outside of the ED are less well defined. A PubMed-based electronic and hand search for articles dealing with BNP and NT-proBNP in settings other than the ED was performed. We found that currently available evidence is sufficient to support the use of BNP and NT-proBNP in four cardiovascular settings outside of the ED: i) evaluation of patients with suspected heart failure (HF) referred from primary care, ii) risk stratification in patients with HF, iii) risk stratification in stable coronary artery disease, and iv) risk stratification in pulmonary artery hypertension. Recent studies indicate that BNP and NT-proBNP might also be helpful in guiding therapy in patients with chronic HF. Despite active research in many additional fields, the use of BNP/NT-proBNP in other settings is not yet based on solid evidence and, therefore, seems not to be useful.

Topics: Biomarkers; Coronary Disease; Dyspnea; Emergency Service, Hospital; Heart Failure; Humans; Hypertension, Pulmonary; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Peptide Fragments

In patients presenting with acute dyspnea of any cause, elevation of amino-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptides (NT-proBNP) is powerfully prognostic for adverse outcomes, including death. Among those with acute destabilized heart failure (HF), an NT-proBNP cut point of approximately 5,000 ng/L is powerfully predictive of death by 76 days after presentation. For 1-year risk stratification, an NT-proBNP value of approximately 1,000 ng/L at presentation is optimal. Among those patients with elevated NT-proBNP levels, a posttreatment NT-proBNP value may be of even greater value than the presenting value. Although NT-proBNP is powerfully prognostic in patients with acute dyspnea with and without HF, the addition of clinical variables strengthens the ability to discriminate risk. In addition, multimarker approaches, including NT-proBNP, for the assessment of acute dyspnea or acute HF appear promising. Indeed, when combined with conventional markers, such as measures of renal dysfunction, anemia, myocardial injury, or inflammation, the predictive value of NT-proBNP is considerably strengthened. Given the strong value of NT-proBNP for risk assessment of the patient with acute dyspnea, a baseline measurement for all patients with dyspnea is recommended, with pretreatment and posttreatment measurement of NT-proBNP recommended for patients with an elevated value, especially those with HF.

Topics: Acute Disease; Biomarkers; Dyspnea; Heart Failure; Humans; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Peptide Fragments; Prognosis; Protein Precursors

B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) and NTproBNP have been shown to be extremely helpful in the diagnosis and management of patients with heart failure (HF). These neurohormones are predominately secreted from the left and the right cardiac ventricle in response to volume and pressure overload. BNP and NT-proBNP can be seen as quantitative markers of HF summarizing the extent of systolic and diastolic left ventricular dysfunction. Research data from clinical studies and six years of clinical experience with BNP allow us to provide clear recommendations regarding the integration of BNP/NT-proBNP into clinical medicine. With multiple additional indications in prospect, current evidence clearly supports the use of BNP and NT-proBNP in three clinical settings: patients with acute dyspnoea, prior to discharge in patients hospitalised with acute HF, and the longterm management of patients with HF.

Topics: Biomarkers; Cost-Benefit Analysis; Dyspnea; Heart Failure; Humans; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Peptide Fragments; Risk Factors

B-Type natriuretic peptide (BNP) is elevated in states of increased ventricular wall stress. BNP is most commonly used to rule out congestive heart failure (CHF) in dyspneic patients. BNP levels are influenced by age, gender and, to a surprisingly large extent, by body mass index (BMI). In addition, it can be elevated in a wide variety of clinical settings with or without CHF. BNP is elevated in other cardiac disease states such as the acute coronary syndromes, diastolic dysfunction, atrial fibrillation (AF), amyloidosis, restrictive cardiomyopathy (RCM), and valvular heart disease. BNP is elevated in non-cardiac diseases such as pulmonary hypertension, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, pulmonary embolism, and renal failure. BNP is also elevated in the setting of critical illness such as in acute decompensated CHF (ADHF) and sepsis. This variation across clinical settings has significant implications given the increasing frequency with which BNP testing is being performed. It is important for clinicians to understand how to appropriately interpret BNP in light of the comorbidities of individual patients to maximize its clinical utility. We will review the molecular biology and physiology of natriuretic peptides as well as the relevant literature on the utilization of BNP in CHF as well as in other important clinical situations, conditions that are commonly associated with CHF and or dyspnea.

Topics: Animals; Biomarkers; Comorbidity; Critical Illness; Dyspnea; Heart Diseases; Heart Failure; Humans; Lung Diseases; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Predictive Value of Tests; Renal Insufficiency; Sensitivity and Specificity

Tissue Doppler imaging is an echocardiographic technique that directly measures myocardial velocities. Diastolic tissue Doppler velocities reflect myocardial relaxation, and in combination with conventional Doppler measurements, ratios (transmitral early diastolic velocity/mitral annular early diastolic velocity [E/Ea]) have been developed to noninvasively estimate left ventricular (LV) filling pressure. Consequently, mitral E/Ea can help to establish the presence of clinical congestive heart failure in patients with dyspnea. However, E/Ea has a significant 'gray zone', and is not well validated in nonsinus rhythm and mitral valve disease. B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) is a protein released by the ventricles in the presence of myocytic stretch, and has been correlated to LV filling pressure and, independently, to other cardiac morphological abnormalities. In addition, BNP is significantly affected by age, sex, renal function and obesity. Given its correlation with multiple cardiac variables, BNP has high sensitivity, but low specificity, for the detection of elevated LV filling pressures. Taking into account the respective strengths and limitations of BNP and mitral E/Ea, algorithms combining them can be used to more accurately estimate LV filling pressures in patients presenting with dyspnea.

Topics: Diastole; Dyspnea; Echocardiography, Doppler; Heart Failure; Humans; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Sensitivity and Specificity; Ventricular Dysfunction, Left; Ventricular Function, Left; Ventricular Pressure

This paper reviews the use of 3 biomarkers, BNP (brain natriuretic peptide), troponins and D-dimers, in 3 common clinical situations: the patient presenting with dyspnea, with chest pain or with syncope. The diagnostic utility and the pronostic implications of a positive as well as a negative test are reviewed according the most recent medical literature. Interpretation of false positive and false negative results is also discussed. Familiarity with the use of these tests is increasingly important because practicioners will be soon provided with rapid bed-side multi-markers assays to help them in their differential diagnosis while examining the patient.

Topics: Angina Pectoris; Biomarkers; Diagnosis, Differential; Dyspnea; Fibrin Fibrinogen Degradation Products; Humans; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Syncope; Troponin

Natriuretic peptide (NPs) levels have achieved worldwide acceptance. They are excellent rule-in and rule-out biomarkers for patients presenting with dyspnea. In the hospital, NP levels may represent altered forms of B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP), including the inactive precursor molecule, pro-BNP. NP levels drop during hospitalization as the patient is decongested. In the future, NP levels may be used as a surrogate to titrate outpatient therapy.

Topics: Acute Coronary Syndrome; Acute Disease; Algorithms; Biomarkers; Dyspnea; Heart Failure; Humans; Kidney Diseases, Cystic; Monitoring, Ambulatory; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Natriuretic Peptides; Obesity; Peptide Fragments; Prognosis; Pulmonary Edema; Pulmonary Embolism

Experience with amino-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) testing for evaluation of dyspnoeic patients with suspected acute heart failure (HF) is limited to single-centre studies. We wished to establish broader standards for NT-proBNP testing in a study involving four sites in three continents.. Differences in NT-proBNP levels among 1256 patients with and without acute HF and the relationship between NT-proBNP levels and HF symptoms were examined. Optimal cut-points for diagnosis and prognosis were identified and verified using bootstrapping and multi-variable logistic regression techniques. Seven hundred and twenty subjects (57.3%) had acute HF, whose median NT-proBNP was considerably higher than those without (4639 vs. 108 pg/mL, P<0.001), and levels of NT-proBNP correlated with HF symptom severity (P=0.008). An optimal strategy to identify acute HF was to use age-related cut-points of 450, 900, and 1800 pg/mL for ages <50, 50-75, and >75, which yielded 90% sensitivity and 84% specificity for acute HF. An age-independent cut-point of 300 pg/mL had 98% negative predictive value to exclude acute HF. Among those with acute HF, a presenting NT-proBNP concentration >5180 pg/mL was strongly predictive of death by 76 days [odds ratio=5.2, 95% confidence interval (CI)=2.2-8.1, P<0.001].. In this multi-centre, international study, NT-proBNP testing was valuable for diagnostic evaluation and short-term prognosis estimation in dyspnoeic subjects with suspected or confirmed acute HF and should establish broader standards for use of the NT-proBNP in dyspnoeic patients.

Topics: Acute Disease; Clinical Trials as Topic; Dyspnea; Female; Heart Failure; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Peptide Fragments; Prognosis; Risk Assessment; ROC Curve; Stroke Volume

B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) and N-terminal pro-BNP (NT-proBNP) levels can indicate a variety of heart problems, as well as general critical illness. BNP and NT-proBNP assays are useful for evaluating patients with acute dyspnea, as a low level of natriuretic peptide can help rule out congestive heart failure (CHF) and reduce reliance on echocardiography. Conversely, these assays can be particularly useful in recognizing CHF in a patient with acute dyspnea and a history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. However, clinical judgment must always be part of the evaluation of BNP or NT-proBNP assay results.

Topics: Diagnosis, Differential; Dyspnea; Electrocardiography; Heart Failure; Humans; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Peptide Fragments; Physical Examination; Prognosis; Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive; Radiography, Thoracic

Dyspnea is a frequent reason for emergency consultations in hospitals or community medical facilities. Besides heart failure, a wide variety of other disorders may cause this symptom. Thus, early and accurate differential diagnosis is mandatory in order to facilitate rapid institution of appropriate therapy. This CME article elaborates on the specific usefulness of traditional diagnostic tools as history, symptomatology and physical signs along with chest X-ray and ECG and the more recently introduced natriuretic peptides to discriminate heart failure from other causes of dyspnea in the emergency setting. According to a systematic search and meta-analysis of the respective literature, several features from history and physical examination as well as pulmonary congestion on chest X-ray, atrial fibrillation and a high level of confidence of the initial clinical judgment indicate a cardiac cause of dyspnea with high specificity, but less sensitivity. Thus, in patients presenting with one or several of these characteristic features, little further diagnostic yield is to be expected from natriuretic peptides. If, however, the suspicion of heart failure remains unsettled by these means, determination of biomarkers may be helpful, although it needs to be considered that moderately elevated levels have only a limited specificity in particular in elderly patients with comorbidities. As also recognized by the European Guidelines for diagnosis and treatment of chronic heart failure, a BNP level of <100 pg/ml has proven particularly useful for excluding heart failure. Thus, a directed history, symptoms, physical findings, chest-X-ray and ECG remain the diagnostic mainstay. If the diagnosis cannot be established by these traditional tools, BNP or NT-proBNP testing may be very helpful, especially for ruling out heart failure.

Topics: Diagnosis, Differential; Dyspnea; Electrocardiography; Heart Failure; Humans; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Radiography, Thoracic

Acute dyspnea is frequent in emergency medicine. The B-type natriuretic peptide is a polypeptide, released by ventricular myocytes directly proportional to wall tension, for lowering renin-angiotensin-aldosterone activation. Conversely, NT-proBNP has no physiological activity. BNP and NT-proBNP concentration closely correlate to various indicators of heart failure.. Numerous studies have demonstrated high usefulness of BNP and NT-proBNP to diagnose heart failure, which is the main cause of acute dyspnea in emergency medicine. The diagnostic accuracy of BNP and NT-proBNP seems similar, and is higher than that of the emergency physician. Bedside dosages are now available, with high sensibility and specificity for the diagnosis of heart failure. For BNP, threshold value is ranging from 100 to 300 pg/ml in patients aged over 65 years; for NT-proBNP the threshold value is 1000 to 2000 pg/ml in elderly patients. Briefly, heart failure is unlikely when BNP is below 100 pg/ml (NT-proBNP<500 pg/ml), and very likely when BNP is higher than 400 pg/ml (or NT-proBNP>2000 pg/ml).. Early rapid measurement of BNP could improved the evaluation and treatment of patients with acute dyspnea and reduce the total cost of treatment.

Topics: Acute Disease; Biomarkers; Dyspnea; Emergency Medicine; Heart Failure; Humans; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Peptide Fragments; Predictive Value of Tests; Sensitivity and Specificity

Dyspnoea is the most common symptom of patients with cardio-respiratory diseases. It is a generic term related to different pathophysiological abnormalities that may result in different qualities of respiratory discomfort, defined by specific verbal descriptors for a specific diagnosis. Often it is difficult to distinguish the underlying pathology of dyspnoea, eg, either from chronic heart failure (CHF) or from other respiratory causes. The discovery of the endocrine function of the heart, as well as the development of accurate and feasible assay methods allow the use of cardiac natriuretic hormones in the assessment of cardiovascular diseases, namely acute coronary syndromes and heart failure. It is advisable to measure cardiac natriuretic hormones in order to exclude or suggest the diagnosis of CHF in patients with a suspicious diagnosis, but with ambiguous signs and symptoms or manifestations that can be confused with other pathologies (like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease). The most common symptom of patients with cardio-respiratory diseases is dyspnoea, a 'difficult, laboured, uncomfortable breathing'. Dyspnoea has been defined as 'a term used to characterize a subjective experience of breathing discomfort that consists of qualitatively distinct sensations that vary in intensity. The experience derives from interactions among multiple physiological, psychological, social and environmental factors, and may induce secondary physiological and behavioural responses'. Breathlessness is characterized by measurable intensity and qualitative dimensions, which may vary depending on the individual, the underlying disease, and other circumstances.3 The neurophysiological basis of dyspnoea relies on receptors in the airways lung parenchyma, respiratory muscles together with chemoreceptors providing sensory feedback via vagal, phrenic and intercostal nerves to the spinal cord, medulla and higher centres. Breathlessness is based on different pathophysiolagical abnormalities that may result in different qualities of respiratory discomfort, which are defined by specific verbal descriptors related to a specific diagnosis. Nevertheless different diseases may share the same descriptors. There is no clear relationship between the qualitative descriptors of dyspnoea and the quantitative intensity among the patient groups: different diseases may be distinguished by quality but not intensity of the sensation. Differences in languages, in races, cultures, gender, and

Topics: Diagnosis, Differential; Dyspnea; Heart; Humans; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Peptide Fragments; Prognosis; Protein Precursors; Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive

The natriuretic peptides are a family of related hormones that play a crucial role in cardiovascular homeostasis. They have recently emerged as potentially important clinical markers in heart failure. Recent data have suggested an important role for these markers in establishing the diagnosis of heart failure in patients with unexplained dyspnea in both acute care and ambulatory settings. Other clinical uses of the natriuretic peptides, such as screening for asymptomatic ventricular dysfunction, establishing prognosis or guiding titration of drug therapy, are under investigation but have not yet sufficiently been validated for widespread clinical use.

Topics: Atrial Natriuretic Factor; Bayes Theorem; Biomarkers; Dyspnea; Heart Failure; Humans; Likelihood Functions; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Peptide Fragments; Prognosis; Reference Values; ROC Curve; Sensitivity and Specificity; Treatment Outcome; Ventricular Dysfunction, Left

In the past decade a large amount of attention has been focused on brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) testing in the evaluation of patients with acute dyspnea as well as the screening of patients for congestive heart failure (CHF). Because BNP is secreted by myocytes in response to ventricular stretch, it has long been thought that BNP could become a biochemical marker for CHF. Rapid assays have been developed and BNP testing has been studied in detection of CHF and predictive outcomes in a large variety of settings. We review the clinical evidence associated with the use of BNP testing in the acute care setting. We conclude with a discussion of clinical utility in the emergency department for the evaluation of patients presenting with acute dyspnea.

Topics: Acute Kidney Injury; Biomarkers; Dyspnea; Emergencies; Heart Failure; Humans; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Point-of-Care Systems; Sensitivity and Specificity; Ventricular Dysfunction, Left

This paper explains the background and current use of B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) assays to differentiate congestive heart failure (CHF) from other causes of dyspnea. With a large and growing elderly population, CHF is being diagnosed much more often in emergency rooms in the United States. Doctors need a way to quickly distinguish whether a patient with respiratory distress is suffering from cardiac insufficiency or another etiology. BNP is released from the ventricles in response cardiac overload from CHF or some other form of left ventricular systolic dysfunction. Therefore, the detection and measurement of BNP is a fast and accurate method of determining if CHF is the cause of a patient's breathing difficulties.

Topics: Dyspnea; Heart Failure; Humans; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Predictive Value of Tests

Topics: Acute Disease; Biomarkers; Dyspnea; Emergency Service, Hospital; Heart Failure; Humans; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive

B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) and NT-proBNP are currently the most prominent members of the natriuretic peptide family. These markers are secreted from both the left and the right cardiac ventricle in response to ventricular volume expansion and pressure overload. Recent studies have suggested that these neurohormones are reliably elevated in the setting of congestive heart failure and may be very helpful in its diagnosis. The use of rapid BNP testing in addition to clinical judgement increased the accuracy of the clinical evaluation. The B-Type Natriuretic Peptide for Acute Shortness of Breath Evaluation (BASEL) study showed that the increase in accuracy offered by rapid BNP testing resulted in a significant reduction of hospitalisations, use of intensive care, time to discharge and initial treatment cost.

Topics: Acute Disease; Biomarkers; Clinical Medicine; Dyspnea; Heart Failure; Humans; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive; Reference Values

Plasma N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) and brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) are elevated in most patients with acute pulmonary embolism (APE) that results in right ventricular overload. Therefore, APE should be considered in the differential diagnosis of patients with acute dyspnea and abnormal levels of BNPs. Moreover, plasma BNPs have been proved to predict outcome in APE.. Low NT-proBNP or BNP levels characterize an uneventful hospital course, and NT-proBNP levels of <500 pg/mL identify patients who could potentially be candidates for care on a complete outpatient basis. Moreover, plasma NT-proBNP and BNP reflect the degree of right ventricular overload in APE. Plasma BNPs can also be elevated in chronic precapillary pulmonary hypertension and are strongly related to total pulmonary resistance. Elevated plasma levels of BNP/NT-proBNP and especially their further increase during follow-up are a potent predictor of poor survival.. Because levels of brain natriuretic peptides are elevated significantly not only in pathologic conditions that affect the left ventricle but also in clinical conditions that lead to isolated acute or chronic right ventricular overload, it could be proposed that these peptides should not be regarded as biomarkers of congestive heart failure, but as indicators of cardiovascular dyspnea.

Topics: Acute Disease; Diagnosis, Differential; Dyspnea; Humans; Hypertension; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Peptide Fragments; Predictive Value of Tests; Prognosis; Pulmonary Embolism; Ventricular Dysfunction, Right

Bedside dosage of B-type natriuretic peptide as a marker of congestive heart failure is of major interest in the evaluation of acute dyspnea. However, this test remains difficult to use because its interpretation depends upon the probability of disease and upon its diagnostic performance (sensitivity and specificity), varying with each BNP level. When the clinical probability of heart failure is low or high, BNP level doest not modify significantly the probability of disease. The test is useful when the diagnostic is uncertain (intermediate clinical probability), because a BNP value < 100 pg/ml makes the diagnosis of heart failure unlikely (high negative predictive value), and a value > 500 pg/ml very likely.

Topics: Biomarkers; Dyspnea; Heart Failure; Humans; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Predictive Value of Tests; Sensitivity and Specificity

Dyspnea is a common complaint in the emergency department where physicians must accurately make a rapid diagnosis.. To assess the usefulness of history, symptoms, and signs along with routine diagnostic studies (chest radiograph, electrocardiogram, and serum B-type natriuretic peptide [BNP]) that differentiate heart failure from other causes of dyspnea in the emergency department.. We searched MEDLINE (1966-July 2005) and the reference lists from retrieved articles, previous reviews, and physical examination textbooks.. We retained 22 studies of various findings for diagnosing heart failure in adult patients presenting with dyspnea to the emergency department.. Two authors independently abstracted data (sensitivity, specificity, and likelihood ratios [LRs]) and assessed methodological quality.. Many features increased the probability of heart failure, with the best feature for each category being the presence of (1) past history of heart failure (positive LR = 5.8; 95% confidence interval [CI], 4.1-8.0); (2) the symptom of paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea (positive LR = 2.6; 95% CI, 1.5-4.5); (3) the sign of the third heart sound (S(3)) gallop (positive LR = 11; 95% CI, 4.9-25.0); (4) the chest radiograph showing pulmonary venous congestion (positive LR = 12.0; 95% CI, 6.8-21.0); and (5) electrocardiogram showing atrial fibrillation (positive LR = 3.8; 95% CI, 1.7-8.8). The features that best decreased the probability of heart failure were the absence of (1) past history of heart failure (negative LR = 0.45; 95% CI, 0.38-0.53); (2) the symptom of dyspnea on exertion (negative LR = 0.48; 95% CI, 0.35-0.67); (3) rales (negative LR = 0.51; 95% CI, 0.37-0.70); (4) the chest radiograph showing cardiomegaly (negative LR = 0.33; 95% CI, 0.23-0.48); and (5) any electrocardiogram abnormality (negative LR = 0.64; 95% CI, 0.47-0.88). A low serum BNP proved to be the most useful test (serum B-type natriuretic peptide <100 pg/mL; negative LR = 0.11; 95% CI, 0.07-0.16).. For dyspneic adult emergency department patients, a directed history, physical examination, chest radiograph, and electrocardiography should be performed. If the suspicion of heart failure remains, obtaining a serum BNP level may be helpful, especially for excluding heart failure.

Topics: Adult; Aged; Diagnostic Techniques, Cardiovascular; Dyspnea; Electrocardiography; Emergency Service, Hospital; Female; Heart Failure; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Physical Examination; Radiography, Thoracic; Valsalva Maneuver

Topics: Acute Disease; Algorithms; Biomarkers; Dyspnea; Heart Failure; Humans; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain

B-type natriuretic peptide is a neurohormone secreted from the cardiac ventricles in response to ventricular stretch and pressure overload. It counteracts the vasoconstriction that occurs as a compensatory mechanism in heart failure. A new test for measuring plasma levels of B-type natriuretic peptide can help in the diagnosis and treatment of patients with congestive heart failure. Dyspnea associated with cardiac dysfunction is highly unlikely in patients with levels of the peptide less than 100 pg/mL. Whereas most patients with significant congestive heart failure have levels of the peptide greater than 400 pg/mL, in patients with levels of 100 to 400 pg/mL, left ventricular dysfunction without volume overload, pulmonary embolism, and cor pulmonale must be ruled out. Thus, incorporating measurement of B-type natriuretic peptide into clinical evaluation helps physicians and nurses diagnose heart failure more quickly, especially in patients who have multiple comorbid conditions. Elevated levels of B-type natriuretic peptide indicate a poor prognosis in terms of a higher mortality and more hospital readmissions. Levels of B-type natriuretic peptide could be used to guide therapy and discharge planning for patients admitted with decompensated heart failure.

Topics: Dyspnea; Female; Heart Failure; Humans; Male; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Prognosis; Radioimmunoassay

Determining whether a patient's symptoms are the result of heart or lung disease requires an understanding of the influence of pulmonary venous hypertension on lung function. Herein, we describe the effects of acute and chronic elevations of pulmonary venous pressure on the mechanical and gas-exchanging properties of the lung. The mechanisms responsible for various symptoms of congestive heart failure are described, and the significance of sleep-disordered breathing in patients with heart disease is considered. While the initial clinical evaluation of patients with dyspnea is imprecise, measurement of B-type natriuretic peptide levels may prove useful in this setting.

Topics: Adult; Aged; Biomarkers; Biopsy, Needle; Diagnosis, Differential; Dyspnea; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Heart Failure; Humans; Hypertension, Pulmonary; Immunohistochemistry; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Male; Middle Aged; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Pulmonary Edema; Radiography, Thoracic; Respiratory Function Tests; Risk Assessment; Severity of Illness Index

Natriuretic peptide hormones are a family of vasoactive peptides with many favorable physiological properties and have emerged as useful markers in cardiovascular disease. In particular, brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) is a cardiac neurohormone secreted by the cardiac ventricles as a response to ventricular volume expansion, pressure overload and resultant increased wall tension, directly correlated with both left ventricular filling and pulmonary wedge pressure. It is nowadays considered an important diagnostic tool, adding information to clinical judgment in the evaluation of patients with acute dyspnea, and a useful guide to the treatment of chronic heart failure. Moreover, the prognostic value of BNP has been established in several studies, both in postmyocardial infarction patients with asymptomatic left ventricular dysfunction and in patients with overt heart failure. Furthermore it has been shown that BNP could also predict sudden death and offer an additive and easily obtainable tool for risk stratification of patients with chronic heart failure. This paper summarizes the current evidence concerning the use of this peptide in a variety of clinical scenarios.

Topics: Acute Disease; Algorithms; Angina, Unstable; Biomarkers; Diagnosis, Differential; Diastole; Dyspnea; Heart Failure; Humans; Myocardial Infarction; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Prognosis; Syndrome; Ventricular Dysfunction, Left

THREE PRINCIPLE REASONS:Confirming the existence of heart failure in an elderly patient is difficult because of the intricacy of the symptomatology with that of other diseases, the lesser willingness of the practitioner to diagnose it, and the limited access to explorations such as echocardiography. RELATIVELY UNSPECIFIC CLINICAL SIGNS:Dyspnoea, signs of low heart rate, peripheral oedema, crepitations or tachycardia are all inconstant signs or difficult to interpret. The response to a therapeutic test with diuretics is very useful. REGARDING SUPPLEMENTARY EXAMINATIONS: An echocardiography should be systematically performed in elderly patients in order to specify the type of heart failure and the extent of an eventually curable valvulopathy. Validation of the measurement of brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) in elderly patients is in progress.

Topics: Aged; Aging; Diagnosis, Differential; Dyspnea; Echocardiography; Heart Failure; Humans; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Tachycardia

B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) is a cardiac neurohormone released as preproBNP and then enzymatically cleaved to N-terminal-proBNP and BNP upon ventricular myocyte stretch. Blood measurements of BNP have been used to identify patients with heart failure. Currently, BNP assay is used as a diagnostic and prognostic aid in congestive heart failure. In general, a BNP level <100 pg/mL excludes acutely decompensated heart failure. This article sorts out the literature concerning the practical use of BNP in a variety of clinical scenarios.

Topics: Acute Disease; Adult; Age Factors; Aged; Algorithms; Ambulatory Care; Body Weight; Decision Trees; Drug Monitoring; Dyspnea; Female; Heart Failure; Humans; Male; Metabolic Clearance Rate; Middle Aged; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Practice Guidelines as Topic; Prognosis; Reference Values; Sensitivity and Specificity; Severity of Illness Index; Sex Characteristics; Treatment Outcome

Topics: Acute Disease; Age Factors; Aged; Chronic Disease; Dyspnea; Geriatric Assessment; Heart Failure; Humans; Mass Screening; Middle Aged; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Patient Selection; Prognosis; Reproducibility of Results; Sensitivity and Specificity; Severity of Illness Index

The natriuretic peptides BNP and NT-proBNP are synthesized and released dependent of wall tension in the atria and ventricles. The determination of these peptides in a rapid test makes two markers available that closely correlate with the severity of heart failure. Systolic as well as diastolic left ventricular dysfunction are recorded, but a clear differentiation cannot be made by marker determination. Particularly important is the high negative predictive value and the certainty with which heart failure can be excluded when the plasma level is normal. Besides the diagnostic assistance, natriuretic peptides have a high and above all independent value to assess the prognosis of heart failure, acute coronary syndromes and partially of atrial fibrillation. It is possibile to optimize the therapy of heart failure according to the plasma level.

Topics: Acute Disease; Antihypertensive Agents; Biomarkers; Carbazoles; Carvedilol; Clinical Trials as Topic; Diagnosis, Differential; Dyspnea; Echocardiography; Family Practice; Heart Failure; Humans; Multicenter Studies as Topic; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Nerve Tissue Proteins; Peptide Fragments; Predictive Value of Tests; Prognosis; Propanolamines; Sensitivity and Specificity; Vasodilator Agents

Topics: Acute Disease; Drug Approval; Dyspnea; Forecasting; Heart Failure; Hospitalization; Humans; Hydrazones; Natriuretic Agents; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Pyridazines; Pyridines; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Severity of Illness Index; Simendan; Tetrazoles; Treatment Outcome; Vasodilator Agents

A HORMONE REVEALING VENTRICULAR DYSFUNCTION: B-type natriuretic peptide or Brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) is a neurohormone secreted by the ventricular myocytes in response to volume expansion and pressure overload. It is a sensitive marker of ventricular dysfunction in symptomatic and asymptomatic patients, and its dosage is correlated with the severity of the dysfunction. INDICATION FOR ITS DOSAGE IN HEART FAILURE: Since the results of recent studies, many authors recommend its routine use in heart failure, in order to confirm the diagnosis in difficult cases, assess severity, prognosis and the efficacy of treatment. Such use requires that the results of these studies be known and that the threshold value be adapted according to the age, concomitant diseases and indication of the dosage. OTHER AFFECTIONS: Its diagnostic and prognostic interest in acute coronary syndromes and hypertension is presently being studied.

Topics: Acute Disease; Angina, Unstable; Chronic Disease; Clinical Trials as Topic; Diagnosis, Differential; Dyspnea; Emergencies; Female; Heart Diseases; Heart Failure; Humans; Hypertension; Hypertension, Pulmonary; Male; Myocardial Infarction; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Prognosis; Risk Factors; ROC Curve; Sensitivity and Specificity; Troponin; Ventricular Dysfunction; Ventricular Remodeling

More than 4.5 million Americans have congestive heart failure (CHF), close to 550,000 new cases are diagnosed each year, and one third of known patients with CHF are annually admitted to the hospital. Emergency department diagnosis of CHF is often based on history and physical examination findings along with results of ancillary tests, such as chest radiography and ECG. Although signs and symptoms of fluid overload, such as lower extremity edema and dyspnea, raise the suspicion of CHF, their lack of sensitivity makes them poor screening tools. The natriuretic peptides are promising markers of myocardial dysfunction and heart failure. Because of their relationship to myocardial pressure and stretching, natriuretic peptides have been investigated over the past 5 decades as both diagnostic and prognostic markers in acute coronary syndromes and CHF. This article discusses each of the natriuretic peptides and attempts to delineate their potential diagnostic and prognostic roles in the ED.

Topics: Acute Disease; Atrial Natriuretic Factor; Biomarkers; Diagnosis, Differential; Discriminant Analysis; Dyspnea; Emergency Treatment; Heart Failure; Humans; Mass Screening; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Natriuretic Peptide, C-Type; Nerve Tissue Proteins; Patient Admission; Peptide Fragments; Prognosis; Protein Precursors; Reproducibility of Results; Sensitivity and Specificity; Stroke Volume; United States

B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) is a neurohormone synthesized in the cardiac ventricles, which is released as N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) and then enzymatically cleaved in to the NT fragment and the immunoreactive BNP. Both tests have been used to identify patients with congestive heart failure (CHF). Important considerations for these tests include their half-lives in plasma, dependence on renal function for clearance, and the interpretation of their units of measure. In general, a BNP level below 100 pg/mL has strong negative predictive value in the assessment of patients with dyspnea caused by a disorder other than CHF. In addition, BNP levels can be used to gauge the effect of short-term treatment of acutely decompensated heart failure, and the peptide has been shown to be a reliable independent predictor of sudden cardiac death. In the absence of renal dysfunction NT-proBNP has also been shown to be an independent predictor of sudden death in CHF patients. Because both a large area of myonecrosis or concomitant left ventricular failure are related to prognosis in acute coronary syndromes, B-type natriuretic peptides have also been linked to outcomes in this condition. This article describes the physiology and timing of release of B-type natriuretic peptides and the rationale for their use in the following settings: 1) evaluation of decompensated CHF, 2) screening for chronic CHF, 3) prognosis of CHF and sudden death, and 4) prognosis in acute coronary syndromes with inferred left ventricular dysfunction.

Topics: Atrial Natriuretic Factor; Brain; Chronic Disease; Dyspnea; Heart Failure; Humans; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Predictive Value of Tests; Sensitivity and Specificity

Abstract B-natriuretic peptide (BNP) is a 32-amino acid polypeptide secreted from the cardiac ventricles in response to ventricular volume expansion and pressure overload. BNP levels are elevated in patients with symptomatic left ventricular dysfunction, and levels correlate with severity of symptoms and with prognosis. Numerous studies indicate that BNP may considerably improve the management of patients with heart failure and may become a routine serum parameter in clinical medicine. In this review, the utility of BNP in different clinical settings will be discussed.

Topics: Aged; Biomarkers; Death, Sudden, Cardiac; Diagnosis, Differential; Dyspnea; Emergencies; Female; Heart Failure; Humans; Hypertension, Pulmonary; Male; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Pilot Projects; Predictive Value of Tests; Prognosis; Prospective Studies; Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive; Reference Values; Retrospective Studies; Risk Assessment; Sensitivity and Specificity; Ventricular Dysfunction, Left

Congestive heart failure (CHF) is a leading cause of adult hospitalization in the United States, and despite advancements in treatment, the disease remains a major clinical challenge. The chief symptom of CHF is dyspnea, but in the urgent-care setting, it is often difficult to distinguish between cardiac and pulmonary causes of this symptom. B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) is mainly synthesized, stored, and released in the ventricular myocardium and is strongly induced during ventricular-wall tension or stretch. It can be measured rapidly at the point of care and can be used to differentiate cardiac from pulmonary etiologies of dyspnea. In addition to its diagnostic utility, it also has prognostic value and may help guide the treatment of patients with CHF. Thus, it is likely that future algorithms incorporating BNP levels and other clinical indicators will become available to guide critical-care physicians in making management decisions for their CHF patients.

Topics: Biomarkers; Dyspnea; Heart Failure; Heart Ventricles; Humans; Myocardium; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; United States

For the acutely ill patient presenting to the emergency department with dyspnea, an incorrect diagnosis could place the patient at risk for both morbidity and mortality. The stimulus for BNP release is a change in left-ventricular wall stretch and volume overload. A rapid whole blood BNP assay has recently approved by the FDA (Triage BNP Test, Biosite Inc, San Diego CA) that allows one to quickly evaluate the dyspneic patient, and set the stage for the recently completed multinational Breathing Not Properly (BNP) study. The Breathing Not Properly Multinational Study was a seven center, prospective study of 1586 patients who presented to the emergency department with acute dyspnea and had BNP measured with a point-of-care assay upon arrival. BNP was accurate in making the diagnosis of CHF and correlated to severity of disease. It could have reduced clinical indecision by 74%. Algorithms are being developed for use in the emergency room which takes into account other illnesses that might raise BNP levels. BNP levels should be extremely important in ruling out and diagnosing decompensated CHF, as long as baseline "euvolemic" BNP values are known. Finally, it is possible that use of BNP levels might not only be helpful in assessing whether or not a dyspneic patient has heart failure, but it my turn out to be useful in making both triage and management decisions.

Topics: Acute Disease; Algorithms; Biological Assay; Biomarkers; Diagnosis, Differential; Dyspnea; Heart Failure; Humans; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Prognosis; Prospective Studies; Sensitivity and Specificity

The use of BNP as a diagnostic and therapeutic tool in the management of heart failure is promising. Additional studies need to be done regarding the use of BNP as a diagnostic tool to clarify its intrapatient and interpatient variability, especially over time. Nesiritide is the first new intravenous agent for the treatment of acute decompensated heart failure since the introduction of milrinone. It is an effective vasodilator and enhances the effect of concomitant diuretic therapy. Nesiritide may have some benefit on long-term outcomes by prolonging survival, decreasing hospitalizations, or enhancing quality of life. Whether it can or should be used as chronic therapy in end-stage patients remains to be determined.

Topics: Cardiotonic Agents; Diuretics; Drug Therapy, Combination; Dyspnea; Heart Failure; Humans; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Patient Admission; Patient Selection; Sensitivity and Specificity; Treatment Outcome; Vasodilator Agents

Congestive heart failure poses significant challenges to physicians with both diagnosis and management. B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) is synthesized in the cardiac ventricles. It correlates with ventricular function, NYHA classification, and prognosis. It is extremely useful in the emergency department in patients presenting with acute dyspnea. It has a particularly strong negative predictive value. In addition, it should be important in screening patients for heart diease, either for those who are at high risk (chemotherapy, diabetes) or as a possible screen before echocardiography. In the future, BNP may be used to modulate treatment of patients in the decompensated setting as well as in titrating outpatient therapy.

Topics: Atrial Natriuretic Factor; Biomarkers; Cardiotonic Agents; Dyspnea; Emergencies; Heart Failure; Humans; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Prognosis; Ventricular Dysfunction, Left

There is a natural physiological decline in pulmonary function and the cardiovascular system with age. In emergency medicine, acute dyspnoea is a common problem among elderly patients. Some causes, such as pulmonary embolism and diastolic heart failure, are probably under-diagnosed. A good clinical history and examination are as important as arterial blood gas analysis, chest radiography and electrocardiography. Few studies have examined acute dyspnoea in elderly patients, except in the setting of pneumonia. Establishing the underlying diagnosis is often difficult because of atypical presentation and the interaction between cardiac and pulmonary underlying functions. This topic describes several respiratory and cardiac diseases presenting as acute dyspnoea, especially "cardiac asthma" and pulmonary embolism. The clinical usefulness of new investigations such as cardiac and lung echography, pulmonary function tests, serum Brain Natriuretic Peptide and thoracic CT scan are discussed. Further studies looking at acute dyspnoea in elderly patients are needed.

Topics: Acute Disease; Aged; Aging; Algorithms; Blood Gas Analysis; Decision Trees; Diagnosis, Differential; Dyspnea; Echocardiography, Doppler; Electrocardiography; Emergency Treatment; Heart Failure; Humans; Medical History Taking; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Physical Examination; Pneumonia; Pulmonary Embolism; Pulmonary Medicine; Radiography, Thoracic; Respiratory Function Tests; Tomography, X-Ray Computed

For the acutely ill patient presenting to the emergency department with dyspnea, an incorrect diagnosis could place the patient at risk for both morbidity and mortality. The stimulus for B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) release is a change in left-ventricular wall stretch and volume overload. A rapid, whole-blood BNP assay (Triage BNP Test, Biosite Inc, San Diego, CA) that allows quick evaluation of the dyspneic patient has recently been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Preliminary research with this test set the stage for the recently completed "Breathing Not Properly" BNP Multinational Study, a seven-center, prospective study of 1586 patients who presented to the emergency department with acute dyspnea and had BNP measured with a point-of-care assay upon arrival. BNP was accurate in making the diagnosis of congestive heart failure (CHF), and levels correlated to severity of disease. Knowledge of BNP levels could have reduced clinical indecision by 74%. Algorithms are being developed for use in the emergency department that take into account other illnesses that might raise BNP levels. BNP levels should be extremely important in ruling out and diagnosing decompensated CHF, as long as baseline "euvolemic" BNP values are known. Finally, in addition to helping assess whether a dyspneic patient has heart failure, BNP levels may also be useful in making both triage and management decisions.

Topics: Atrial Natriuretic Factor; Dyspnea; Emergency Service, Hospital; Emergency Treatment; Heart Failure; Humans; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain

A simple blood test useful to the diagnosis and follow-up of congestive heart failure would have a favorable impact on the management of a large populations of patients. Several recent studies have demonstrated that blood levels of Brain Natriuretic Peptide (BNP) may be useful for differentiating heart failure from lung disease in patients presenting to emergency department with dyspnea. Furthermore, BNP might serve as screening test for left ventricular dysfunction (systolic and diastolic), correlates with severity of congestive heart failure and is an independent predictor of outcome. Finally, BNP changes correlate with variations of hemodynamic profile induced by therapy and can be used for a noninvasive tailoring of treatment. These findings make this peptide a potential "white count" for patients with suspected or confirmed heart failure.

Topics: Diagnosis, Differential; Dyspnea; Heart Failure; Humans; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Sensitivity and Specificity

B-type or brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) is a balanced vasodilator with no inotropic nor chronotropic properties. Plasma levels can be used in diagnosis and prognosis of patients with heart failure, hypertension, myocardial infarction, right ventricular dysfunction and cor pulmonale. Intravenous therapy with BNP (nesiritide) in nearly 1000 patients demonstrated significant dose-dependent reductions in pulmonary capillary wedge pressure and systemic vascular resistance, as well as increased cardiac index. Compared to dobutamine, it is not pro-arrhythmic and has no effect on heart rate. Compared to standard therapy, it improves dyspnea by 3 h of therapy and leads to fewer headaches and arrhythmias than the commonly used intravenous agents nitroglycerin and dobutamine, respectively. Current research suggests an important role for use of nesiritide in the treatment of decompensated heart failure.

Topics: Biomarkers; Dyspnea; Heart Failure; Humans; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Prognosis; Pulmonary Wedge Pressure; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Recombinant Proteins; Vascular Resistance; Vasodilator Agents

Although acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) is a common cause of dyspnoea, its diagnosis still represents a challenge. Lung ultrasound (LUS) is an emerging point-of-care diagnostic tool, but its diagnostic performance for ADHF has not been evaluated in randomized studies. We evaluated, in patients with acute dyspnoea, accuracy and clinical usefulness of combining LUS with clinical assessment compared to the use of chest radiography (CXR) and N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) in conjunction with clinical evaluation.. This was a randomized trial conducted in two emergency departments. After initial clinical evaluation, patients with acute dyspnoea were classified by the treating physician according to presumptive aetiology (ADHF or non-ADHF). Patients were subsequently randomized to continue with either LUS or CXR/NT-proBNP. A new diagnosis, integrating the results of both initial assessment and the newly obtained findings, was then recorded. Diagnostic accuracy and clinical usefulness of LUS and CXR/NT-proBNP approaches were calculated. A total of 518 patients were randomized. Addition of LUS had higher accuracy [area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) 0.95] than clinical evaluation alone (AUC 0.88) in identifying ADHF (P < 0.01). In contrast, use of CXR/NT-proBNP did not significantly increase the accuracy of clinical evaluation alone (AUC 0.87 and 0.85, respectively; P > 0.05). The diagnostic accuracy of the LUS-integrated approach was higher then that of the CXR/Nt-proBNP-integrated approach (AUC 0.95 vs. 0.87, p < 0.01). Combining LUS with the clinical evaluation reduced diagnostic errors by 7.98 cases/100 patients, as compared to 2.42 cases/100 patients in the CXR/Nt-proBNP group.. Integration of LUS with clinical assessment for the diagnosis of ADHF in the emergency department seems to be more accurate than the current diagnostic approach based on CXR and NT-proBNP.

Topics: Acute Disease; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Biomarkers; Dyspnea; Emergency Service, Hospital; Female; Heart Failure; Humans; Lung; Male; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Peptide Fragments; Predictive Value of Tests; Radiography, Thoracic; ROC Curve; Ultrasonography

The purpose of this study was to examine whether the addition of brain natriuretic peptide measurement to the routine diagnostic work-up by prehospital critical care team physicians improves triage in patients with severe dyspnoea.. Prehospital critical care team physicians randomly assigned patients older than 18 years with severe dyspnoea to routine diagnostic work-up or diagnostic work-up with incorporated point-of-care N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) measurement. The primary endpoint was the proportion of patients with dyspnoea of primary cardiac origin triaged directly to a department of cardiology.. A total of 747 patients were randomly assigned and 711 patients consented to participate, 350 were randomly assigned to the NT-proBNP group and 361 to the routine work-up group. NT-proBNP was measured in 90% (315/350) of patients in the NT-proBNP group and in 19% (70/361) of patients in the routine work-up group. There was no difference in the proportion of patients with dyspnoea of primary cardiac origin triaged directly to a department of cardiology between the NT-proBNP group and the routine work-up group (75% vs. 69%, P=0.22) in the intention-to-treat analysis. Sensitivity analysis according to the de facto diagnostics performed showed results consistent with this. No differences in hospital length of stay, intensive care unit admission rates or mortality between the NT-proBNP group and the routine work-up group were observed.. Routine supplementary point-of-care measurement of NT-proBNP in patients with severe dyspnoea did not improve triage of patients with dyspnoea primarily caused by heart disease. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT02050282.

Topics: Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Biomarkers; Dyspnea; Emergency Medical Services; Female; Heart Diseases; Humans; Male; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Peptide Fragments; Point-of-Care Systems; Retrospective Studies; Severity of Illness Index; Single-Blind Method; Triage

Contemporary reconsideration of diagnostic N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) cutoffs for diagnosis of heart failure (HF) is needed.. This study sought to evaluate the diagnostic performance of NT-proBNP for acute HF in patients with dyspnea in the emergency department (ED) setting.. Dyspneic patients presenting to 19 EDs in North America were enrolled and had blood drawn for subsequent NT-proBNP measurement. Primary endpoints were positive predictive values of age-stratified cutoffs (450, 900, and 1,800 pg/ml) for diagnosis of acute HF and negative predictive value of the rule-out cutoff to exclude acute HF. Secondary endpoints included sensitivity, specificity, and positive (+) and negative (-) likelihood ratios (LRs) for acute HF.. Of 1,461 subjects, 277 (19%) were adjudicated as having acute HF. The area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve for diagnosis of acute HF was 0.91 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.90 to 0.93; p < 0.001). Sensitivity for age stratified cutoffs of 450, 900, and 1,800 pg/ml was 85.7%, 79.3%, and 75.9%, respectively; specificity was 93.9%, 84.0%, and 75.0%, respectively. Positive predictive values were 53.6%, 58.4%, and 62.0%, respectively. Overall LR+ across age-dependent cutoffs was 5.99 (95% CI: 5.05 to 6.93); individual LR+ for age-dependent cutoffs was 14.08, 4.95, and 3.03, respectively. The sensitivity and negative predictive value for the rule-out cutoff of 300 pg/ml were 93.9% and 98.0%, respectively; LR- was 0.09 (95% CI: 0.05 to 0.13).. In acutely dyspneic patients seen in the ED setting, age-stratified NT-proBNP cutpoints may aid in the diagnosis of acute HF. An NT-proBNP <300 pg/ml strongly excludes the presence of acute HF.

Topics: Age Factors; Aged; Biomarkers; Dyspnea; Emergency Service, Hospital; Female; Heart Failure; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Peptide Fragments; Predictive Value of Tests; Prognosis; Prospective Studies; Reproducibility of Results; Risk Assessment

The objectives were to reassess use of amino-terminal pro B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) concentrations for diagnosis and prognosis of acute heart failure (HF) in patients with acute dyspnea.. NT-proBNP facilitates diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment in patients with suspected or proven acute HF. As demographics of such patients are changing, previous diagnostic NT-proBNP thresholds may need updating. Additionally, value of in-hospital NT-proBNP prognostic monitoring for HF is less understood.. In a prospective, multicenter study in the United States and Canada, patients presenting to emergency departments with acute dyspnea were enrolled, with demographic, medication, imaging, and clinical course information collected. NT-proBNP analysis will be performed using the Roche Diagnostics Elecsys proBNPII immunoassay in blood samples obtained at baseline and at discharge (if hospitalized). Primary end points include positive predictive value of previously established age-stratified NT-proBNP thresholds for the adjudicated diagnosis of acute HF and its negative predictive value to exclude acute HF. Secondary end points include sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative likelihood ratios for acute HF and, among those with HF, the prognostic value of baseline and predischarge NT-proBNP for adjudicated clinical end points (including all-cause death and hospitalization) at 30 and 180days.. A total of 1,461 dyspneic subjects have been enrolled and are eligible for analysis. Follow-up for clinical outcome is ongoing.. The International Collaborative of N-terminal pro-B-type Natriuretic Peptide Re-evaluation of Acute Diagnostic Cut-Offs in the Emergency Department study offers a contemporary opportunity to understand best diagnostic cutoff points for NT-proBNP in acute HF and validate in-hospital monitoring of HF using NT-proBNP.

Topics: Acute Disease; Biomarkers; Diagnosis, Differential; Dyspnea; Emergency Service, Hospital; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Heart Failure; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Peptide Fragments; Prognosis; Prospective Studies; Reproducibility of Results; ROC Curve; Time Factors

Diagnosing acute heart failure (AHF) in undifferentiated dyspneic emergency department (ED) patients can be challenging. We prospectively studied a validated diagnostic prediction model for AHF that uses patient age, clinician pretest probability for AHF, and N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) as a continuous value to determine its utility and performance.. This was a multicenter randomized controlled trial of undifferentiated dyspneic patients with an indeterminate pretest probability of AHF as assessed by the treating emergency physician (EP). After recording its components, the calculated model results with validated treatment threshold guidelines were provided to EPs for patients randomized to the intervention arm. Final diagnoses with the use of 60-day follow-up information were adjudicated by 2 independent cardiologists. The primary outcomes were accuracy of the model and of physician diagnosis comparing intervention and standard care arms. A total of 197 patients were randomized and had outcome data recorded; 41% were determined to have had heart failure. Final EP diagnostic accuracy was 76% (sensitivity 68.2%, specificity 83.9%) with no significant difference between exposed versus blinded arms (accuracy 77% vs 74%; P = .77). Area under the model receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.93. Using the model treatment thresholds would have redirected 48% of patients with 95% accuracy.. This study prospectively validated the diagnostic accuracy of our AHF model in a significant proportion of indeterminate dyspneic ED patients, but provision of this information did not improveEP diagnostic accuracy. Future studies should determine how such a clinical prediction tool could be effectively integrated into routine practice and improve early management of suspected AHF patients in the ED.

Topics: Acute Disease; Aged; Biomarkers; Dyspnea; Emergency Service, Hospital; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Heart Failure; Hospital Mortality; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Ontario; Peptide Fragments; Predictive Value of Tests; Prospective Studies; Reproducibility of Results; Risk Assessment; Severity of Illness Index; Survival Rate; Time Factors

This study sought to examine the relationships between in-hospital and post-discharge body weight changes and outcomes among patients hospitalized for acute heart failure (AHF).. Body weight changes during and after hospitalization for AHF and the relationships with outcomes have not been well characterized.. A post hoc analysis was performed of the ASCEND-HF (Acute Study of Clinical Effectiveness of Nesiritide and Decompensated Heart Failure) trial, which enrolled patients admitted for AHF regardless of ejection fraction. In-hospital body weight change was defined as the difference between baseline and discharge/day 10, whereas post-discharge body weight change was defined as the difference between discharge/day 10 and day 30. Spearman rank correlations of weight change, urine output (UOP), and dyspnea relief as assessed by a 7-point Likert scale are described. Logistic and Cox proportional hazards regression was used to evaluate the relationship between weight change and outcomes.. Study participants with complete body weight data (n = 4,172) had a mean age of 65 ± 14 years, and 66% were male. Ischemic heart disease was reported in 60% of patients and the average ejection fraction was 30 ± 13%. The median change in body weight was -1.0 kg (interquartile range: -2.1 to 0.0 kg) at 24 h and -2.3 kg (interquartile range: -5.0 to -0.7 kg) by discharge/day 10. At hour 24, there was a weak correlation between change in body weight and UOP (r = -0.381), and minimal correlation between body weight change and dyspnea relief (r = -0.096). After risk adjustment, increasing body weight during hospitalization was associated with a 16% increase per kg in the likelihood of 30-day mortality or HF readmission for patients showing weight loss ≤1 kg or weight gain during hospitalization (odds ratio per kg increase 1.16, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.09 to 1.27; p < 0.001). Among the subset of patients experiencing >1-kg increase in body weight post-discharge, increasing body weight was associated with higher risk of 180-day mortality (hazard ratio per kg increase 1.16; 95% CI: 1.09 to 1.23; p < 0.001).. A substantial number of patients experienced minimal weight loss or frank weight gain in the context of an AHF trial, and increasing body weight in this subset of patients was independently associated with a worse post-discharge prognosis.

Topics: Acute Disease; Aged; Dyspnea; Female; Heart Failure; Hospitalization; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Natriuretic Agents; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Treatment Outcome; Urine; Weight Gain; Weight Loss

Mid-regional pro-adrenomedullin (MR-proADM) is a surrogate marker for adrenomedullin; a hormone that attenuates myocardial remodeling. Accordingly, we hypothesized that MR-proADM could provide diagnostic and prognostic information in patients with acute dyspnea.. We measured MR-proADM by a commercial ELISA on hospital admission in 311 patients with acute dyspnea and compared the utility of MR-proADM with N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP). Blood samples were also available after 24h (n=232) and before discharge (n=94). The principal diagnosis of the index hospitalization was determined by an adjudication committee. MR-proADM concentrations on hospital admission were higher in patients with acute heart failure (HF; n=143) vs. patients hospitalized with non-HF-related dyspnea (n=168): 1.31 (Q1-3 0.97-1.89) vs. 0.85 (0.59-1.15) nmol/L; p<0.001. The receiver-operating characteristics area under the curve (ROC-AUC) for MR-proADM to diagnose HF was 0.77 (95% CI 0.72-0.82) and 0.86 (0.82-0.90) for NT-proBNP. During a median follow-up of 816days, 66/143 patients (46%) with acute HF and 35/84 patients (42%) with acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD) died; p=0.58 between groups. In multivariate Cox regression analyses, admission MR-proADM concentrations were associated with mortality in patients with acute HF (HR 5.90 [3.43-10.13], p<0.001), but not in patients with AECOPD. Admission MR-proADM concentrations also improved risk stratification in acute HF as assessed by the net reclassification index. MR-proADM concentrations decreased from admission to later time points.. Admission MR-proADM concentrations provide strong prognostic information in patients with acute HF, but modest diagnostic information in patients with acute dyspnea.

Topics: Acute Disease; Adrenomedullin; Aged; Biomarkers; Dyspnea; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; Female; Heart Failure; Hospitalization; Humans; Male; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Peptide Fragments; Prognosis; Prospective Studies; Protein Precursors

Patients with left ventricular (LV) diastolic dysfunction are characterized by exertional dyspnoea. Heart rate (HR) reduction by β-blockers can improve exercise tolerance by prolonging LV filling, but their negative inotropic and lusitropic properties can be detrimental in this disease. We tested the effects of administering ivabradine, a HR-lowering drug without impact on cardiac kinetics that may favorably affect diastolic function.. Twenty-four patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) and normal LV ejection fraction on chronic β-blocker therapy were included. NT-proBNP serum levels were determined prior to and after cardiopulmonary exercise. β-Blockers were then replaced by ivabradine and patients were re-tested after 6 weeks. Patients were initially classified as having a low (E/e' ≤ 8; n = 11) or high (E/e' > 8; n = 13) LV filling index.. E/e' significantly decreased during ivabradine therapy in patients with high E/e' (10.7 ± 2.9 vs. 8.9 ± 1.7; p < 0.01), whereas no difference occurred in patients with low E/e' (6.4 ± 0.7 vs. 6.5 ± 1.1; p = ns). With ivabradine, patients with high E/e' had an increased oxygen uptake at the anaerobic threshold (from 10.8 ± 1.4 to 11.8 ± 1.9 ml/min/kg; p < 0.05) and a steeper slope of the initial oxygen pulse curve (from 293 ± 109 to 359 ± 117 µl/beat/kg/W; p < 0.05). Moreover, patients with high E/e' had lower NT-proBNP serum levels at rest (169 ± 207 vs. 126 ± 146 pg/ml; p < 0.05) and after exercise (190 ± 256 vs. 136 ± 162 pg/ml; p < 0.05) during ivabradine therapy.. In patients with CAD and elevated E/e', switching therapy from β-blockers to ivabradine may cause a reduction in LV filling pressures and an improved stroke volume response to exercise.

Topics: Adrenergic beta-Antagonists; Aged; Anti-Arrhythmia Agents; Benzazepines; Biomarkers; Coronary Artery Disease; Drug Substitution; Dyspnea; Exercise Test; Exercise Tolerance; Female; Heart Rate; Humans; Ivabradine; Male; Middle Aged; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Peptide Fragments; Pilot Projects; Stroke Volume; Time Factors; Treatment Outcome; Ventricular Dysfunction, Left; Ventricular Function, Left

The acute heart failure (AHF) Syndromes International Working Group proposed that dyspnea be assessed under standardized, incrementally provocative maneuvers and called for studies to assess the feasibility of this approach. We sought to assess the feasibility and statistical characteristics of a novel provocative dyspnea severity score (pDS) versus the traditional dyspnea visual analog scale (DVAS) in an AHF trial.. At enrollment, 24, 48 and 72hours, 230 ROSE-AHF patients completed a DVAS. Dyspnea was then assessed with 5-point Likert dyspnea scales administered during 4 stages (A: upright-with O2, B: upright-without O2, C: supine-without O2 and D: exercise-without O2). Patients with moderate or less dyspnea were eligible for the next stage.. At enrollment, oxygen withdrawal and supine provocation were highly feasible (≥97%), provoking more severe dyspnea (≥1 Likert point) in 24% and 42% of eligible patients, respectively. Exercise provocation had low feasibility with 38% of eligible patients unable to exercise due to factors other than dyspnea. A pDS was constructed from Likert scales during the 3 feasible assessment conditions (A-C). Relative to DVAS, the distribution of the pDS was more skewed with a high "ceiling effect" at enrollment (23%) limiting sensitivity to change. Change in pDS was not related to decongestion or 60-day outcomes.. Although oxygen withdrawal and supine provocation are feasible and elicit more severe dyspnea, exercise provocation had unacceptable feasibility in this AHF cohort. The statistical characteristics of a pDS based on feasible provocation measures do not support its potential as a robust dyspnea assessment tool in AHF.

Topics: Acute Disease; Aged; Biomarkers; Dyspnea; Exercise Test; Feasibility Studies; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Heart Failure; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Peptide Fragments; Prognosis; Prospective Studies; Severity of Illness Index; Time Factors

Although therapy with mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRAs) is recommended for patients with chronic heart failure (HF) with reduced ejection fraction and in post-infarction HF, it has not been studied well in acute HF (AHF) despite being commonly used in this setting. At high doses, MRA therapy in AHF may relieve congestion through its natriuretic properties and mitigate the effects of adverse neurohormonal activation associated with intravenous loop diuretics. The ATHENA-HF (Aldosterone Targeted Neurohormonal Combined with Natriuresis Therapy in Heart Failure) trial is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of the safety and efficacy of 100 mg/day spironolactone versus placebo (or continued low-dose spironolactone use in participants who are already receiving spironolactone at baseline) in 360 patients hospitalized for AHF. Patients are randomized within 24 h of receiving the first dose of intravenous diuretics. The primary objective is to determine if high-dose spironolactone, compared with standard care, will lead to greater reductions in N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide levels from randomization to 96 h. The secondary endpoints include changes in the clinical congestion score, dyspnea relief, urine output, weight change, loop diuretic dose, and in-hospital worsening HF. Index hospital length of stay and 30-day clinical outcomes will be assessed. Safety endpoints include risk of hyperkalemia and renal function. Differences among patients with reduced versus preserved ejection fraction will be determined. (Study of High-dose Spironolactone vs. Placebo Therapy in Acute Heart Failure [ATHENA-HF]; NCT02235077).

Topics: Acute Disease; Cause of Death; Disease Progression; Double-Blind Method; Dyspnea; Heart Failure; Humans; Hyperkalemia; Mineralocorticoid Receptor Antagonists; Mortality; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Patient Readmission; Peptide Fragments; Sodium Potassium Chloride Symporter Inhibitors; Spironolactone; Treatment Outcome

Serelaxin, a recombinant form of human relaxin-2, is in development for treating acute heart failure (AHF) and a Phase II study in Japanese AHF patients was conducted.. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of serelaxin at 10 and 30 µg·kg(-1)·day(-1)continuous intravenous infusion for up to 48 h, added to standard care for Japanese AHF patients. Primary endpoints were adverse events (AEs) through Day 5, serious AEs (SAEs) through Day 14, and serelaxin pharmacokinetics. Secondary endpoints included changes in systolic blood pressure (SBP) and cardiorenal biomarkers. A total of 46 patients received the study drug and were followed for 60 days. The observed AE profile was comparable between the groups, with no AEs of concern. Dose-dependent increase in the serum concentration of serelaxin was observed across the 2 dose rates of serelaxin. A greater reduction in SBP was observed with serelaxin 30 µg·kg(-1)·day(-1)vs. placebo (-7.7 [-16.4, 1.0] mmHg). A greater reduction in NT-proBNP was noted with serelaxin (-50.8% and -54.9% for 10 and 30 µg·kg(-1)·day(-1), respectively at Day 2).. Serelaxin was well tolerated in this study with Japanese AHF patients, with no AEs of concern and favorable beneficial trends on efficacy. These findings support further evaluation of serelaxin 30 µg·kg(-1)·day(-1)in this patient population.

Topics: Acute Disease; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Asian People; Biomarkers; Blood Pressure; Cardiovascular Agents; Comorbidity; Double-Blind Method; Drug Therapy, Combination; Dyspnea; Female; Heart Failure; Humans; Infusions, Intravenous; Japan; Male; Metabolic Clearance Rate; Middle Aged; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Peptide Fragments; Recombinant Proteins; Relaxin; Treatment Outcome

The N-terminal part of pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) is glycosylated, but whether glycosylation influences the diagnostic and prognostic accuracy of NT-proBNP measurements is not known.. We measured NT-proBNP concentrations of 309 patients with acute dyspnea by use of standard EDTA tubes and EDTA tubes pretreated with deglycosylation enzymes. The primary cause of dyspnea was classified as heart failure (HF) or non-HF, and the diagnosis was adjudicated by 2 independent physicians. We collected information on all-cause mortality during follow-up.. In all, 142 patients (46%) were diagnosed with HF. NT-proBNP concentrations in nondeglycosylated samples distinguished HF patients from patients with non-HF related dyspnea [median 3588 (quartiles 1-3 1578-8404) vs 360 (126-1139) ng/L, P < 0.001], but concentrations were markedly higher in samples pretreated with deglycosylation enzymes (total NT-proBNP) [7497 (3374-14 915) vs 798 (332-2296) ng/L, P < 0.001]. The AUC to separate HF patients from patients with non-HF related dyspnea was 0.871 (95% CI 0.829-0.907) for total NT-proBNP compared with 0.852 (0.807-0.890) for NT-proBNP measurements in standard EDTA plasma. During a median follow-up of 816 days, 112 patients (36%) died. Both NT-proBNP and total NT-proBNP concentrations were associated with mortality in separate multivariate models, but only total NT-proBNP concentrations provided added value to the basic risk model of our dataset as assessed by the net reclassification index: 0.24 (95% CI 0.003-0.384). There was a graded increase in risk across total NT-proBNP quartiles, in contrast with the results for NT-proBNP measurements.. NT-proBNP concentrations were higher, and diagnostic and prognostic accuracy was improved, by pretreating tubes with deglycosylation enzymes.

Topics: Aged; Area Under Curve; Blood Chemical Analysis; Dyspnea; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Glycosylation; Heart Failure; Humans; Male; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Peptide Fragments; Predictive Value of Tests; Prognosis

Most patients with heart failure are diagnosed and managed in primary care, however, underdiagnosis and undertreatment are common. We assessed whether implementation of a diagnostic-therapeutic strategy improves functionality, health-related quality of life, and uptake of heart failure medication in primary care.. A selective screening study followed by a single-blind cluster randomized trial in primary care. The study population consists of patients aged 65 years or over who presented themselves to the general practitioner in the previous 12 months with shortness of breath on exertion. Patients already known with established heart failure, confirmed by echocardiography, are excluded. Diagnostic investigations include history taking, physical examination, electrocardiography, and serum N-terminal pro B-type natriuretic peptide levels. Only participants with an abnormal electrocardiogram or an N-terminal pro B-type natriuretic peptide level exceeding the exclusionary cutpoint for non-acute onset heart failure (> 15 pmol/L (≈ 125 pg/ml)) will undergo open-access echocardiography. The diagnosis of heart failure (with reduced or preserved ejection fraction) is established by an expert panel consisting of two cardiologists and a general practitioner, according to the criteria of the European Society of Cardiology guidelines.Patients with newly established heart failure are allocated to either the 'care as usual' group or the 'intervention' group. Randomization is at the level of the general practitioner. In the intervention group general practitioners receive a single half-day training in heart failure management and the use of a structured up-titration scheme. All participants fill out quality of life questionnaires at baseline and after six months of follow-up. A six-minute walking test will be performed in patients with heart failure. Information on medication and hospitalization rates is extracted from the electronic medical files of the general practitioners.. This study will provide information on the prevalence of unrecognized heart failure in elderly with shortness of breath on exertion, and the randomized comparison will reveal whether management based on a half-day training of general practitioners in the practical application of an up-titration scheme results in improvements in functionality, health-related quality of life, and uptake of heart failure medication in heart failure patients compared to care as usual.. ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01202006.

Topics: Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Attitude of Health Personnel; Biomarkers; Cardiovascular Agents; Chronic Disease; Clinical Protocols; Dyspnea; Echocardiography; Education, Medical, Continuing; Electrocardiography; Exercise Test; Female; Heart Failure; Humans; Male; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Netherlands; Peptide Fragments; Practice Patterns, Physicians'; Predictive Value of Tests; Prevalence; Primary Health Care; Quality of Life; Recognition, Psychology; Research Design; Single-Blind Method; Stroke Volume; Surveys and Questionnaires; Treatment Outcome; Ventricular Function, Left

Congestive heart failure (CHF) as a common comorbidity in patients with lung cancer, especially those of old age. The tumor combined with heart failure makes the reasons of dyspnea more complicated and effective drugs to improve symptoms are urgently needed. Recombinant human B-type natriuretic peptide (rhBNP) is a member of the natriuretic peptide family that exerts cardiovascular effects. The major goal of this study was to study the effect of rhBNP on patients with decompensated heart failure coexisted with lung cancer. Emergency decompensated HF patients with lung cancer admitted for dyspnea were randomly assigned to open label therapy with standard treatment (control group) or standard treatment + rhBNP(rhBNP group) for up to 7 days. Then we recorded the changes of symptoms, examined and followed up every 3 months to evaluate the effect of rhBNP on decompensated heart failure patients with lung cancer. We found that dyspnea, fatigue and edema of lower extremity were significantly improved in the rhBNP group compared to the control group after 7 days of treatment. Survival rate was not significantly different in the mean 18.4 +/- 8.6 months of follow-up. Results from our study suggested that rhBNP significantly improved symptoms in emergency decompensated HF patients with lung cancer admitted for dyspnea in the short-term, but did not improve survival rate in the long-term.

Topics: Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Dyspnea; Edema; Electrocardiography; Endpoint Determination; Fatigue; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Heart Failure; Hemodynamics; Humans; Lung Neoplasms; Male; Middle Aged; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Oxygen; Recombinant Proteins; Survival

Increases in plasma B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) concentrations in those with acutely decompensated heart failure (ADHF) has been mainly attributed to an increase in NPPB gene transcription. Recently, proBNP glycosylation has emerged as a potential regulatory mechanism in the production of amino-terminal (NT)-proBNP and BNP. The aim of the present study was to investigate proBNP glycosylation, and corin and furin activities in ADHF patients.. Plasma levels of proBNP, NT-proBNP, BNP, as well as corin and furin concentration and activity were measured in a large cohort of 683 patients presenting with ADHF (n = 468), non-cardiac dyspnoea (non-ADHF: n = 169) and 46 patients with stable chronic heart failure (CHF); the degree of plasma proBNP glycosylation was assessed in a subset of these patients (ADHF: n = 49, non-ADHF: n = 50, CHF: n = 46). Our results showed a decrease in proBNP glycosylation in ADHF patients that paralleled NT-proBNP overproduction (ρ = -0.62, P < 0.001) but less so to BNP. In addition, we observed an increase in furin activity that is positively related to the plasma levels of proBNP, NT-proBNP and BNP overproduction (all P < 0.001, all ρ > 0.88), and negatively related to the degree of proBNP glycosylation (ρ = -0.62, P < 0.001).. These comprehensive results provide a paradigm for the post-translational modification of natriuretic peptides in ADHF: as proBNP glycosylation decreases, furin activity increases. This synergistically amplifies the processing of proBNP into BNP and NT-proBNP.. http://clinicaltrials.gov/. Identifier: NCT01374880.

Topics: Acute Disease; Aged; Cohort Studies; Dyspnea; Female; Furin; Glycosylation; Heart Failure; Humans; Male; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Peptide Fragments; Serine Endopeptidases

To evaluate the diagnostic and prognostic value of osteopontin in patients with acute dyspnoea and/or peripheral oedema suspected of having acute congestive heart failure (aCHF).. A total of 401 patients presenting with acute dyspnoea and/or peripheral oedema to the emergency department were prospectively enrolled and followed up for up to 5 years. Blood samples for biomarker measurements were collected on admission to the emergency department. Osteopontin combined with NT-proBNP vs. NT-proBNP alone for diagnosis of aCHF was tested. Additionally, osteopontin vs. NT-proBNP for prognostic outcomes (i.e. all-cause mortality, aCHF-related rehospitalization, and both in combination) was tested. The diagnostic and prognostic capacity of osteopontin was tested by C-statistics, reclassification indices, and multivariable Cox prediction models. Osteopontin plus NT-proBNP improved the diagnostic capacity for aCHF diagnosis [accuracy 76%, 95% confidence interval (CI) 72-80%; specificity 74%, 95% CI 69-79%, net reclassification improvement (NRI) +0.10] compared with NT-proBNP alone in the emergency department (P = 0.0001). Osteopontin independently predicted all-cause mortality and aCHF-related rehospitalization after 1 and 5 years. Compared with NT-proBNP, osteopontin was of superior prognostic value, specifically in aCHF patients and for the prognostic outcome of aCHF-related rehospitalization.. Osteopontin improves aCHF diagnosis when combined with NT-proBNP. Osteopontin identifies aCHF patients with high 1- and 5-year mortality and rehospitalization risk, and adds prognostic value to NT-proBNP. Trial registration NCT00143793.

Topics: Acute Disease; Aged; Biomarkers; Confidence Intervals; Dyspnea; Edema, Cardiac; Female; Heart Failure; Hospitalization; Humans; Male; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Osteopontin; Outcome Assessment, Health Care; Peptide Fragments; Predictive Value of Tests; Prognosis; Severity of Illness Index; Survival Analysis

Patients hospitalized for acute heart failure (AHF) differ with respect of many clinical characteristics which may influence their prognosis and response to treatment. We have assessed possible differences in the effects of serelaxin on dyspnoea relief, 60 Day outcomes and 180 Day mortality across patient subgroups in the RELAX-AHF trial.. Subgroups were based on pre-specified covariates (age, sex, race, geographic region, estimated glomerular filtration rate, time from presentation to randomization, baseline systolic blood pressure, history of diabetes, atrial fibrillation, ischaemic heart disease, cardiac devices, i.v. nitrates at randomization). Other covariates which may modify the efficacy of AHF treatment were also analysed. Subgroup analyses did not show any difference in the effects of serelaxin vs. placebo on dyspnoea relief or on the incidence of cardiovascular death or rehospitalizations for heart failure or renal failure at 60 days. Nominally significant interactions between some patient subgroups and the effects of serelaxin on 180 days cardiovascular and all-cause mortality were noted but should be interpreted cautiously due to the number of comparisons and the low incidence of deaths in the subgroups at lower risk.. The effects of serelaxin vs. placebo appeared to be similar across subgroups of patients in RELAX-AHF.

Topics: Acute Disease; Adult; Aged; Cardiotonic Agents; Cause of Death; Double-Blind Method; Dyspnea; Female; Heart Failure; Hospitalization; Humans; Infusions, Intravenous; Male; Middle Aged; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Peptide Fragments; Recombinant Proteins; Relaxin; Treatment Outcome

Dyspnea relief constitutes a major treatment goal and a key measure of treatment efficacy in decompensated heart failure. However, there are no data with regard to the relationship between hemodynamic measurements during treatment and dyspnea improvement.. We studied 233 patients assigned to right heart catheterization in the Vasodilation in the Management of Acute Congestive Heart Failure trial. Dyspnea (assessed using a 7-point Likert scale) and hemodynamic parameters were measured simultaneously at 15 and 30 minutes and 1, 2, 3, 6, and 24 hours. Dyspnea relief was defined as moderate or marked improvement. There was a time-dependent association between the reductions in pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (PCWP; 25.4, 24.6, 24.0, 23.5, 23.4, 21.5, and 19.9 mm Hg) and the percentage of patients achieving dyspnea relief (17.7%, 24.6%, 32.2%, 36.2%, 37.8%, 47.4%, and 66.1%, in the respective time points). Multivariable logistic generalized estimating equations modeling demonstrated that reductions of both PCWP and mean pulmonary artery pressure were independently associated with dyspnea relief. Compared with the highest PCWP quartile, the adjusted odds ratios for dyspnea relief were 0.92 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.67-1.29), 1.07 (95% CI, 0.75-1.55), and 1.80 (95% CI, 1.22-2.65) in the third, second, and first PCWP quartiles, respectively (P(trend)=0.003). Compared with the highest mean pulmonary artery pressure quartile, the adjusted odds ratios for dyspnea relief were 2.0 (95% CI, 1.41-2.82), 2.23 (95% CI, 1.52-3.27), and 2.98 (95% CI, 1.91-4.66) in the third, second, and first mean pulmonary artery pressure quartiles, respectively (P(trend)<0.0001).. A clinically significant improvement in dyspnea is associated with a reduction in both PCWP and mean pulmonary artery pressure.

Topics: Acute Disease; Dyspnea; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Heart Failure; Hemodynamics; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Natriuretic Agents; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Retrospective Studies; Treatment Outcome

To examine the characteristics associated with early dyspnoea relief during acute heart failure (HF) hospitalization, and its association with 30-day outcomes.. ASCEND-HF was a randomized trial of nesiritide vs. placebo in 7141 patients hospitalized with acute HF in which dyspnoea relief at 6 h was measured on a 7-point Likert scale. Patients were classified as having early dyspnoea relief if they experienced moderate or marked dyspnoea improvement at 6 h. We analysed the clinical characteristics, geographical variation, and outcomes (mortality, mortality/HF hospitalization, and mortality/hospitalization at 30 days) associated with early dyspnoea relief. Early dyspnoea relief occurred in 2984 patients (43%). In multivariable analyses, predictors of dyspnoea relief included older age and oedema on chest radiograph; higher systolic blood pressure, respiratory rate, and natriuretic peptide level; and lower serum blood urea nitrogen (BUN), sodium, and haemoglobin (model mean C index = 0.590). Dyspnoea relief varied markedly across countries, with patients enrolled from Central Europe having the lowest risk-adjusted likelihood of improvement. Early dyspnoea relief was associated with lower risk-adjusted 30-day mortality/HF hospitalization [hazard ratio (HR) 0.81; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.68-0.96] and mortality/hospitalization (HR 0.85; 95% CI 0.74-0.99), but similar mortality.. Clinical characteristics such as respiratory rate, pulmonary oedema, renal function, and natriuretic peptide levels are associated with early dyspnoea relief, and moderate or marked improvement in dyspnoea was associated with a lower risk for 30-day outcomes.

Topics: Acute Disease; Age Factors; Aged; Blood Pressure; Blood Urea Nitrogen; Dyspnea; Edema; Female; Heart Failure; Hospitalization; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Natriuretic Agents; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Natriuretic Peptides; Respiratory Rate; Risk Assessment; Treatment Outcome

Chronic drug interactions that exist between symptomatic congestive heart failure (CHF) therapy and pharmacologic agents used for hyperuricemia and gout are a challenging problem in clinical practice. Recent observational studies showed that prednisone can induce a potent diuresis and lower serum uric acid concentration (SUA) in CHF. We therefore designed a randomized study to compare the effect of prednisone with allopurinol on SUA in symptomatic CHF patients with hyperuricemia.. Thirty-four symptomatic CHF participants with hyperuricemia (≥ 565 μmol/L) were randomized to receive prednisone (1 mg/kg/d, orally) or allopurinol (100 mg, thrice daily, orally) for 4 weeks. The primary outcome measure was change from baseline in SUA. The secondary outcome measures were change from baseline in serum creatinine levels, estimated glomerular filtration rate, daily urine output, body weight, N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide levels, physician-assessed global clinical status, and New York Heart Association functional class.. Both prednisone and allopurinol greatly lowered SUA rapidly. The overall SUA-lowering effect did not differ between treatment groups during the study period (P = 0.48, 2-way repeated measures analysis of variance). However, prednisone increased estimated glomerular filtration rate and daily urine output, and lowered body weights and N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide. Consequently, participants treated with prednisone had an improvement in clinical status.. The study showed that the SUA-lowering effect of prednisone and allopurinol is similar in symptomatic CHF patients. Prednisone might be useful for short-term SUA-lowering in CHF patients with hyperuricemia.

Topics: Adult; Allopurinol; Creatinine; Dyspnea; Female; Glomerular Filtration Rate; Glucocorticoids; Gout Suppressants; Heart Failure; Humans; Hyperuricemia; Male; Middle Aged; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Peptide Fragments; Prednisone; Prospective Studies; Severity of Illness Index; Treatment Outcome; Uric Acid

This study hypothesized that peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) would increase with acute heart failure (AHF) treatment over the first 24 h, related to a Dyspnea Index (DI) change and treatment effect.. Dyspnea is a key symptom and clinical trial endpoint in AHF, yet objective assessment is lacking.. In a clinical trial substudy, 421 patients (37 sites) underwent PEFR testing at baseline, 1, 6, and 24 h after randomization to nesiritide or placebo. DI (by Likert scale) was collected at hours 6 and 24.. Patients were median age 70 years, and 34% were female; no significant differences between nesiritide or placebo patients existed. Median baseline PEFR was 225 l/min (interquartile range [IQR]: 160 to 300 l/min) and increased to 230 l/min (2.2% increase; IQR: 170 to 315 l/min) by hour 1, 250 l/min (11.1% increase; IQR: 180 to 340 l/min) by hour 6, and 273 l/min (21.3% increase; IQR: 200 to 360 l/min) by 24 h (all p < 0.001). The 24-h PEFR change related to moderate or marked dyspnea improvement by DI (adjusted odds ratio: 1.04 for each 10 l/min improvement [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.07 to 1.10]; p < 0.01). A model incorporating time and treatment over 24 h showed greater PEFR improvement after nesiritide compared with placebo (p = 0.048).. PEFR increases over the first 24 h in AHF and could serve as an AHF endpoint. Nesiritide had a greater effect than placebo on PEFR, and this predicted patients with moderate/marked improvement in dyspnea, thereby providing an objective metric for assessing AHF. (Acute Study of Clinical Effectiveness of Nesiritide in Decompensated Heart Failure [ASCEND-HF]; NCT00475852).

Topics: Acute Disease; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Disease Progression; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Dyspnea; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Heart Failure; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Natriuretic Agents; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Peak Expiratory Flow Rate; Prospective Studies; Treatment Outcome

The rapid and accurate diagnosis of heart failure in primary care is a major unmet clinical need. We evaluated the additional use of B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels.. A randomized controlled trial.. Twenty-nine primary care physicians in Switzerland and Germany coordinated by the University Hospital Basel, Switzerland.. A total of 323 consecutive patients presenting with dyspnoea.. Assignment in a 1 : 1 ratio to a diagnostic strategy including point-of-care measurement of BNP (n = 163) or standard assessment without BNP (n = 160). The total medical cost at 3 months was the primary end-point. Secondary end-points were diagnostic certainty, time to appropriate therapy, functional capacity, hospitalization and mortality. The final diagnosis was adjudicated by a physician blinded to the BNP levels.. Heart failure was the final diagnosis in 34% of patients. The number of hospitalizations, functional status and total medical cost at 3 months [median $1655, interquartile range (IQR), 850-3331 vs. $1541, IQR 859-2827; P = 0.68] were similar in both groups. BNP increased diagnostic certainty as defined by the need for further diagnostic work-up (33% vs. 45%; P = 0.02) and accelerated the initiation of the appropriate treatment (13 days vs. 25 days; P = 0.01). The area under the receiver-operating characteristics curve for BNP to identify heart failure was 0.87 (95% confidence interval, 0.81-0.93).. The use of BNP levels in primary care did not reduce total medical cost, but improved some of the secondary end-points including diagnostic certainty and time to initiation of appropriate treatment.

Topics: Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Biomarkers; Dyspnea; Electrocardiography; Female; Heart Failure; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Natriuretic Agents; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Primary Health Care; Radiography, Thoracic; ROC Curve; Single-Blind Method

Dyspneic emergency department (ED) patients present a diagnostic dilemma. The S3, although highly specific for acute heart failure (AHF) and predicting death and readmission, is often difficult to auscultate. The HEart failure and Audicor technology for Rapid Diagnosis and Initial Treatment (HEARD-IT) multinational trial evaluated the S3 via acoustic cardiography (Audicor). Our goal in this secondary analysis was to determine if the strength of the S3 can provide diagnostic/prognostic information in problematic heart failure subgroups.. Dyspneic ED patients older than 40 years and not on dialysis were prospectively enrolled. A gold standard AHF diagnosis was determined by 2 cardiologists blinded to acoustic cardiography results. The S3 strength parameter was delineated on a scale of 0 to 10. This secondary analysis of subgroups from the HEARD-IT database used univariate/multivariate regression to determine the diagnostic/prognostic ability of the S3 strength.. In the 995 patients enrolled, S3 strength was a significant prognosticator in univariate analysis for adverse events but not in a multivariable model. In patients with "gray zone" B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels (100-499 pg/mL), acoustic cardiography increased diagnostic accuracy of AHF from 47% to 69%. Acoustic cardiography improved S3 detection sensitivity in obese patients when compared to auscultation.. The strength of the S3 gallop provides rapid results that assist with identification of AHF in selected populations. S3 detection complements the use of BNP in the gray zone, and its diagnostic/prognostic ability is largely unaffected by body mass index and renal function. S3 strength shows promise as a diagnostic and prognostic tool in problematic HF subgroups.

Topics: Acute Disease; Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Body Mass Index; Dyspnea; Electrocardiography; Emergency Service, Hospital; Female; Heart Auscultation; Heart Failure; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Prognosis; Prospective Studies; Regression Analysis; Sensitivity and Specificity

Difficulty in distinguishing congestive heart failure (HF) from other causes of dyspnoea in the emergency department (ED) may result in delay in appropriate treatment and referral. Although the diagnostic value of serum amino-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) is well documented, the impact on diagnostic certainty of providing these results to ED physicians is not well studied. We sought to determine the effect of providing NT-proBNP results on diagnostic certainty of physicians managing patients presenting to the ED with suspected HF.. A randomized controlled study was conducted in 68 patients presenting to the ED with dyspnoea. ED clinicians initially rated the probability of HF as the cause of dyspnoea without the knowledge of the result. A scale of 1-7 was used, with 1 representing a high degree of certainty of a diagnosis other than HF and 7 representing a high degree of certainty of HF being the cause of dyspnoea. In 38 patients, the ED physician then reassessed the probability of HF as the cause of dyspnoea after receiving the NT-proBNP result. A cardiologist blinded to the NT-proBNP result determined the final diagnosis after review of medical records and investigations.. Providing the NT-proBNP result reduced diagnostic uncertainty, defined as a test score of 3-5, from 66% of cases to 18% of cases (P < 0.0001) and improved diagnostic accuracy from 53% to 71% (P = 0.016).. Measurement of NT-proBNP concentrations reduces diagnostic uncertainty and improves diagnostic accuracy in patients presenting to the ED with dyspnoea and possible HF.

Topics: Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Diagnosis, Differential; Dyspnea; Emergency Medical Services; Female; Heart Failure; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Peptide Fragments; Physicians; Sensitivity and Specificity; Uncertainty

We studied the diagnostic accuracy of bedside lung ultrasound (the presence of a comet-tail sign), N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) and clinical assessment (according to the modified Boston criteria) in differentiating heart failure (HF)-related acute dyspnea from pulmonary (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)/asthma)-related acute dyspnea in the prehospital setting.. Our prospective study was performed at the Center for Emergency Medicine, Maribor, Slovenia, between July 2007 and April 2010. Two groups of patients were compared: a HF-related acute dyspnea group (n = 129) and a pulmonary (asthma/COPD)-related acute dyspnea group (n = 89). All patients underwent lung ultrasound examinations, along with basic laboratory testing, rapid NT-proBNP testing and chest X-rays.. The ultrasound comet-tail sign has 100% sensitivity, 95% specificity, 100% negative predictive value (NPV) and 96% positive predictive value (PPV) for the diagnosis of HF. NT-proBNP (cutoff point 1,000 pg/mL) has 92% sensitivity, 89% specificity, 86% NPV and 90% PPV. The Boston modified criteria have 85% sensitivity, 86% specificity, 80% NPV and 90% PPV. In comparing the three methods, we found significant differences between ultrasound sign and (1) NT-proBNP (P < 0.05) and (2) Boston modified criteria (P < 0.05). The combination of ultrasound sign and NT-proBNP has 100% sensitivity, 100% specificity, 100% NPV and 100% PPV. With the use of ultrasound, we can exclude HF in patients with pulmonary-related dyspnea who have positive NT-proBNP (> 1,000 pg/mL) and a history of HF.. An ultrasound comet-tail sign alone or in combination with NT-proBNP has high diagnostic accuracy in differentiating acute HF-related from COPD/asthma-related causes of acute dyspnea in the prehospital emergency setting.. ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01235182.

Topics: Acute Disease; Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Asthma; Biomarkers; Diagnosis, Differential; Dyspnea; Emergency Medical Services; Female; Heart Failure; Humans; Lung; Male; Middle Aged; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Point-of-Care Systems; Prospective Studies; Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive; Sensitivity and Specificity; Ultrasonography

Nesiritide is approved in the United States for early relief of dyspnea in patients with acute heart failure. Previous meta-analyses have raised questions regarding renal toxicity and the mortality associated with this agent.. We randomly assigned 7141 patients who were hospitalized with acute heart failure to receive either nesiritide or placebo for 24 to 168 hours in addition to standard care. Coprimary end points were the change in dyspnea at 6 and 24 hours, as measured on a 7-point Likert scale, and the composite end point of rehospitalization for heart failure or death within 30 days.. Patients randomly assigned to nesiritide, as compared with those assigned to placebo, more frequently reported markedly or moderately improved dyspnea at 6 hours (44.5% vs. 42.1%, P=0.03) and 24 hours (68.2% vs. 66.1%, P=0.007), but the prespecified level for significance (P≤0.005 for both assessments or P≤0.0025 for either) was not met. The rate of rehospitalization for heart failure or death from any cause within 30 days was 9.4% in the nesiritide group versus 10.1% in the placebo group (absolute difference, -0.7 percentage points; 95% confidence interval [CI], -2.1 to 0.7; P=0.31). There were no significant differences in rates of death from any cause at 30 days (3.6% with nesiritide vs. 4.0% with placebo; absolute difference, -0.4 percentage points; 95% CI, -1.3 to 0.5) or rates of worsening renal function, defined by more than a 25% decrease in the estimated glomerular filtration rate (31.4% vs. 29.5%; odds ratio, 1.09; 95% CI, 0.98 to 1.21; P=0.11).. Nesiritide was not associated with an increase or a decrease in the rate of death and rehospitalization and had a small, nonsignificant effect on dyspnea when used in combination with other therapies. It was not associated with a worsening of renal function, but it was associated with an increase in rates of hypotension. On the basis of these results, nesiritide cannot be recommended for routine use in the broad population of patients with acute heart failure. (Funded by Scios; ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT00475852.).

Topics: Acute Disease; Aged; Double-Blind Method; Dyspnea; Female; Heart Failure; Humans; Hypotension; Intention to Treat Analysis; Kidney Diseases; Male; Middle Aged; Natriuretic Agents; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Patient Readmission; Recurrence

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a common complication of haemolytic anaemia. Intravascular haemolysis leads to nitric oxide (NO) depletion, endothelial and smooth muscle dysregulation, and vasculopathy, characterized by progressive hypertension. PH has been reported in patients with paroxysmal nocturnal haemoglobinuria (PNH), a life-threatening haemolytic disease. We explored the relationship between haemolysis, systemic NO, arginine catabolism and measures of PH in 73 PNH patients enrolled in the placebo-controlled TRIUMPH (Transfusion Reduction Efficacy and Safety Clinical Investigation Using Eculizumab in Paroxysmal Nocturnal Haemoglobinuria) study. At baseline, intravascular haemolysis was associated with elevated NO consumption (P < 0.0001) and arginase-1 release (P < 0.0001). Almost half of the patients in the trial had elevated levels (> or =160 pg/ml) of N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), a marker of pulmonary vascular resistance and right ventricular dysfunction previously shown to indicate PH. Eculizumab treatment significantly reduced haemolysis (P < 0.001), NO depletion (P < 0.001), vasomotor tone (P < 0.05), dyspnoea (P = 0.006) and resulted in a 50% reduction in the proportion of patients with elevated NT-proBNP (P < 0.001) within 2 weeks of treatment. Importantly, the significant improvements in dyspnoea and NT-proBNP levels occurred without significant changes in anaemia. These data demonstrated that intravascular haemolysis in PNH produces a state of NO catabolism leading to signs of PH, including elevated NT pro-BNP and dyspnoea that are significantly improved by treatment with eculizumab.

Topics: Antibodies, Monoclonal; Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; Biomarkers; Blood Pressure; Dyspnea; Female; Hemoglobins; Hemoglobinuria, Paroxysmal; Hemolysis; Humans; Hypertension, Pulmonary; Male; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Nitric Oxide; Peptide Fragments; Treatment Outcome

The purpose of this study was to determine the diagnostic power of a newly available assay for amino-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) to identify patients with acute heart failure. In addition, the influence of initial NT-proBNP measurements on economic consequences, diagnostic procedures and staff involvement was evaluated.. 401 patients presenting with acute dyspnea or peripheral edema in the emergency department were enrolled. NT-proBNP was measured after initial clinical evaluation. Clinical routine care and diagnostic assessment were blinded to NT-proBNP results. Two cardiologists independently validated the period of hospitalization, clinical examinations and medical therapies of each patient considering NT-proBNP results. The median NT-proBNP level among patients with acute congestive heart failure (CHF) (n=122) was 3497 pg/ml as compared to 320 pg/ml in patients without (n=279) (p<0.0001). An NT-proBNP cutoff level <300 pg/ml was optimal to rule out acute CHF (negative predictive value 96%; sensitivity 96%). NT-proBNP >or=300 pg/ml could strongly predict acute CHF when compared to patients' history or physical examination (odds ratio 9.5; p<0.0001) and diagnostic technical findings (odds ratio 14.7; p<0.05). In patients with NT-proBNP<300 pg/ml, 14% of the period of hospitalization could be saved, corresponding to savings of US $481 per patient. In addition, 9% of the number and time of staff involvement of clinical examinations and therapies could be saved, 10% of the costs of clinical examinations. Chest X-rays were saved in 34%, echocardiography in 9%.. Measurement of NT-proBNP leads to multiple saving amounts and optimizes diagnostic pathways and resource allocation.

Topics: Acute Disease; Aged; Biomarkers; Chemistry, Clinical; Cost Savings; Cost-Benefit Analysis; Dyspnea; Edema; Emergency Medical Services; Female; Heart Failure; Hospital Costs; Humans; Logistic Models; Male; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Peptide Fragments; Predictive Value of Tests; Prospective Studies; Risk Factors

The utility of B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) testing in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) is poorly defined. We analyzed patients (n=452) included in the BNP for Acute Shortness of Breath Evaluation (BASEL) study. Patients were randomly assigned to a diagnostic strategy with or without the use of BNP. Ninety-nine patients presented with AF (n=48 BNP group; n=51 control group). Although comparable with respect to gender and cardiopulmonary comorbidity, patients with AF were older and more often had heart failure as the cause of dyspnea. In addition, patients with AF had higher in-hospital mortality (13% versus 6%, P=0.012). The use of BNP significantly reduced time to discharge (BNP group median 8 days [1-16] versus 12 days [IQR 4-21] control group; P=0.046) in patients with AF. Initial total treatment costs (median) were $4239 [769-7422] in the BNP group and $5940 [4024-10848] in the control group (P=0.041). These benefits were maintained after 90 days: patients in the BNP group had spent fewer days in hospital (10 days [2-21] versus 15 days [IQR 9-27]; P=0.022) and induced lower total treatment costs ($4790 [1260-9387] versus $7179 [4311-13173]; P=0.016). In conclusion, the use of BNP seems to improve the management of patients with AF presenting with dyspnea.

Topics: Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Atrial Fibrillation; Comorbidity; Diagnostic Techniques, Cardiovascular; Dyspnea; Emergency Medical Services; Female; Hospital Mortality; Humans; Length of Stay; Male; Middle Aged; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Point-of-Care Systems; Predictive Value of Tests; Risk Factors

The behavior of B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) is assessed during mechanical ventilation (MV) and spontaneous breathing after extubation in critical patients.. Thirty patients admitted in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) were enrolled. BNP, fluid balance (FB), airway pressure (AP) and dobutamine infusion needing (DP) were registered in three stages: T0, admission to ICU; T1, before extubation; T2, 24 h after extubation.. Patients with congestive heart failure (CHF) had BNP values higher than other patients. The value of BNP during MV was greater than normal in all patients. The cut-off to discriminate patients with heart failure during MV was 286 pgxmL(-1)(sensitivity: 86%; specificity: 90%). The increase of BNP during MV directly correlated with FB and inversely correlated with AP and DP. The plasmatic level of BNP remained higher than normal values 24 h after extubation.. The underlying disease of an ICU patient seems to play a relevant role for BNP production and is probably linked to different aspects of therapeutic approach required by the patient. Our data suggest a cut-off value of BNP higher than the usual is necessary to discriminate mechanically-ventilated patients without CHF. This study should be repeated with an enlarged population.

Topics: Adult; Aged; Biomarkers; Cell Size; Critical Illness; Dobutamine; Dyspnea; Female; Heart Failure; Humans; Intensive Care Units; Male; Middle Aged; Myocytes, Cardiac; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Peptide Fragments; Prospective Studies; Respiration, Artificial; Sensitivity and Specificity; Ventilator Weaning; Ventricular Dysfunction, Left; Water-Electrolyte Balance

Acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) is a major public health burden with significant mortality and morbidity. Nesiritide is a recombinantly produced intravenous formulation of human B-type natriuretic peptide that promotes vasodilation and increases salt and water excretion, which results in reduced cardiac filling pressures. Prior studies have shown that dyspnea is improved in patients with ADHF 3 hours after nesiritide infusion with significant dose-related reductions in cardiac filling pressures and systemic vascular resistance without significant arrhythmias. However, the effect of nesiritide on dyspnea at 6 or 24 hours is unknown, and no clinical outcome trials have been done to provide a reliable estimate of the effect of nesiritide on morbidity and mortality.. The Acute Study of Clinical Effectiveness of Nesiritide in Decompensated Heart Failure trial (ASCEND-HF) is a phase III study evaluating the efficacy and safety of nesiritide in patients with ADHF. Patients hospitalized for hear failure will be randomly assigned to receive either intravenous nesiritide or matching placebo for 24 hours to 7 days. The 2 coprimary end points are (1) assessment of acute dyspnea at 6 or 24 hours and (2) death or rehospitalization for hear failure within 30 days. A total of 7,000 patients will be enrolled worldwide between 2007 and 2010.. The data from the ASCEND-HF trial will establish whether nesiritide safely improves acute dyspnea as well as morbidity and mortality at 30 days.

Topics: Dyspnea; Heart Failure; Hospitalization; Humans; Morbidity; Natriuretic Agents; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Research Design; Survival Analysis; Treatment Outcome

B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) is used to diagnose heart failure, but the effects of using the test on all dyspneic patients is uncertain.. To assess whether BNP testing alters clinical outcomes and health services use of acutely dyspneic patients.. Randomized, single-blind study. Patients were assigned to a treatment group through randomized numbers in a sealed envelope. Patients were blinded to the intervention, but clinicians and those who assessed trial outcomes were not.. 2 Australian teaching hospital emergency departments.. 612 consecutive patients who presented with acute severe dyspnea from August 2005 to March 2007.. BNP testing (n = 306) or no testing (n = 306).. Admission rates, length of stay, and emergency department medications (primary outcomes); mortality and readmission rates (secondary outcomes).. There were no between-group differences in hospital admission rates (85.6% [BNP group] vs. 86.6% [control group]; difference, -1.0 percentage point [95% CI, -6.5 to 4.5 percentage points]; P = 0.73), length of admission (median, 4.4 days [interquartile range, 2 to 9 days] vs. 5.0 days [interquartile range, 2 to 9 days]; P = 0.94), or management of patients in the emergency department. Test discrimination was good (area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve, 0.87 [CI, 0.83 to 0.91]). Adverse events were not measured.. Most patients were very short of breath and required hospitalization; the findings might not apply for evaluating patients with milder degrees of breathlessness.. Measurement of BNP in all emergency department patients with severe shortness of breath had no apparent effects on clinical outcomes or use of health services. The findings do not support routine use of BNP testing in all severely dyspneic patients in the emergency department.. Janssen-Cilag.

Topics: Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Australia; Dyspnea; Emergency Service, Hospital; Female; Heart Failure; Hospitals, University; Humans; Length of Stay; Male; Middle Aged; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Outcome Assessment, Health Care; Patient Readmission; Single-Blind Method

Obesity may reduce diagnostic accuracy of B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) and affect long-term outcome.. This study evaluated patients included in the BASEL study (N = 452). We compared BNP levels in patients with (n = 86) and without (n = 366) obesity (body mass index <30 and >30 kg/m(2)) and determined sensitivities and specificities of BNP in both patient groups by receiver-operating characteristic analysis. Impact of BNP measurements on patient management and outcome in obesity, as well as 360-day mortality, was assessed.. The BNP levels were lower in obese patients (172 pg/mL [interquartile range 31-515] vs 306 [interquartile range 75-1,040]). The optimal BNP cut-point to detect heart failure was 182 pg/mL in obese patients and 298 pg/mL nonobese patients. Obese patients had lower in-hospital mortality (3.5% vs 8.5%, P = .045) and 360-day mortality (15% vs 30%, P = .001). In obese patients, the determination of BNP levels reduced time to initiation of the appropriate treatment (96 +/- 98 vs 176 +/- 230, P < .05) without impacting other end points.. Adjustment of BNP values in the assessment of obese patients presenting with acute dyspnea seems necessary to improve diagnostic accuracy and patient management. Obese patients had half the short- and long-term mortality of nonobese patients, independent of their final discharge diagnosis.

Topics: Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Biomarkers; Dyspnea; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Obesity; Prognosis; Prospective Studies; ROC Curve; Sensitivity and Specificity; Single-Blind Method

Multimarker approaches improve risk prediction in patients presenting with acute coronary syndrome. We hypothesized that simultaneous assessment of B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP), cardiac troponin I (cTNI) and C-reactive protein (CRP) enables clinicians to better predict risk among patients with acute dyspnea presenting to the emergency department.. In this post-hoc analysis of the B-Type natriuretic peptide for Acute Shortness of Breath Evaluation (BASEL) study, above biomarkers were available in 305 patients. Death occurred in 123 (40%) patients within 24 months of follow-up. Using prospectively defined cut-off points (BNP>100 pg/mL; cTNI>0.8 microg/L; CRP>5 mg/L) and categorizing patients by the number of elevated cardiac biomarkers, the 24 months risk of death increased in proportion to the number of cardiac biomarkers elevated (p<0.001 for trend). Elevated biomarkers significantly predicted increased risk of death at 24 months of follow-up in univariate Cox models (BNP: RR 4.78, 95%CI: 2.51-9.14; p<0.001; cTNI: RR: 2.29, 95%CI: 1.61-3.26, p<0.001; CRP: RR 1.98, 95%CI: 1.28-3.08; p=0.002). Multivariable Cox regression analysis revealed that elevated levels of BNP (p<0.001) and TNI levels (p<0.002) indicated increased risk of death during long-term follow-up, while only a statistical trend was seen for elevated CRP (p=0.09). Comparably, risk of death or rehospitalization significantly increased with the number of elevated biomarkers.. Our findings suggest that a simple multimarker approach with simultaneous assessment of BNP, and cTNI demonstrates potential to assist clinicians in predicting risk of death and/or rehospitalization in patients presenting with acute dyspnea in the emergency department.

Topics: Acute Disease; Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Biomarkers; C-Reactive Protein; Diagnosis, Differential; Dyspnea; Emergency Service, Hospital; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Predictive Value of Tests; Prospective Studies; Risk Factors; Single-Blind Method; Troponin I

Brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), left ventricular (LV) systolic function, and mitral filling pattern (MFP) are prognostic indicators in patients with heart failure (HF). This study evaluated the potential role of E/Ea for predicting cardiovascular (CV) events in patients with suspected HF. This non-invasive measure of LV filling pressure has been shown to predict outcome in more advanced HF, but not in mild HF in the community.. Two hundred and twenty-eight elderly symptomatic general practice patients (dyspnoea/oedema) were recruited and underwent clinical evaluation, NT-proBNP assay, and comprehensive echocardiography. The Kaplan-Meier analysis of time to first CV hospitalization or CV death was performed for 1 year after presentation according to nominated thresholds of LV systolic function, NT-proBNP, MFP, and E/Ea ratio. Mean age was 70.3 +/- 7.3 years, mean NT-proBNP was 111.4 +/- 185.8, and 148 (65%) were female. Twenty-six patients (11%) experienced a CV event within 18 months of baseline (6 deaths and 20 admissions). Time to first CV event predicted by NT-proBNP (P < 0.0001), MFP (P = 0.009), and E:Ea (P = 0.0076), but not EF (P = 0.098). When NT-proBNP was elevated, E:Ea >15 identified a group of patients with lower survival (P < 0.0001).. Both E/Ea and NT-proBNP predicted hospitalization and when used in a two-step approach (NT-proBNP first, followed by E/Ea), the combination of both (elevated NT-proBNP and elevated E/Ea) identified those patients at highest risk, thus supporting a complementary approach for echocardiography and NT-proBNP in patients with HF symptoms.

Topics: Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Biomarkers; Blood Flow Velocity; Dyspnea; Echocardiography; Epidemiologic Methods; Female; Heart Failure; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Peptide Fragments; Prognosis; Stroke Volume; Ventricular Dysfunction, Left

Ambrisentan is a propanoic acid-based, A-selective endothelin receptor antagonist for the once-daily treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension.. Ambrisentan in Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Multicenter, Efficacy Study 1 and 2 (ARIES-1 and ARIES-2) were concurrent, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies that randomized 202 and 192 patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension, respectively, to placebo or ambrisentan (ARIES-1, 5 or 10 mg; ARIES-2, 2.5 or 5 mg) orally once daily for 12 weeks. The primary end point for each study was change in 6-minute walk distance from baseline to week 12. Clinical worsening, World Health Organization functional class, Short Form-36 Health Survey score, Borg dyspnea score, and B-type natriuretic peptide plasma concentrations also were assessed. In addition, a long-term extension study was performed. The 6-minute walk distance increased in all ambrisentan groups; mean placebo-corrected treatment effects were 31 m (P=0.008) and 51 m (P<0.001) in ARIES-1 for 5 and 10 mg ambrisentan, respectively, and 32 m (P=0.022) and 59 m (P<0.001) in ARIES-2 for 2.5 and 5 mg ambrisentan, respectively. Improvements in time to clinical worsening (ARIES-2), World Health Organization functional class (ARIES-1), Short Form-36 score (ARIES-2), Borg dyspnea score (both studies), and B-type natriuretic peptide (both studies) were observed. No patient treated with ambrisentan developed aminotransferase concentrations >3 times the upper limit of normal. In 280 patients completing 48 weeks of treatment with ambrisentan monotherapy, the improvement from baseline in 6-minute walk at 48 weeks was 39 m.. Ambrisentan improves exercise capacity in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension. Improvements were observed for several secondary end points in each of the studies, although statistical significance was more variable. Ambrisentan is well tolerated and is associated with a low risk of aminotransferase abnormalities.

Topics: Activities of Daily Living; Administration, Oral; Aged; Double-Blind Method; Dyspnea; Endothelin Receptor Antagonists; Exercise; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Humans; Hypertension, Pulmonary; Kaplan-Meier Estimate; Male; Middle Aged; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Phenylpropionates; Placebos; Pyridazines; Quality of Life; Treatment Outcome

B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) has been largely validated in the etiologic diagnosis of acute dyspnea. Nevertheless, its reliability in the setting of a preserved left ventricular systolic function (ejection fraction >50%) has not been adequately established.. the study addressed the usefulness of BNP in the diagnosis of new-onset heart failure with a preserved systolic function in hypertensive patients hospitalized for acute dyspnea.. 59 consecutive hypertensive patients without history of heart failure and coronary disease were included. BNP was measured at presentation with the Triage system. Noninvasive estimation of left ventricular filling pressures by bedside tissue Doppler echocardiography at presentation was incorporated in the diagnostic criteria.. the 30 patients with heart failure were not significantly different from the 29 patients with noncardiac cause of acute dyspnea regarding age, gender, body mass index and ejection fraction. Median levels of BNP were significantly higher in heart failure (447 [245-644] versus 87 [43-139] pg/mL). By multivariate logistic regression analysis, BNP (odds ratio of 44, [3.6-531], p=0.003) provided independent and incremental diagnostic information over the clinical score of Boston criteria (2.25, [1.3-3.9], p=0.0037). A BNP value of >142 pg/mL (area under the ROC curve of 0.89, p<0.0001) was 93 sensitive and 79% specific for the diagnosis of heart failure in this setting.. BNP is a reliable biomarker of new-onset heart failure with a preserved systolic function in hypertensive patients, in particular older, hospitalized for acute dyspnea and can be safely integrated in the diagnostic strategy.

Topics: Acute Disease; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Biomarkers; Body Mass Index; Cardiac Output, Low; Dyspnea; Echocardiography, Doppler; Female; Humans; Hypertension; Male; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Predictive Value of Tests; Reproducibility of Results; Sensitivity and Specificity; Systole; Ventricular Function, Left

The objective of this prospective study was to assess the medical and economic long-term effects of using B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) concentrations in the management of patients with acute dyspnea.. We performed follow-up analysis of the B-Type Natriuretic Peptide for Acute Shortness of Breath Evaluation, a randomized study including 452 patients who presented to the emergency department with acute dyspnea. Participants were randomly assigned to a diagnostic strategy involving the rapid measurement of BNP concentrations (n = 225) or standard assessment (n = 227). Mortality was assessed at 720 days, morbidity and economic data at 360 days.. BNP testing induced several important changes in initial patient management, including a reduction in the initial hospital admission rate, the use of intensive care, and initial time to discharge. At 720 days, 172 deaths had occurred. Cumulative all-cause 720-day mortality was not different between the BNP group (37%) and the control group (36%, P = 0.6). Morbidity as reflected by days spent in-hospital at 360 days was significantly lower in the BNP group [median 12 days ([interquartile range 2-28 days)] compared with the control group [median 16 (7-32)] days, P = 0.025]. Functional status was similar in both groups. Economic outcome as quantified by total treatment cost at 360 days was significantly improved in the BNP group (mean 10,144 dollars vs 12,748 dollars in the control group, P = 0.008).. Rapid BNP testing in patients with acute dyspnea has no effect on long-term mortality. However, morbidity as quantified by days spent in-hospital and economic outcome are still improved at 360 days.

Topics: Aged; Cost-Benefit Analysis; Dyspnea; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Hospitalization; Humans; Male; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Prospective Studies

B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels significantly predict increased risk of death in heart failure. The predictive role of BNP levels in patients with non-cardiac causes of acute dyspnoea presenting to the emergency department is not well characterized.. The B-type natriuretic peptide for Acute Shortness of Breath EvaLuation (BASEL) study enrolled consecutive patients with acute dyspnoea.. Cumulative mortality was 14.8%, 33.1% and 51.9% in 452 patients (age: 19-97 years; 58% male) within low (< 100 pg mL(-1)), intermediate (100-500 pg mL(-1)) and high (> 500 pg mL(-1)) BNP plasma levels at 18 months of follow-up. BNP classes (point estimate: 1.55, 95%CI: 1.19-2.03, P = 0.001) in addition to age, increased heart rate and diuretic use emerged as significant predictors for long-term mortality in multivariable Cox regression analyses. The BNP concentration alone had an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.71 (95%CI: 0.66-0.76; P < 0.001) for predicting 18 months mortality. BNP plasma levels independently predicted long-term risk of death in patients with non-cardiac (point estimate: 1.72, 95%CI: 1.16-2.56; P = 0.007) and with cardiac causes of acute dyspnoea (point estimate: 2.21, 95%CI: 1.34-3.64; P = 0.002).. BNP levels are strong and independent predictors for long-term mortality in unselected dyspnoeic patients presenting to the emergency department independent from the cause of dyspnoea.

Topics: Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Coronary Disease; Dyspnea; Emergency Service, Hospital; Epidemiologic Methods; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Prognosis

Despite widespread testing, the utility of aminoterminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-pro-BNP) for diagnosis or risk assessment in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) in the emergency department (ED) remains unclear. NT-pro-BNP was measured in subjects with dyspnea in the ED. A final diagnosis of acute heart failure (HF) was determined by blinded study physicians using all available hospital records. Vital status was assessed at 1 year; independent predictors of death were identified using Cox analysis. Of 599 subjects, 157 (26.2%) had DM, which was an independent predictor of a final diagnosis of acute HF. In patients diagnosed with acute HF, median concentrations of NT-pro-BNP were similar in patients with and without DM (4,784 vs 3,382 pg/ml, respectively, p = 0.93). In dyspneic subjects without acute HF, median concentrations of NT-pro-BNP were significantly higher in patients with DM (242 vs 115 pg/ml, p = 0.01), but this difference was no longer significant after adjusting for relevant covariates. The area under the curve for NT-pro-BNP to diagnose acute HF in subjects with DM was 0.94 (p <0.001). Using age-adjusted cutpoints, NT-pro-BNP was 92% sensitive and 90% specific for the diagnosis of HF in diabetic subjects. In diabetic patients, a NT-pro-BNP level > or =986 pg/ml was independently associated with an increased risk of death at 1 year (hazard ratio 3.42, 95% confidence interval 1.09 to 10.7, p <0.001). In conclusion, NT-pro-BNP testing offers valuable diagnostic and prognostic information in the evaluation of dyspneic patients with DM in the ED, using identical cutpoints as the population as whole.

Topics: Aged; Area Under Curve; Diabetic Angiopathies; Dyspnea; Emergency Service, Hospital; Female; Heart Failure; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Peptide Fragments; Predictive Value of Tests; Prognosis; Proportional Hazards Models; ROC Curve; Sensitivity and Specificity

The aim of this study was to determine the impact of measurement of B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels on the management of patients with diabetes presenting with acute dyspnoea.. This study evaluated the subgroup of 103 patients with diabetes included in the B-type Natriuretic Peptide for Acute Shortness of Breath Evaluation (BASEL) study (n=452). Patients were randomly assigned to a diagnostic strategy with (n=47, BNP group) or without (n=56, control group) the use of BNP levels assessed by a rapid bedside assay. Time to discharge and total cost of treatment were recorded as the primary endpoints.. Although similar with regard to age and sex, patients with diabetes more often had pre-existing cardiovascular and renal disease and heart failure as the cause of acute dyspnoea compared with patients without diabetes. In addition, medical and economic outcomes were worse in patients with diabetes. The use of BNP levels significantly reduced time to discharge (median 9 days [interquartile range (IQR) 2-16] in the BNP group vs 13 days [IQR 8-22] in the control group; p=0.016). At 30 days, the diabetic patients in the BNP group had spent significantly fewer days in hospital compared with the diabetic patients in the control group (9 days [IQR 2-19] vs 16 days [IQR 8-24], respectively; p=0.008). Total treatment costs at 30 days were US$5,705 (IQR 2,285-9,137) in the BNP group and US$7,420 (IQR 4,194-11,966) in the control group (p=0.036).. The results of this study indicate that measurement of BNP levels improves the management of patients with diabetes presenting with acute dyspnoea.

Topics: Acute Disease; Aged; Diabetes Complications; Diabetes Mellitus; Dyspnea; Female; Humans; Male; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Patient Discharge; Treatment Outcome

The objective of this study was to determine the integrative utility of measuring plasma NT-proBNP levels with echocardiography in the evaluation of dyspnoeic patients.. Of 599 emergency department patients enrolled in a clinical study of NT-proBNP at a tertiary-care hospital, 134 (22%) had echocardiographic results available for analysis. Echocardiographic parameters correlating with NT-proBNP levels were determined using multivariable linear-regression analysis. Independent predictors of 1-year mortality were determined using Cox-proportional hazard analysis. Independent relationships were found between NT-proBNP levels and ejection fraction (P = 0.012), tissue Doppler early and late mitral annular diastolic velocities (P = 0.007 and 0.018), right ventricular (RV) hypokinesis (P = 0.006), and tricuspid regurgitation severity (P < 0.001) and velocity (P = 0.007). An NT-proBNP level <300 pg/mL had a negative predictive value of 91% for significant left ventricular systolic and diastolic dysfunction. Overall 1-year mortality was 20.1% and was independently predicted by NT-proBNP level [HR 8.65, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.7-27.8, P = 0.0003], ejection fraction (HR 0.95, 95% CI 0.91-0.99, P = 0.009), RV dilation (HR 2.98, 95% CI 1.05-12.8, P = 0.04), and systolic blood pressure (HR 0.97, 95% CI 0.96-0.99, P = 0.01).. NT-proBNP levels correlate with, and provide important prognostic information beyond, echocardiographic parameters of cardiac structure and function. Routine NT-proBNP testing may thus be useful to triage patients to more timely or deferred echocardiographic evaluation.

Topics: Dyspnea; Echocardiography; Emergency Service, Hospital; Female; Heart Failure; Humans; Male; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Peptide Fragments; Prognosis; Prospective Studies

B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) is a quantitative marker of heart failure that seems to be helpful in its diagnosis.. We performed a prospective randomized study (B-Type Natriuretic Peptide for Acute Shortness of Breath Evaluation) including 452 patients who presented to the emergency department with acute dyspnea to estimate the long-term cost-effectiveness of BNP guidance. Participants were randomly assigned to a diagnostic strategy involving the measurement of BNP levels (n = 225) or assessment in a standard manner (n = 227). Nonparametric bootstrapping was used to estimate the distribution of incremental costs and effects on the cost-effectiveness plane during 180 days of follow-up.. Testing of BNP induced several important changes in management of dyspnea, including a reduction in the initial hospital admission rate, the use of intensive care, and total days in the hospital at 180 days (median, 10 days [interquartile range, 2-24 days] in the BNP group vs 14 days [interquartile range, 6-27 days] in the control group; P = .005). At 180 days, all-cause mortality was 20% in the BNP group and 23% in the control group (P = .42). Total treatment cost was significantly reduced in the BNP group (7930 dollars vs 10,503 dollars in the control group; P = .004). Analysis of incremental 180-day cost-effectiveness showed that BNP guidance resulted in lower mortality and lower cost in 80.6%, in higher mortality and lower cost in 19.3%, and in higher or lower mortality and higher cost in less than 0.1% each. Results were robust to changes in most variables but sensitive to changes in rehospitalization with BNP guidance.. Testing of BNP is cost-effective in patients with acute dyspnea.

Topics: Acute Disease; Aged; Cost-Benefit Analysis; Diagnosis, Differential; Dyspnea; Female; Fluoroimmunoassay; Humans; Length of Stay; Male; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Prospective Studies; Single-Blind Method

Measurement of B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) has been shown to aid in the Emergency Department (ED) diagnosis of heart failure. We sought to determine how point-of-care BNP measurement influences real-world medical decision-making. Using a commercially available, point-of-care assay, BNP levels were measured in a convenience sample of ED patients over the age of 55 years who complained of dyspnea. Blinded to BNP results, emergency physicians were asked to formulate a differential diagnosis and management plan for each patient. Immediately thereafter, BNP results were disclosed and the physicians were asked what (if any) decisions they would change. With physicians blinded to BNP results, 24 of 88 patients (27%) were given a primary diagnosis of heart failure, and 18 patients (20%) were given a secondary or alternative diagnosis of heart failure. For the former group, disclosure of BNP results resulted in no changes in diagnosis or management. For the latter group, disclosure of BNP results caused heart failure to become the primary diagnosis in 4 patients (22%), and led to five changes in medical management. For the 46 patients initially given neither a primary nor secondary diagnosis of heart failure, disclosure of BNP results caused heart failure to become the primary diagnosis in one patient (2%) and a secondary diagnosis in 4 patients (9%), and led to five changes in medical management. Thus, for ED patients with a primary clinical diagnosis of heart failure, BNP testing had no impact on medical decision-making. However, for other patients with dyspnea, elevated BNP levels did influence medical decision-making, particularly when heart failure was in the differential diagnosis.

Topics: Aged; Decision Making; Dyspnea; Female; Heart Failure; Humans; Male; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Point-of-Care Systems; Prospective Studies; Single-Blind Method

We examined whether B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels allow gender-specific risk stratification in patients with acute dyspnea.. B-type natriuretic peptide levels determined in patients with heart failure correlate with the severity of disease and prognosis. Gender differences in risk prediction are poorly examined.. The BASEL (B-type natriuretic peptide for Acute Shortness of Breath Evaluation) Study enrolled 190 female and 262 male patients presenting with acute dyspnea.. At 24 months, cumulative mortality was comparable in women and men (38% vs. 35%, p = 0.66). Cox regression analyses revealed that BNP levels >500 pg/ml indicated a 5.1-fold increase in mortality for women (95% confidence interval [CI] 3.0 to 8.5, p < 0.001) versus a 1.8-fold increase in men (95% CI 1.2 to 2.6; p = 0.007). The area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve (AUC) for BNP to predict death was significantly higher in female (AUC: 0.80, 95% CI 0.73 to 0.86) than in male patients (AUC: 0.64, 95% CI 0.57 to 0.71; p = 0.001 for the comparison of AUC(women) versus AUC(men)). Women with BNP >500 pg/ml displayed a higher mortality as compared with men with BNP >500 pg/ml (68% vs. 46%, p = 0.015). Interaction analysis showed that BNP is a stronger predictor of death in women than in men (p = 0.008).. B-type natriuretic peptide plasma levels seem to be stronger predictors of death in women than in men.

Topics: Acute Disease; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Dyspnea; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Predictive Value of Tests; Prospective Studies; Risk Factors; Sex Characteristics; Survival Rate

B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels are reliably elevated in patients with congestive heart failure (CHF) and therefore helpful in its diagnosis. However, kidney disease results in elevated BNP levels independently of CHF. Accordingly, the impact of kidney disease on the benefit of BNP testing needs to be scrutinized.. This study evaluated patients with and without kidney disease [glomerular filtration rate (GFR) less than 60 mL/min/1.73 m(2)) presenting with acute dyspnea. A total of 452 consecutive patients (240 with kidney disease and 212 without kidney disease) were randomly assigned to a diagnostic strategy with (BNP group) or without (control group) the use of BNP levels provided by a rapid bedside assay.. Patients with kidney disease were older, more often had CHF as the cause of acute dyspnea, and more often died in-hospital or within 30 days as compared to patients without kidney disease. In patients without kidney disease, BNP testing significantly reduced median time to discharge (from 9.5 days to 2.5 days) (P= 0.003) and total cost of treatment (from 7184 dollars to 4151 dollars) (P= 0.004). In contrast, in patients with kidney disease, time to discharge and total cost of treatment were similar in both groups.. When applying BNP cut-off values without adjustment for the presence of kidney disease, the use of BNP levels does significantly improve the management of patients without kidney disease, but not of those with kidney disease.

Topics: Acute Disease; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Dyspnea; Female; Glomerular Filtration Rate; Heart Failure; Humans; Kidney Diseases; Male; Middle Aged; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain

The utility of aminoterminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) testing in the emergency department to rule out acute congestive heart failure (CHF) and the optimal cutpoints for this use are not established. We conducted a prospective study of 600 patients who presented in the emergency department with dyspnea. The clinical diagnosis of acute CHF was determined by study physicians who were blinded to NT-proBNP results. The primary end point was a comparison of NT-proBNP results with the clinical assessment of the managing physician for identifying acute CHF. The median NT-proBNP level among 209 patients (35%) who had acute CHF was 4,054 versus 131 pg/ml among 390 patients (65%) who did not (p <0.001). NT-proBNP at cutpoints of >450 pg/ml for patients <50 years of age and >900 pg/ml for patients >or=50 years of age were highly sensitive and specific for the diagnosis of acute CHF (p <0.001). An NT-proBNP level <300 pg/ml was optimal for ruling out acute CHF, with a negative predictive value of 99%. Increased NT-proBNP was the strongest independent predictor of a final diagnosis of acute CHF (odds ratio 44, 95% confidence interval 21.0 to 91.0, p <0.0001). NT-proBNP testing alone was superior to clinical judgment alone for diagnosing acute CHF (p = 0.006); NT-proBNP plus clinical judgment was superior to NT-proBNP or clinical judgment alone. NT-proBNP measurement is a valuable addition to standard clinical assessment for the identification and exclusion of acute CHF in the emergency department setting.

Topics: Acute Disease; Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Dyspnea; Emergency Service, Hospital; Female; Heart Failure; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Nerve Tissue Proteins; Observer Variation; Peptide Fragments; Physical Examination; Predictive Value of Tests; Prospective Studies; Sensitivity and Specificity

To determine if a rapid serum assay for B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) provides information regarding ventricular function in obstetric patients with acute dyspnea.. A review of 17 charts for 15 patients was undertaken. Seven patients had preeclampsia, 3 had preterm labor treated with aggressive tocolysis, and 5 had underlying cardiac and/or pulmonary disease. Each presented with signs and symptoms consistent with acute dyspnea. Serum BNP levels were obtained and other standard diagnostic procedures performed. Each patient was treated based on the findings of the standard diagnostic procedures.. For the 7 patients with preeclampsia, elevated serum BNP levels correlated with acute ventricular overload that responded to volume management and diuresis. Two patients had marked elevation of serum BNP levels and were found to have significant left ventricular dysfunction that was not apparent by standard clinical evaluation. For preterm labor patients on tocolysis and patients with underlying cardiac or pulmonary disease, serum BNP levels were elevated for 5 of 6 patients with evidence of acute volume overload.. Serum BNP levels provided useful information for the clinical evaluation and management of obstetric patients with acute dyspnea. In 2 patients, more serious cardiac dysfunction was detected with BNP than with clinical evaluation alone.

Topics: Acute Disease; Adolescent; Adult; Dyspnea; Female; Fluid Therapy; Heart Diseases; Humans; Lung Diseases; Natriuretic Agents; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Obstetric Labor, Premature; Pre-Eclampsia; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Complications; Sensitivity and Specificity; Tocolytic Agents; Ventricular Function

The aim of this study was to define the impact of B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels on the management of elderly patients presenting with acute dyspnoea.. We performed a prospective randomized controlled study in 269 elderly patients at least 70 years of age included in the B-type natriuretic peptide for Acute Shortness of breath Evaluation (BASEL) study. Patients were randomly assigned to a diagnostic strategy with (n = 136, BNP group) or without (n = 133, control group) the use of BNP levels provided by a rapid bedside assay. The time to discharge and the total cost of treatment were the primary end-points.. Amongst elderly patients, baseline characteristics were well matched between both groups. The use of BNP levels significantly reduced the time to discharge (median 9.0 in the BNP group versus 11.0 days in the control group; P = 0.029). Total treatment cost was $5381 (95% CI, 4482-6280) in the BNP group when compared with $7411 (95% CI, 6180-8642; P = 0.009) in the control group. In addition, a significant reduction in 30-day mortality was observed (9% in the BNP group versus 17% in the control group; P = 0.039).. Used in conjunction with other clinical information, rapid measurement of BNP in the emergency department improved the management of elderly patients presenting with acute dyspnoea and thereby reduced the time to discharge and the total treatment cost. In addition, BNP testing seemed to reduce 30-day mortality.

Topics: Acute Disease; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Cardiac Output, Low; Dyspnea; Female; Hospitalization; Humans; Male; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Pneumonia; Prospective Studies; Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive

Tissue Doppler echocardiography provides a reliable noninvasive estimation of left ventricular (LV) filling pressures irrespective of LV ejection fraction. However, the diagnostic accuracy of E/Ea ratio has not been adequately determined in patients with suspected heart failure (HF) with preserved LV systolic function in the acute care setting.. To investigate the accuracy of E/Ea ratio in the emergency diagnosis of decompensated HF with preserved LV systolic function.. Seventy patients with a LV ejection fraction >or=45%, 32 with decompensated HF (77 +/- 12 years of age), and 38 with noncardiac cause of acute dyspnea (74 +/- 12) were enrolled. B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) was measured on admission; lateral, septal and average E/Ea ratios were calculated within 24 hours.. Using receiver-operating characteristic curves to evaluate diagnostic performance, BNP (AUC of 0.875, P < 0.0001) and E/Ea ratios (AUC of 0.90-0.92, P < 0.0001) provided similar accuracy for predicting decompensated HF. Optimal cutoffs were 146 pg/ml for BNP (sensitivity and specificity of 90.6% and 76.3%), 9.8 for lateral E/Ea (83.3% and 88.9%), 12.7 for septal E/Ea (76.7% and 91.4%), and 11.5 for average E/Ea ratio (80% and 94.3%). On multivariate logistic regression analysis, average E/Ea ratio yielded independent additional information to a model based on the clinical judgment and BNP level according to the standard cutoff of 100 pg/ml.. Tissue Doppler echocardiography is accurate for predicting decompensated HF with preserved LV systolic function and may be used as a diagnostic complement to inconclusive BNP level in this setting.

Topics: Acute Disease; Aged; Critical Care; Dyspnea; Echocardiography, Doppler; Female; Heart Failure; Humans; Male; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Prognosis; Reproducibility of Results; Sensitivity and Specificity; Ventricular Dysfunction, Left

This was a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot study, evaluating the safety and efficacy of a standard care treatment regimen with the addition of either nesiritide or placebo (SCP) in 237 Emergency Department (ED)/Observation Unit (OU) patients with decompensated heart failure (HF). Efficacy measures included initial admission, length of hospital stay (LOS), and inpatient rehospitalization through 30 days. Compared to the standard care group, patients who also received nesiritide had 11% fewer inpatient hospital admissions at the index ED visit (55% SCP, 49% nesiritide, p = 0.436), and 57% fewer inpatient hospitalizations within 30 days after discharge from the index hospitalization (23% SCP, 10% nesiritide, p = 0.058). The duration of rehospitalization was shorter for nesiritide patients (median LOS 2.5 vs. 6.5 days, p = 0.032). The incidence of symptomatic hypotension was low and did not differ between the groups. This study showed that nesiritide is safe when used in the emergency department, observation units, or similar settings.

Topics: Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Double-Blind Method; Dyspnea; Emergency Service, Hospital; Female; Heart Failure; Hospital Costs; Hospitalization; Humans; Infusions, Intravenous; Male; Middle Aged; Natriuretic Agents; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Pilot Projects

B-type natriuretic peptide levels are higher in patients with congestive heart failure than in patients with dyspnea from other causes.. We conducted a prospective, randomized, controlled study of 452 patients who presented to the emergency department with acute dyspnea: 225 patients were randomly assigned to a diagnostic strategy involving the measurement of B-type natriuretic peptide levels with the use of a rapid bedside assay, and 227 were assessed in a standard manner. The time to discharge and the total cost of treatment were the primary end points.. Base-line demographic and clinical characteristics were well matched between the two groups. The use of B-type natriuretic peptide levels reduced the need for hospitalization and intensive care; 75 percent of patients in the B-type natriuretic peptide group were hospitalized, as compared with 85 percent of patients in the control group (P=0.008), and 15 percent of those in the B-type natriuretic peptide group required intensive care, as compared with 24 percent of those in the control group (P=0.01). The median time to discharge was 8.0 days in the B-type natriuretic peptide group and 11.0 days in the control group (P=0.001). The mean total cost of treatment was 5,410 dollars (95 percent confidence interval, 4,516 dollars to 6,304 dollars) in the B-type natriuretic peptide group, as compared with 7,264 dollars (95 percent confidence interval, 6,301 dollars to 8,227 dollars) in the control group (P=0.006). The respective 30-day mortality rates were 10 percent and 12 percent (P=0.45).. Used in conjunction with other clinical information, rapid measurement of B-type natriuretic peptide in the emergency department improved the evaluation and treatment of patients with acute dyspnea and thereby reduced the time to discharge and the total cost of treatment.

Topics: Acute Disease; Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Biomarkers; Dyspnea; Emergency Service, Hospital; Female; Heart Failure; Hospital Costs; Hospitalization; Humans; Length of Stay; Male; Middle Aged; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Prospective Studies; Single-Blind Method

Dyspnea is one of the most common symptoms for presentation in an emergency department. Evaluation of this very unspecific symptom can be very time-consuming and costly. Thus, we investigated the value of a rapid bedside-test for BNP in discriminating dyspnea due to "cardiac" reasons from "non-cardiac" dyspnea in the emergency room.. We studied 100 patients who presented to the emergency department with "severe dyspnoea" as the leading symptom. In all patients BNP was determined from blood samples drawn on admission. All patients had to complete a dyspnea score for severity of dyspnea. The treating physician was blinded to the results of BNP measurements. After discharge patients were divided into "cardiac" and "non-cardiac" dyspnea on the basis of all findings gathered during the hospital stay by a panel of 3 physicians blinded to the results of BNP measurements. The 2 groups were compared for difference in BNP levels and for differences in the dyspnea score. While the dyspnea score showed no significant difference, there was a significant difference in BNP measurements (p < 0.0001).. With the TRIAGE BNP test a rapid discrimination between dyspnea due to ventricular failure and "non-cardiac" dyspnea can be obtained within 20 minutes after first presentation. This test can save time and resources in this critical group of patients.

Topics: Aged; Diagnosis, Differential; Dyspnea; Emergency Medical Services; Heart Failure; Humans; Male; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Risk Assessment; Risk Factors; Severity of Illness Index; Single-Blind Method; Triage

B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) is secreted from the cardiac ventricles in response to increased wall tension.. The Breathing Not Properly Multinational Study was a 7-center, prospective study of 1586 patients who presented to the Emergency Department with acute dyspnea and had BNP measured with a point-of-care assay upon arrival. The gold standard for congestive heart failure (CHF) was adjudicated by two independent cardiologists, blinded to BNP results, who reviewed all clinical data and standardized scores. The current study explores the effect of these variables on BNP decision statistics as well as the impact that changing cutoffs might have on the cost-effectiveness of diagnostic decisions that use BNP information.. Significant differences in CHF rates were found on the basis of age (P <.001) and racial group (P =.020) but not sex (P =.424). BNP levels increased with increasing age (P <.001). To evaluate potential differences in the diagnostic utility of BNP levels as a function of demographic variables, separate receiver operating characteristic curves were performed. BNP was a stronger predictor in younger subjects than in older subjects and slightly weaker for female patients than for male patients (area under the curve = 0.918 and 0.870, respectively). An even smaller difference was noted between the white and black racial groups (area under the curve = 0.888 and 0.903, respectively). The differences in specificity as a function of age are larger than other differences in specificity or sensitivity. When logistic regression was used in a multivariate approach to combine the demographic variables with BNP information in the prediction of CHF, only BNP contributed significantly to the prediction of acute CHF. When the model was expanded to include terms for the interaction of each of the demographic variables with log(10) BNP, a significant interaction was found for sex. Since the relative consequences of false-positives and false-negatives are unlikely to be equivalent, the BNP cut-points that would be selected based on the current data as a function of relative costs are presented. Sharply rising consequences are seen for BNP cut-points >100 pg/mL.. If one assumes that failing to treat cases of CHF is worse than treating negative cases, then relatively low BNP cut-points (eg, not >100 pg/mL) should be used in patients presenting to the Emergency Department with a chief complaint of dyspnea, regardless of age, sex, or ethnicity.

Topics: Age Distribution; Age Factors; Area Under Curve; Biological Factors; Black People; Comorbidity; Dyspnea; False Positive Reactions; Female; Heart Failure; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Predictive Value of Tests; Prevalence; Prospective Studies; ROC Curve; Sensitivity and Specificity; Sex Distribution; Sex Factors; White People

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationships among B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels within the diagnostic range, perceived congestive heart failure (CHF) severity, clinical decision making, and outcomes of the CHF patients presenting to emergency department (ED).. Since BNP correlates with the presence of CHF, disease severity, and prognosis, we hypothesized that BNP levels in the diagnostic range offer value independent of physician decision making with regard to critical outcomes in emergency medicine.. The Rapid Emergency Department Heart failure Outpatient Trial (REDHOT) study was a 10-center trial in which patients seen in the ED with shortness of breath were consented to have BNP levels drawn on arrival. Entrance criteria included a BNP level >100 pg/ml. Physicians were blinded to the actual BNP level and subsequent BNP measurements. Patients were followed up for 90 days after discharge.. Of the 464 patients, 90% were hospitalized. Two-thirds of patients were perceived to be New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class III or IV. The BNP levels did not differ significantly between patients who were discharged home from the ED and those admitted (976 vs. 766, p = 0.6). Using logistic regression analysis, an ED doctor's intention to admit or discharge a patient had no influence on 90-day outcomes, while the BNP level was a strong predictor of 90-day outcome. Of admitted patients, 11% had BNP levels <200 pg/ml (66% of which were perceived NYHA functional class III or IV). The 90-day combined event rate (CHF visits or admissions and mortality) in the group of patients admitted with BNP <200 pg/ml and >200 pg/ml was 9% and 29%, respectively (p = 0.006).. In patients presenting to the ED with heart failure, there is a disconnect between the perceived severity of CHF by ED physicians and severity as determined by BNP levels. The BNP levels can predict future outcomes and thus may aid physicians in making triage decisions about whether to admit or discharge patients. Emerging clinical data will help further refine biomarker-guided outpatient therapeutic and monitoring strategies involving BNP.

Topics: Biomarkers; Decision Making; Dyspnea; Emergency Service, Hospital; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Heart Failure; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Outpatients; Patient Admission; Patient Discharge; Predictive Value of Tests; ROC Curve; Severity of Illness Index; Single-Blind Method; Statistics as Topic; Survival Analysis; Time Factors; Treatment Outcome

Diabetes has been implicated in reduced myocardial compliance and changes in the intercellular matrix of the myocardium. We determined the effect of diabetes on B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) concentrations in patients presenting to the emergency department with dyspnea.. The Breathing Not Properly Multinational Study was a prospective evaluation of 1,586 patients. A subset of 922 patients was obtained and subdivided into the following groups: group 1 (n = 324), neither diabetes nor heart failure; group 2 (n = 107), diabetes and no heart failure; group 3 (n = 247), no diabetes and heart failure; group 4 (n = 183), both diabetes and heart failure; group 5 (n = 41), heart failure history with no diabetes; and group 6 (n = 20), heart failure history with diabetes. Patients from groups 1, 3, and 5 were matched to groups 2, 4, and 6, respectively, to have the same mean age, sex distribution, BMI, renal function, and New York Heart Association (NYHA) classification (for heart failure).. There was no significant difference in median BNP levels between diabetes and no diabetes among no heart failure patients (32.4 vs.32.9 pg/ml), heart failure patients (587 vs. 494 pg/ml), and those with a heart failure history (180 vs. 120 pg/ml). Receiver-operating characteristic curve analysis of the area under the curve for BNP was not different in diabetic versus nondiabetic patients (0.888 vs. 0.878, respectively). However, in a multivariate model, diabetes was an independent predictor of a final diagnosis of heart failure (odds ratio 1.51, 95% CI 1.03-2.02; P < 0.05).. History of diabetes does not impact BNP levels measured in patients with acute dyspnea in the emergency department. Despite the impact of diabetes on the cardiovascular system, diabetes does not appear to confound BNP levels in the emergency department diagnosis of heart failure.

Topics: Acute Disease; Age Factors; Area Under Curve; Biomarkers; Confidence Intervals; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2; Dyspnea; Emergency Service, Hospital; Female; Heart Failure; Humans; Male; Multivariate Analysis; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Probability; Prognosis; Prospective Studies; Reference Values; Risk Assessment; Sensitivity and Specificity; Severity of Illness Index; Sex Factors

Differentiating cardiogenic pulmonary edema (CPE) from respiratory causes of dyspnea is particularly difficult in elderly patients. The aim of our study was to evaluate B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) in patients older than 65 years presenting with acute dyspnea.. Prospective study.. Medical emergency department of a 2000-bed urban teaching hospital.. Patients aged over 65 years presenting with acute dyspnea and a respiratory rate more than 25/min or a PaO(2) below 70 mmHg, SpO(2 )less than 92%, PaCO(2) higher than 45 mmHg with pH less than 7.35, were included. BNP levels, measured blind at admission were compared with the final diagnosis (CPE or no CPE) as defined by experts.. None.. Three hundred eight patients (mean age of 80 years) were enrolled in the study. The median BNP was 575 pg/ml [95% confidence interval (CI): 410-898] in the CPE group (n=141) versus 75 pg/ml (95% CI: 59-98) in the no CPE group (n=167) (p<0.001). The best threshold value of BNP was 250 pg/ml, with a sensitivity and specificity for CPE of 0.78 (95% CI: 0.71-0.84) and 0.90 (95% CI: 0.84-0.93), respectively. The area under the ROC curve was 0.874+/-0.081 (p<0.001). The accuracy of BNP-assisted diagnosis was higher than that of the emergency physician (0.84 versus 0.77, p<0.05).. Analysis of BNP is useful in elderly patients with acute dyspnea, but the threshold value is higher than that previously determined.

Topics: Acute Disease; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Blood Gas Analysis; Dyspnea; Emergency Service, Hospital; Female; Humans; Male; Natriuretic Agents; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Prospective Studies; Pulmonary Edema; Respiration; ROC Curve; Sensitivity and Specificity

In studies with predominately male patients, B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels have been shown to be helpful in the evaluation and management of patients who present with acute dyspnea. The effect of BNP levels on the management of women has not been defined. This study evaluated a predefined subgroup of 190 women included in a prospective randomized controlled study of BNP testing for emergency diagnosis of acute dyspnea. Patients were randomly assigned to a diagnostic strategy with (n = 93, BNP group) or without (n = 97, control group) the use of BNP levels provided by a rapid bedside assay. Women differed significantly from men in baseline characteristics, symptoms, signs, and final discharge diagnoses. The use of BNP levels decreased the need for hospital admission (73% vs 86%, p = 0.034) and intensive care (12% vs 23%, p = 0.048). Median time to discharge was 6 days in the BNP group versus 10 days in the control group (p = 0.023). Total cost of treatment was $4,781 in the BNP group (95% confidence interval 3,854 to 5,708) versus $6,843 in the control group (95% confidence interval 5,611 to 8,074, p = 0.009). In-hospital mortality rates were 4% in the BNP group and 10% in the control group (p = 0.165). Thus, used in conjunction with other clinical information, rapid measurement of BNP decreased time to discharge and total cost of treatment in women who presented with acute dyspnea.

Topics: Acute Disease; Adult; Aged; Biomarkers; Critical Care; Dyspnea; Female; Hospitalization; Humans; Length of Stay; Male; Middle Aged; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Prospective Studies

We sought to determine the degree to which B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) adds to clinical judgment in the diagnosis of congestive heart failure (CHF).. The Breathing Not Properly Multinational Study was a prospective diagnostic test evaluation study conducted in 7 centers. Of 1586 participants who presented with acute dyspnea, 1538 (97%) had clinical certainty of CHF determined by the attending physician in the emergency department. Participants underwent routine care and had BNP measured in a blinded fashion. The reference standard for CHF was adjudicated by 2 independent cardiologists, also blinded to BNP results. The final diagnosis was CHF in 722 (47%) participants. At an 80% cutoff level of certainty of CHF, clinical judgment had a sensitivity of 49% and specificity of 96%. At 100 pg/mL, BNP had a sensitivity of 90% and specificity of 73%. In determining the correct diagnosis (CHF versus no CHF), adding BNP to clinical judgment would have enhanced diagnostic accuracy from 74% to 81%. In those participants with an intermediate (21% to 79%) probability of CHF, BNP at a cutoff of 100 pg/mL correctly classified 74% of the cases. The areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve were 0.86 (95% CI 0.84 to 0.88), 0.90 (95% CI 0.88 to 0.91), and 0.93 (95% CI 0.92 to 0.94) for clinical judgment, for BNP at a cutoff of 100 pg/mL, and for the 2 in combination, respectively (P<0.0001 for all pairwise comparisons).. The evaluation of acute dyspnea would be improved with the addition of BNP testing to clinical judgment in the emergency department.

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Atrial Natriuretic Factor; Dyspnea; Electrocardiography; Emergencies; Female; Heart Failure; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Radiography; Reference Standards; Reproducibility of Results; ROC Curve; Sensitivity and Specificity

B-Type natriuretic peptide (BNP) is a neurohormone secreted from the cardiac ventricles in response to volume expansion and pressure overload. We have recently demonstrated that BNP can differentiate congestive heart failure (CHF) from other causes of dyspnea in patients presenting to the emergency department. In this study, we assess whether BNP levels drawn in patients presenting with dyspnea to the ED were a predictor of future cardiac events.. In 325 patients presenting with dyspnea to the ED, BNP levels were determined. Patients were then followed up for 6 months to determine the following end points: death (cardiac and noncardiac), hospital admissions (cardiac), and repeat ED visits for CHF. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, relative risks (RRs), and Kaplan-Meier plots were used to assess the ability of BNP levels to predict future cardiac events.. The area under the ROC curve using BNP to detect a CHF end point-a CHF death, hospital admission, or repeat ED visit-was 0.870 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.826 to 0.915). A BNP value of 480 pg/mL had a sensitivity of 68%, specificity of 88%, and an accuracy of 85% for predicting a subsequent CHF end point. The area under the ROC curve using BNP to detect death from CHF was 0.881 (95% CI 0.807 to 0.954) and for any cardiac death was 0.877 (95% CI 0.822 to 0.933). BNP was not associated with death from noncardiac causes. Using Kaplan-Meier plots for all CHF events, rising BNP levels were associated with a progressively worse prognosis. Patients with BNP levels more than 480 pg/mL had a 51% 6-month cumulative probability of a CHF event. Alternatively, patients with BNP levels less than 230 pg/mL had an excellent prognosis with only 2.5% incidence of CHF end points. The RR of 6-month CHF death in patients with BNP levels more than 230 pg/mL was 24.1. The RR of 6-month noncardiac death with BNP levels more than 230 pg/mL was 1.1. BNP levels were also predictive of CHF events in subsets of patients with positive CHF histories and ED diagnoses.. In this study population, BNP levels measured in patients presenting with dyspnea to the ED are highly predictive of cardiac events over the next 6 months.

Topics: Adult; Aged; Atrial Natriuretic Factor; California; Cardiotonic Agents; Dyspnea; Emergency Service, Hospital; Endpoint Determination; Female; Heart Failure; Hospitalization; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Predictive Value of Tests; ROC Curve

Decompensated congestive heart failure (CHF) is the leading hospital discharge diagnosis in patients older than 65 years.. To compare the efficacy and safety of intravenous nesiritide, intravenous nitroglycerin, and placebo.. Randomized, double-blind trial of 489 inpatients with dyspnea at rest from decompensated CHF, including 246 who received pulmonary artery catheterization, that was conducted at 55 community and academic hospitals between October 1999 and July 2000.. Intravenous nesiritide (n = 204), intravenous nitroglycerin (n = 143), or placebo (n = 142) added to standard medications for 3 hours, followed by nesiritide (n = 278) or nitroglycerin (n = 216) added to standard medication for 24 hours.. Change in pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (PCWP) among catheterized patients and patient self-evaluation of dyspnea at 3 hours after initiation of study drug among all patients. Secondary outcomes included comparisons of hemodynamic and clinical effects between nesiritide and nitroglycerin at 24 hours.. At 3 hours, the mean (SD) decrease in PCWP from baseline was -5.8 (6.5) mm Hg for nesiritide (vs placebo, P<.001; vs nitroglycerin, P =.03), -3.8 (5.3) mm Hg for nitroglycerin (vs placebo, P =.09), and -2 (4.2) mm Hg for placebo. At 3 hours, nesiritide resulted in improvement in dyspnea compared with placebo (P =.03), but there was no significant difference in dyspnea or global clinical status with nesiritide compared with nitroglycerin. At 24 hours, the reduction in PCWP was greater in the nesiritide group (-8.2 mm Hg) than the nitroglycerin group (-6.3 mm Hg), but patients reported no significant differences in dyspnea and only modest improvement in global clinical status.. When added to standard care in patients hospitalized with acutely decompensated CHF, nesiritide improves hemodynamic function and some self-reported symptoms more effectively than intravenous nitroglycerin or placebo.

Topics: Analysis of Variance; Atrial Natriuretic Factor; Cardiotonic Agents; Double-Blind Method; Drug Therapy, Combination; Dyspnea; Female; Heart Failure; Hemodynamics; Humans; Infusions, Intravenous; Male; Middle Aged; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Nitroglycerin; Prospective Studies; Pulmonary Wedge Pressure; Statistics, Nonparametric; Vasodilator Agents

Intravenous infusion of nesiritide, a brain (B-type) natriuretic peptide, has beneficial hemodynamic effects in patients with decompensated congestive heart failure. We investigated the clinical use of nesiritide in such patients.. Patients hospitalized because of symptomatic congestive heart failure were enrolled in either an efficacy trial or a comparative trial. In the efficacy trial, which required the placement of a Swan-Ganz catheter, 127 patients with a pulmonary-capillary wedge pressure of 18 mm Hg or higher and a cardiac index of 2.7 liters per minute per square meter of body-surface area or less were randomly assigned to double-blind treatment with placebo or nesiritide (infused at a rate of 0.015 or 0.030 microg per kilogram of body weight per minute) for six hours. In the comparative trial, which did not require hemodynamic monitoring, 305 patients were randomly assigned to open-label therapy with standard agents or nesiritide for up to seven days.. In the efficacy trial, at six hours, nesiritide infusion at rates of 0.015 and 0.030 microg per kilogram per minute decreased pulmonary-capillary wedge pressure by 6.0 and 9.6 mm Hg, respectively (as compared with an increase of 2.0 mm Hg with placebo, P<0.001), resulted in improvements in global clinical status in 60 percent and 67 percent of the patients (as compared with 14 percent of those receiving placebo, P<0.001), reduced dyspnea in 57 percent and 53 percent of the patients (as compared with 12 percent of those receiving placebo, P<0.001), and reduced fatigue in 32 percent and 38 percent of the patients (as compared with 5 percent of those receiving placebo, P<0.001). In the comparative trial, the improvements in global clinical status, dyspnea, and fatigue were sustained with nesiritide therapy for up to seven days and were similar to those observed with standard intravenous therapy for heart failure. The most common side effect was dose-related hypotension, which was usually asymptomatic.. In patients hospitalized with decompensated congestive heart failure, nesiritide improves hemodynamic function and clinical status. Nesiritide is useful for the treatment of decompensated congestive heart failure.

Topics: Atrial Natriuretic Factor; Cardiotonic Agents; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Double-Blind Method; Dyspnea; Fatigue; Female; Heart Failure; Humans; Hypotension; Male; Middle Aged; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Pulmonary Wedge Pressure; Vasodilator Agents

Recognition of heart failure (HF) may be difficult in patients presenting with acute dyspnoea, particularly in the presence of chronic airways obstruction. Since increased secretion of the cardiac hormones atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) and brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) occurs early in the course of HF, we have assessed the value of measuring these hormones in plasma in the diagnosis of suspected HF in 52 elderly patients presenting with acute dyspnoea, and compared values with left-ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), a standard measure of left-ventricular function, by radionuclide angiography. Patients were enrolled prospectively. On the basis of clinical findings, conventional tests, and response to specific treatment, 20 of the 52 patients were classified as having primary lung disorder (PLD), 12 as HF alone, and 20 as HF with underlying PLD (HF/PLD). Compared with findings in PLD patients, LVEF was significantly depressed in HF and HF/PLD patients (p < 0.001), whereas both plasma ANP and BNP were significantly increased (p < 0.001). Admission plasma BNP concentration more accurately reflected the final diagnosis of HF (93% sensitivity and 90% specificity when BNP > or = 22 pmol/L) than LVEF or plasma ANP concentration. When all patients were considered together, there were strong negative correlations between LVEF and log BNP (r = -0.7, p < 0.001) and log ANP (r = -0.59, p < 0.001). Our finding that plasma BNP is raised in dyspnoeic patients with HF but not in acutely breathless patients with PLD, suggests that rapid BNP assays may assist in the diagnosis of patients with acute dyspnoea.

Topics: Acute Disease; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Atrial Natriuretic Factor; Diagnosis, Differential; Dyspnea; Female; Heart Failure; Humans; Lung Diseases; Male; Middle Aged; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Nerve Tissue Proteins; Prospective Studies; Stroke Volume

Ruling out congestive heart failure (CHF) is clinically important in Emergency Department (ED) patients. Normal serum brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) represents an important reference standard for excluding CHF. Results of chest radiographs (CXR) are also considered and, when discordant with BNP levels, may result in a clinical dilemma. The present study was designed to elucidate factors associated with CHF on CXR in an ED cohort with normal BNP.. All adults at our urban health system's EDs who underwent CXR within 24 hours and had a normal BNP (<300 pg/mL) within 24 hours of CXR were retrospectively identified. Of these, 0.9% (8/862) had equivocal CXRs and was excluded. Demographics, comorbidities, CXR report results for CHF, and portable technique were noted. Logistic regression was used to assess factors that are associated with the presence of CHF on CXR.. The study cohort comprised 854 patients (433 men, mean age 60.99±15.30) with normal BNP; 91.5% (781/854) had no CHF on CXR and 8.5% (73/854) had CHF. Patients with CHF on CXR had a higher body mass index (32.9 vs. 29.8 kg/m 2 , P =0.0205) were more likely to have a history of CHF or diabetes with complications (OR: 2.72 and 2.53, respectively), had higher serum BNP levels (median 164 vs. 98 pg/mL, P =4.91×10 -5 ), and underwent portable examination more frequently (86.3% vs. 57.5%, OR: 4.65).. Normal serum BNP was concordant with CXR results, adding diagnostic confidence in ruling out CHF in a large majority of ED patients. A higher body mass index, history of CHF, and diabetes with complications and portable CXR technique were associated with CHF on CXR among the minority with normal BNP.

Topics: Adult; Aged; Diabetes Mellitus; Dyspnea; Heart Failure; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Retrospective Studies

Pulmonary transit time (PTT) is the time blood takes to pass from the right ventricle to the left ventricle via pulmonary circulation. We aimed to quantify PTT in routine cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging perfusion sequences. PTT may help in the diagnostic assessment and characterization of patients with unclear dyspnoea or heart failure (HF).. We evaluated routine stress perfusion cardiovascular magnetic resonance scans in 352 patients, including an assessment of PTT. Eighty-six of these patients also had simultaneous quantification of N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NTproBNP). NT-proBNP is an established blood biomarker for quantifying ventricular filling pressure in patients with presumed HF. Manually assessed PTT demonstrated low inter-rater variability with a correlation between raters >0.98. PTT was obtained automatically and correctly in 266 patients using artificial intelligence. The median PTT of 182 patients with both left and right ventricular ejection fraction >50% amounted to 6.8 s (Pulmonary transit time: 5.9-7.9 s). PTT was significantly higher in patients with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (<40%; P < 0.001) and right ventricular ejection fraction (<40%; P < 0.0001). The area under the receiver operating characteristics curve (AUC) of PTT for exclusion of HF (NT-proBNP <125 ng/L) was 0.73 (P < 0.001) with a specificity of 77% and sensitivity of 70%. The AUC of PTT for the inclusion of HF (NT-proBNP >600 ng/L) was 0.70 (P < 0.001) with a specificity of 78% and sensitivity of 61%.. PTT as an easily, even automatically obtainable and robust non-invasive biomarker of haemodynamics might help in the evaluation of patients with dyspnoea and HF.

Topics: Artificial Intelligence; Biomarkers; Dyspnea; Heart Failure; Hemodynamics; Humans; Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Peptide Fragments; Stroke Volume; Ventricular Function, Left; Ventricular Function, Right

Serum N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) is a well-recognized diagnostic marker for heart failure (HF) in patients with dyspnea or pleural effusion (PE). The effects of age on the diagnostic accuracy of NT-proBNP in dyspneic patients are widely known; however, whether its diagnostic accuracy is affected by age in patients with PE remains unknown. This study aimed to investigate the influence of age on the diagnostic accuracy of serum NT-proBNP for HF in patients with PE.. Patients with PE were recruited from the BUFF (Biomarkers for patients with Undiagnosed pleural eFFusion) cohort and the SIMPLE (a Study Investigating Markers in PLeural Effusion) cohort. Serum NT-proBNP on admission and final diagnosis were extracted from the participant's medical records. The diagnostic accuracy of serum NT-proBNP was evaluated by a operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. The influence of age on the diagnostic accuracy of NT-proBNP was investigated through subgroup analyses.. One hundred and four participants were enrolled from the BUFF cohorts (HF, 32; non-HF, 72). One hundred and sixteen participants were enrolled from the SIMPLE cohort (HF, 21; non-HF, 95). The area under the ROC curve (AUCs) of NT-proBNP in the pooled cohort was 0.78 (95 %CI: 0.71 - 0.85). The AUC of NT-proBNP decreased in older patients.. Serum NT-proBNP has moderate diagnostic accuracy for HF in old patients with PE. The diagnostic accuracy of serum NT-proBNP in these patients decreases with the advancement of age.

Topics: Aged; Biomarkers; Dyspnea; Heart Failure; Humans; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Peptide Fragments; Pleural Effusion

Elevated BNP and the N-terminal fragment of the proBNP (NT-proBNP) are hallmarks of heart failure (HF). Generally, both biomarkers parallel each other. In patients receiving sacubitril/valsartan, BNP remained stable while NT-proBNP decreased. As BNP and NT-proBNP assays have limited specificity due to cross-reactivity, we quantified by mass spectrometry (MS) the contributing molecular species.. We included 356 healthy volunteers, 100 patients with acute dyspnoea (49 acute decompensated HF; 51 dyspnoea of non-cardiac origin), and 73 patients with chronic HF and reduced ejection fraction treated with sacubitril/valsartan. BNP and NT-proBNP immunoreactivities (BNPir and NT-proBNPir) were measured by immunoassays (Abbott ARCHITECT and Roche Diagnostics proBNPII) and proBNP-derived peptides and glycosylation at serine 44 by MS on plasma samples.. BNPir corresponded to the sum of proBNP1-108, BNP1-32, BNP3-32, and BNP5-32 (R2 = 0.9995), while NT-proBNPir corresponded to proBNP1-108 and NT-proBNP1-76 not glycosylated at serine 44 (R2 = 0.992). NT-proBNPir was better correlated (R2 = 0.9597) than BNPir (R2 = 0.7643) with proBNP signal peptide (a surrogate of proBNP production). In patients receiving sacubitril/valsartan, non-glycosylated NT-proBNP1-76 remained constant (P = 0.84) despite an increase in NT-proBNP1-76 and its glycosylation (P < 0.0001). ProBNP1-108 remained constant (P = 0.12) while its glycosylation increased (P < 0.0001), resulting in a decrease in non-glycosylated proBNP1-108 (P < 0.0001), and in NT-proBNPir.. Glycosylation interfered with NT-proBNPir measurement, explaining the discrepant evolution of these 2 biomarkers in patients receiving sacubitril/valsartan. Both BNPir and NT-proBNPir are surrogates of proBNP1-108 production, NT-proBNPir being more robust in the clinical contexts studied.

Topics: Aminobutyrates; Biomarkers; Dyspnea; Heart Failure; Humans; Mass Spectrometry; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Peptide Fragments; Serine; Valsartan

Acute heart failure (AHF) exacerbations are a leading cause of hospitalization in the United States. Despite the frequency of AHF hospitalizations, there are inadequate data or practice guidelines on how quickly diuresis should be achieved.. To study the association of 48-h net fluid change and (A) 72-h change in creatinine and (B) 72-h change in dyspnea among patients with acute heart failure.. This is a retrospective, pooled cohort analysis of patients from the DOSE, ROSE, and ATHENA-HF trials.. The primary exposure was 48-h net fluid status.. The co-primary outcomes were 72-h change in creatinine and 72-h change in dyspnea. The secondary outcome was risk of 60-day mortality or rehospitalization.. Eight hundred and seven patients were included. The mean 48-h net fluid status was -2.9 L. A nonlinear association was observed with net fluid status and creatinine change, such that creatinine improved with each liter net negative up to 3.5 L (-0.03 mg/dL per liter negative [95% confidence interval [CI]: -0.06 to -0.01) and remained stable beyond 3.5 L (-0.01 [95% CI: -0.02 to 0.001], p = .17). Net fluid loss was associated with a monotonic improvement of dyspnea (1.4-point improvement per liter negative [95% CI: 0.7-2.2], p = .0002). Each liter net negative by 48 h was also associated with 12% decreased odds of 60-day rehospitalization or death (odds ratio: 0.88; 95% CI: 0.82-0.95; p = .002).. Aggressive net fluid targets within the first 48 h are associated with effective relief of patient self-reported dyspnea and improved long-term outcomes without adversely affecting renal function.

Topics: Acute Disease; Creatinine; Dyspnea; Heart Failure; Humans; Kidney; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Retrospective Studies

Clinically, the pulse oxygen saturation of patients with chronic heart failure does not decrease significantly, and the clinical manifestations of labor-related dyspnea are not typical. As such, it is difficult to make a rapid diagnosis.. To investigate changes in pulse oxygen saturation in patients with chronic heart failure and examine the relationship between B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) and normal pulse oxygen saturation.. A total of 80 hospitalized patients with chronic heart failure and increased BNP were randomly selected as the study group; the family members of 60 patients without dyspnea were randomly selected as the control group. The researchers measured the value of pulse oxygen saturation before and after upper arm compression, calculating the difference and analyzing the correlation between this difference and BNP values. The data were statistically analyzed using the SPSS Statistics 17.0 program.. The decrease in pulse oxygen saturation in the study group was greater than in the control group; the decrease in pulse oxygen saturation of patients with chronic heart failure positively correlated with BNP.. The value of pulse oxygen saturation in patients with chronic heart failure decreased more than in the control group, and this difference positively correlated with BNP. The measurement of pulse oxygen saturation before and after upper arm compression is a simple and effective method for diagnosing and evaluating chronic heart failure.

Topics: Arm; Biomarkers; Dyspnea; Electrocardiography; Heart Failure; Humans; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Oxygen Saturation

Topics: Biomarkers; Dyspnea; Humans; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Peptide Fragments; Prognosis; Troponin

Among patients with acute dyspnea, concentrations of N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T, and insulin-like growth factor binding protein-7 predict cardiovascular outcomes and death. Understanding the optimal means to interpret these elevated biomarkers in patients presenting with acute dyspnea remains unknown.. Concentrations of NT-proBNP, high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T, and insulin-like growth factor binding protein-7 were analyzed in 1448 patients presenting with acute dyspnea from the prospective, multicenter International Collaborative of NT-proBNP-Re-evaluation of Acute Diagnostic Cut-Offs in the Emergency Department (ICON-RELOADED) Study. Eight biogroups were derived based upon patterns in biomarker elevation at presentation and compared for differences in baseline characteristics. Of 441 patients with elevations in all 3 biomarkers, 218 (49.4%) were diagnosed with acute heart failure (HF). The frequency of acute HF diagnosis in this biogroup was higher than those with elevations in 2 biomarkers (18.8%, 44 of 234), 1 biomarker (3.8%, 10 of 260), or no elevated biomarkers (0.4%, 2 of 513). The absolute number of elevated biomarkers on admission was prognostic of the composite end point of mortality and HF rehospitalization. In adjusted models, patients with one, 2, and 3 elevated biomarkers had 3.74 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.26-11.1, P = .017), 12.3 (95% CI, 4.60-32.9, P < .001), and 12.6 (95% CI, 4.54-35.0, P < .001) fold increased risk of 180-day mortality or HF rehospitalization.. A multimarker panel of NT-proBNP, hsTnT, and IGBFP7 provides unique clinical, diagnostic, and prognostic information in patients presenting with acute dyspnea. Differences in the number of elevated biomarkers at presentation may allow for more efficient clinical risk stratification of short-term mortality and HF rehospitalization.

Topics: Biomarkers; Dyspnea; Heart Failure; Humans; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Peptide Fragments; Prognosis; Prospective Studies

Acute respiratory distress is one of the most common reasons for paediatric emergency visits. Paediatric patients require rapid diagnosis and treatment. Our aim in this study was to use N-terminal (1-76) pro-brain natriuretic peptide to differentiate respiratory distress of cardiac and pulmonary origin in children. Our aim was to investigate the role of N-terminal (1-76) pro-brain natriuretic peptide in the detection of patients with new-onset heart failure in the absence of an underlying congenital heart anomaly.. All children aged 0-18 years who presented to the paediatric emergency department due to severe respiratory distress were included in the study prospectively. The patients' demographic characteristics, presenting complaints, clinical findings, and N-terminal (1-76) pro-brain natriuretic peptide concentrations, were investigated. In patients with severe Pediatric Respiratory Severity Score, congestive heart failure score was calculated using the modified Ross Score.. This study included 47 children between the ages of 1 month and 14 years. The median N-terminal (1-76) pro-brain natriuretic peptide concentration was 5717 (IQR:16158) pg/mL in the 25 patients with severe respiratory distress due to heart failure and in the 22 patients with severe respiratory distress due to lung pathology was 437 (IQR:874) pg/mL (p < 0.001). In the 25 patients with severe respiratory distress due to heart failure, 8281 (IQR:8372) pg/mL in the 16 patients with underlying congenital heart anomalies, and 1983 (IQR:2150) pg/mL in the 9 patients without a congenital heart anomaly (p < 0.001). The 45 patients in the control group had a median N-terminal (1-76) pro-brain natriuretic peptide concentration of 47.2 (IQR:56.2) pg/mL.. Using scoring systems in combination with N-terminal (1-76) pro-brain natriuretic peptide cut-off values can help direct and manage treatment.

Topics: Biomarkers; Child; Dyspnea; Emergency Service, Hospital; Heart Failure; Humans; Infant; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Peptide Fragments; Respiratory Distress Syndrome

The diagnosis of heart failure (HF) remains essentially clinical-Based. However, the history, physical examination, and chest radiograph findings are often inadequate in the diagnosis because multiple other conditions that affect the cardiopulmonary system mimic the symptoms of HF. N-terminal pro-BNP (NT-proBNP) has long been used for diagnosing HF. N-terminal pro-BNP values vary with different patient parameters. There is a scarcity of Indian studies on this topic. Especially with the use of newer drugs like angiotensin receptor neprilysin inhibitor (ARNI), it is important to have data from our own population on the same.. (i) To assess the role of NT-proBNP in the diagnosis of HF. (ii) Achieve diagnostic clarity in cases having cardiorespiratory symptoms and signs like acute onset dyspnea, pedal edema, and basal crepitations. (iii) To study the effect of various factors like age, body mass index (BMI), and creatinine on NT-proBNP. (iv) Establish a relation between NT-proBNP levels and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), disease severity, and etiology of HF.. An observational prospective study of 50 patients presenting with acute onset breathlessness was carried out, fulfilling inclusion and exclusion criteria over a period of 10 months. Detailed history and examination of the patients were obtained. Venous sample for the measurement of NT-proBNP was collected within 24 hours of onset of symptoms. Other relevant blood and radiographic investigations were obtained. The NT-proBNP "cut-offs" set forth by the American Heart Association (AHA)/American College of Cardiology (ACC) were used to "rule in" or "rule out" HF. Two-dimensional echocardiography (2D Echo) was used to confirm the diagnosis. The correlation between NT-proBNP and various parameters like age, BMI, creatinine, and LVEF was obtained. Sensitivity and specificity tests were applied as well.. Out of the 50 patients presenting with acute onset dyspnea, the most common cause was ischemic heart disease (IHD) (44%) followed by dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) (32%), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) (10%), anemia (4%), followed by other causes. The median NT-proBNP value was the highest for IHD patients (9485 pg/mL), followed by DCM (8969 pg/mL), followed by COPD (2846 pg/mL), and followed by anemia (850 pg/mL). There is a significant positive correlation between NT-proBNP and age (coefficient of correlation r = 0.4007, significance level p = 0.0389, and class interval = 0.137-0.61). There is a significant negative correlation between creatinine clearance and NT-proBNP (coefficient of correlation r = -0.372, significance level p = 0.007, and class interval = -0.58 to -0.105). There was significant negative correlation between LVEF and NT-proBNP (coefficient of correlation r = -0.36, significance level p = 0.009, and class interval = -0.58 to -0.09). Higher LVEF is associated with lower NT-proBNP values. There is marked heterogeneity in the values though.. It is seen that the values of NT-proBNP vary with factors like age, BMI, and creatinine clearance in addition to LVEF. This may lead to falsely positive or falsely negative diagnosis of HF. With the above observations in mind, it can be concluded that NT-proBNP can help diagnose HF but only in addition to clinical findings.

Topics: Biomarkers; Creatinine; Dyspnea; Heart Failure; Humans; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Peptide Fragments; Prospective Studies; Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive; Stroke Volume; Ventricular Function, Left

Secretion of cardioprotective B-type natriuretic peptide 1-32 (BNP1-32) is increased proportionately with cardiac dysfunction, but its measurement in plasma is difficult. Therefore, less specific BNP and amino-terminal proBNP (NT-proBNP) assays that detect the precursor molecule proBNP alongside BNP or NT-proBNP metabolites were developed to reflect BNP1-32 secretion and are now mandated in the diagnosis of heart failure (HF). We compared the diagnostic performance of 2 widely used clinical assays: the Roche proBNPII assay, and Abbott BNP assay, against our recently developed in-house assays that measure either intact BNP1-32 or NT-proBNP.. EDTA plasma samples obtained from patients presenting with breathlessness (n = 195, 60 [31%] with clinically adjudicated HF) were assayed using the Roche NT-proBNP and our specific in-house BNP1-32 and NTBNP assays. A subset (n = 75) were also assessed with the Abbott BNP assay.. Roche NT-proBNP was highly correlated with BNP1-32 and NTBNP (Spearman rho = 0.92 and 0.90, respectively, both Ps < 0.001), and all 3 assays similarly discriminated acute HF from other causes of breathlessness (ROC analysis areas under the curve 0.85-0.89). The Abbott BNP assay performed similarly to the other assays. Roche NT-proBNP and BNP1-32 assays had similar sensitivity (83% and 80%), specificity (83% and 84%), positive (70% and 71%) and negative (91% and 90%) predictive values, and accuracy (both 83%) at their optimal cutoffs of 1536 and 12 ng/L, respectively.. Since all assays exhibited similar performance in the diagnosis of HF, currently mandated assays provide a reliable proxy for circulating concentrations of active BNP1-32 in HF diagnosis.

Topics: Biomarkers; Dyspnea; Edetic Acid; Heart Failure; Humans; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Peptide Fragments

Most dyspneic patients in internal medicine departments have co-morbidities that interfere with the clinical diagnosis. The role of brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels is well-established in the acute setting but not in hospitalized patients.. To evaluate the additive value of BNP tests in patients with dyspnea admitted to medical wards who did not respond to initial treatment.. We searched the records of patients who were hospitalized in the department of internal medicine D at Sheba Medical Center during 2012 and were tested for BNP in the ward. Data collected included co-morbidity, medical treatments, diagnosis at presentation and discharge, lab results including BNP, re-hospitalization, and mortality at one year following hospitalization.. BNP results were found for 169 patients. BNP was taken 1.7 ± 2.7 days after hospitalization. According to BNP levels, dividing the patients into tertiles revealed three equally distributed groups with a distinctive character. The higher tertile was associated with higher rates of cardiac co-morbidities, including heart failure, but not chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Higher BNP levels were related to one-year re-hospitalization and mortality. In addition, higher BNP levels were associated with higher rates of in-admission diagnosis change.. BNP levels during hospitalization in internal medicine wards are significantly related to cardiac illness, the existence of heart failure, and patient prognosis. Thus, BNP can be a useful tool in managing dyspneic patients in this setting.

Topics: Biomarkers; Dyspnea; Heart Failure; Hospitalization; Humans; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Prognosis

To evaluate the potential of soluble cluster of differentiation 146 (sCD146) in the detection and grading of congestion in patients with acute dyspnoea.. Subanalysis of the prospective observational Lithuanian Echocardiography Study of Dyspnoea in Acute Settings (LEDA) cohort.. Two Lithuanian university centres.. Adult patients with acute dyspnoea admitted to the emergency department.. Congestion was assessed using clinical and sonographic parameters. All patients underwent sCD146 and N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) testing.. The median value of sCD146 concentration in the study cohort (n=437) was 405 (IQR 315-509) ng/mL. sCD146 was higher in patients with peripheral oedema than in those without (median (IQR) 472 (373-535) vs 400 (304-501) ng/mL, p=0.009) and with pulmonary rales than in those without (439 (335-528) vs 394 (296-484) ng/mL, p=0.001). We found a parallel increase of estimated right atrial pressure (eRAP) and sCD146 concentration: sCD146 was 337 (300-425), 404 (290-489) and 477 (363-572) ng/mL in patients with normal, moderately elevated and high eRAP, respectively (p=0.001). In patients with low NT-proBNP, high sCD146 distinguished a subgroup with a higher prevalence of oedema as compared with patients with low levels of both biomarkers (76.0% vs 41.0%, p=0.010). Moreover, high sCD146 indicated a higher prevalence of elevated eRAP, irrespective of NT-proBNP concentration (p<0.05).. sCD146 concentration reflects the degree of intravascular and tissue congestion assessed by clinical and echocardiographic indices, with this association maintained in patients with low NT-proBNP. Our data support the notion that NT-proBNP might represent heart stretch while sCD146 rather represents peripheral venous congestion.

Topics: Adult; Biomarkers; CD146 Antigen; Dyspnea; Echocardiography; Heart Failure; Humans; Lithuania; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Peptide Fragments; Prospective Studies

Acute dyspnea with underlying congestion is a leading cause of emergency department (ED) visits with high rates of hospitalization. Adrenomedullin is a vasoactive neuropeptide hormone secreted by the endothelium that mediates vasodilation and maintains vascular integrity. Plasma levels of biologically active adrenomedullin (bio-ADM) predict septic shock and vasopressor need in critically ill patients and are associated with congestion in patients with acute heart failure (HF) but the prognostic value in unselected dyspneic patients at the ED is unknown. The purpose of this study is to test if bio-ADM predicts adverse outcomes when sampled in patients with acute dyspnea at presentation to the ED. In this single-center prospective observational study, we included 1402 patients from the ADYS (Acute DYSpnea at the Emergency Department) cohort in Malmö, Sweden. We fitted logistic regression models adjusted for sex, age, N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), creatinine, and C-reactive protein (CRP) to associate bio-ADM plasma levels to mortality, hospitalization, intravenous (IV) diuretic treatment and HF diagnosis. Using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis we evaluated bio-ADM discrimination for these outcomes compared to a reference model (sex, age, NT-proBNP, creatinine, and CRP). Model performance was compared by performing a likelihood ratio test on the deviances of the models. Bio-ADM (per interquartile range from median) predicts both 90-day mortality [odds ratio (OR): 1.5, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.2-2.0, p < 0.002] and hospitalization (OR: 1.5, 95% CI 1.2-1.8, p < 0.001) independently of sex, age, NT-proBNP, creatinine, and CRP. Bio-ADM statistically significantly improves the reference model in predicting mortality (added χ

Topics: Adrenomedullin; Biomarkers; Creatinine; Diuretics; Dyspnea; Emergency Service, Hospital; Heart Failure; Humans; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Peptide Fragments; Prognosis

Topics: Abdominal Pain; Acute Kidney Injury; Adolescent; Adult; Asthenia; Chest Pain; Conjunctivitis; Coronary Angiography; Coronary Care Units; COVID-19; Diarrhea; Dyspnea; Electrocardiography; Exanthema; Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation; Female; Fever; France; Headache; Humans; Hypotension; Intensive Care Units; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Male; Mucocutaneous Lymph Node Syndrome; Myocarditis; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Peptide Fragments; Respiration, Artificial; SARS-CoV-2; Stroke Volume; Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome; Tachycardia; Troponin; Ventricular Dysfunction, Left; Young Adult

Topics: Acute Disease; Dyspnea; Heart Failure; Humans; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Pilot Projects

To assess if cardiac troponins can improve diagnostics of acute heart failure (AHF) and provide prognostic information in patients with acute dyspnea.. We measured cardiac troponin T with a high-sensitivity assay (hs-cTnT) in 314 patients hospitalized with acute dyspnea. The index diagnosis was adjudicated and AHF patients were stratified into AHF with reduced or preserved ejection fraction (HFrEF/HFpEF). The prognostic and diagnostic merit of hs-cTnT was compared to the merit of N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP).. In the total population, median age was 73 (quartile [Q] 1-3 63-81) years and 48% were women. One-hundred-forty-three patients were categorized as AHF (46%) and these patients had higher hs-cTnT concentrations than patients with non-AHF-related dyspnea: median 38 (Q1-3 22-75) vs. 13 (4-25) ng/L; p < 0.001. hs-cTnT concentrations were similar between patients with HFrEF and HFpEF (p = 0.80), in contrast to NT-proBNP, which was higher in HFrEF (p < 0.001). C-statistics for discriminating HFpEF from non-AHF-related dyspnea was 0.80 (95% CI 0.73-0.86) for hs-cTnT, 0.79 (0.73-0.86) for NT-proBNP, and 0.83 (0.76-0.89) for hs-cTnT and NT-proBNP in combination. Elevated hs-cTnT remained associated with HFpEF in logistic regression analysis after adjusting for demographics, comorbidities and renal function. During median 27 months of follow-up, 114 (36%) patients died in the total population. Higher hs-cTnT concentrations were associated with increased risk of all-cause mortality after adjustment for clinical variables and NT-proBNP: hazard ratio 1.30 (95% CI 1.07-1.58), p = 0.009.. hs-cTnT measurements improve diagnostic accuracy for HFpEF and provide independent prognostic information in unselected patients with acute dyspnea.

Topics: Acute Disease; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Biomarkers; Dyspnea; Female; Heart Failure; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Peptide Fragments; Prognosis; Prospective Studies; Stroke Volume; Survival Rate; Troponin T

Our objective was to perform an economic evaluation of an N-terminal pro B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP)-supported diagnostic strategy in dyspneic patients suspected of acute heart failure in the emergency department (ED). A decision-tree model was developed to evaluate clinical outcomes and costs for NT-proBNP-supported assessment compared with clinical assessment alone over 6 months from the United States (US) Medicare perspective. The model considered rule-in/rule-out cutoffs identified in the ICON and ICON-RELOADED studies. Acute heart failure prevalence, diagnostic accuracies, and medical resource use conditional on disease status and test results were derived from ICON-RELOADED. Several assumptions based on previous studies of NT-proBNP acute dyspnea and verified with clinicians were applied to medical resource use and assessed in sensitivity analyses. Compared with clinical assessment alone, NT-proBNP-supported assessment improved overall probability of correct diagnosis by a relative 7% (18% for true-positive and 5% for true-negative). This led to relative reductions in medical resource use in ED and hospital, including fewer initial hospitalizations (-14%), required echocardiograms (-31%), cardiology admissions (-16%), intensive care unit admissions (-12%), ED readmissions (-3%), and hospital readmissions (-22%). NT-proBNP use decreased average inpatient management costs by a relative 10%, yielding cost savings of US$2,337 per patient ED visit. These findings were robust in sensitivity analyses. In conclusion, based on a contemporary trial of patients with acute dyspnea, this analysis reaffirmed that using NT-proBNP as a diagnostic tool may improve the management of patients with dyspnea presenting to EDs and is likely to be cost-saving from the US Medicare perspective.

Topics: Acute Disease; Aged; Cost Savings; Decision Trees; Dyspnea; Emergency Service, Hospital; Female; Health Care Costs; Heart Failure; Hospitalization; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Peptide Fragments; Sensitivity and Specificity; United States

Rapid diagnosis of heart failure (HF) in acutely dyspneic patients can be challenging for emergency department (ED) physicians.. Cardiac output (CO) change with sublingual nitroglycerin (NTG) could be helpful in the diagnosis of HF in patients with acute undifferentiated dyspnea.. A prospective study of patients >18 years admitted to the ED for acute dyspnea. Using thoracic bioimpedance, we measured CO change at baseline and after sublingual administration of 0.6 mg of NTG. HF was defined on the basis of clinical examination, pro-brain natriuretic peptide levels, and echocardiographic findings. Diagnostic performance of delta CO was calculated by sensitivity, specificity, likelihood ratio and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve.. This study included 184 patients with mean age of 64 years. Baseline CO was comparable between the HF group and the non-HF group. At its best cutoff (29%), delta CO showed good accuracy in the diagnosis of HF with a sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative likelihood ratios of 80%, 44%, 57%, and 66% respectively. Area under ROC curve was 0.701 [95% CI 0.636-0.760]. The decrease of CO with sublingual NTG was significantly higher in patients with HFpEF compared with those with HFrEF. Multivariate analysis, showed that delta CO was an independent factor associated with HF diagnosis [OR 0.19 (95% CI 0.11-0.29); p < .001].. Our study showed that CO change with sublingual nitroglycerin is a simple tool that may be helpful for the diagnosis of HF in ED patients with undifferentiated dyspnea.

Topics: Acute Disease; Dyspnea; Emergency Service, Hospital; Heart Failure; Humans; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Nitroglycerin; Prospective Studies; Sensitivity and Specificity; Stroke Volume

Patients hospitalized for heart failure (HF) remain at high risk for early readmission. A post hoc analysis was performed of the biomarker substudy of the ASCEND-HF trial. An in-hospital congestion score was derived using orthopnea, pedal edema, and NT-proBNP levels. Its added prognostic value beyond traditional risk factors was assessed by determining the net reclassification index (NRI). Study participants (n = 884) had a median age (years) of 67 (55-77), 68% were male, and the median (25th-75th) ejection fraction (%) was 26 (20-40). After adjustment, increasing congestion score was associated with 30-day all-cause mortality or HF hospitalization (odds ratio = 1.51, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.28-1.77, p < 0.001) and 180-day all-cause mortality (hazard ratio = 1.48, 95% CI 1.28-1.72, p < 0.001). However, adding the congestion score to the multivariable model did not significantly impact the NRI. A higher in-hospital congestion score portended a poor short-term prognosis but did not significantly reclassify risk.

Topics: Aged; Biomarkers; Clinical Decision Rules; Databases, Factual; Disease Progression; Dyspnea; Edema; Female; Health Status; Heart Failure; Hemodynamics; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Patient Admission; Patient Readmission; Peptide Fragments; Predictive Value of Tests; Prognosis; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Risk Assessment; Risk Factors; Time Factors

In the field of palliative care, morphine is known to be effective for alleviating dyspnea in cancer patients. However, little is known regarding the safety and efficacy of morphine therapy for refractory dyspnea as palliative care in advanced heart failure (HF) patients.. We retrospectively reviewed consecutive advanced HF patients who were referred to the Palliative Care Team at our institution and administered morphine for refractory dyspnea during hospitalization between September 2013 and December 2018. We investigated the details of morphine usage, vital signs, an 11-point quantitative symptom scale, and adverse events at baseline, 24 h, and 72 h after the start of treatment.. Morphine was administered for refractory dyspnea in 43 advanced HF patients [mean age: 73.5 years, male: 28 (65%), New York Heart Association functional class IV: 43 (100%), median left ventricular ejection fraction: 25%, median B-type natriuretic peptide level: 927 pg/ml, concurrent intravenous inotrope: 33 (77%)]. Median initial dose of morphine was 5 mg/day in both oral and intravenous administration and median duration of administration was 5 days. Significant decreases in an 11-point quantitative symptom scale [7 (5, 9) vs. 2 (1, 6); p <  0.01, (data available in 8 patients)] and respiratory rate (22.2 ± 6.1 vs. 19.7 ± 5.2 breaths per minute; p < 0.01) were observed 24 h after the start of morphine administration. Meanwhile, oxygen saturation, blood pressure, and heart rate were not significantly altered after treatment (NS). Common adverse events were delirium (18%) and constipation (8%); however, no lethal adverse event definitely related to morphine therapy occurred during treatment.. This single-center retrospective study revealed the clinical practice of morphine therapy and suggested that morphine therapy might be feasible for refractory dyspnea as palliative care in advanced HF patients.

Topics: Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Analgesics, Opioid; Dyspnea; Female; Heart Failure; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Morphine; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Palliative Care; Retrospective Studies; Ventricular Function, Left

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) has been described in myelofibrosis (MF), but it is rare and typically found in advanced disease. Although the etiology of PH in MF is unclear, early predictors may be detected by echocardiogram. The goals of our study were to evaluate the prevalence of PH as determined by echocardiography in a cohort of MF patients and to identify clinical risk factors for PH. We performed a retrospective review of MF patients from October 2015 to May 2017 at MD Anderson Cancer Center in the ambulatory clinic, and those with echocardiogram were included. Clinical, echocardiographic, and laboratory data were reviewed. Patients with and without PH were compared using a chi-square or Fisher's exact test, and logistic regression was performed with an outcome variable of PH. There were 143 patients with MF who underwent echocardiogram, and 20 (14%) had echocardiographic findings consistent with PH. Older age, male gender, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, coronary artery disease, dyspnea, hematocrit, brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), and N-terminal prohormone BNP (NT-proBNP) were significantly different between those without PH and those with PH (p < 0.05). Female gender was protective (OR 0.21, 95% CI 0.049-0.90, p = 0.035), and NT-proBNP was a significant clinical predictor of PH (OR 1.07, CI 1.02 = 1.12, p = 0.006). PH in MF is lower than previously reported in our MF cohort, but many patients had cardiac comorbidities. PH due to left-sided heart disease may be underestimated in MF. Evaluation of respiratory symptoms and elevated NT-proBNP should prompt a baseline echocardiogram. Early detection of PH with a multidisciplinary approach may allow treatment of reversible etiologies.

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Comorbidity; Coronary Disease; Dyspnea; Echocardiography; Female; Humans; Hyperlipidemias; Hypertension; Hypertension, Pulmonary; Male; Middle Aged; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Peptide Fragments; Prevalence; Primary Myelofibrosis; Retrospective Studies; Young Adult

We evaluated the utility of focused cardiac ultrasound to predict the length of stay in patients presenting to the emergency department with dyspnea of unclear etiology.. Patients with focused cardiac ultrasound examinations performed in the emergency department for dyspnea over a 34-month period were retrospectively identified. Patients were excluded if they had a prior diagnosis of heart failure, dialysis requirement, or an etiology of dyspnea unrelated to the volume status. Left ventricular function was categorized as normal or reduced, and the inferior vena cava was categorized as normal or increased volume. A fast limited ultrasound to investigate dyspnea (FLUID) score was calculated by adding 1 point for reduced left ventricular function and 1 point for increased volume, producing a score of 0, 1, or 2.. There were 123 patients included. There was a significant correlation between the FLUID score and length of stay, with longer stays for higher scores (FLUID score 0, 7.4 hours median; FLUID score 1, 2.34 days; FLUID score 2, 5.56 days; analysis of variance P < .001). Of the other variables collected, only age, hypertension, diabetes, heart rate, and brain natriuretic peptide were significantly correlated with the length of stay. A multivariate analysis including those variables and the FLUID score showed that the FLUID score was the strongest independent predictor of the length of stay.. Focused cardiac ultrasound and calculation of a FLUID score for patients with undifferentiated dyspnea can be a powerful tool to predict the hospital length of stay.

Topics: Dyspnea; Echocardiography; Emergency Service, Hospital; Heart Failure; Humans; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Retrospective Studies

To describe the clinical profiles and risk factors for critical illness in hospitalized children and adolescents with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).. Children 1 month to 21 years of age with COVID-19 from a single tertiary care children's hospital between March 15 and April 13, 2020 were included. Demographic and clinical data were collected.. In total, 67 children tested positive for COVID-19; 21 (31.3%) were managed as outpatients. Of 46 admitted patients, 33 (72%) were admitted to the general pediatric medical unit and 13 (28%) to the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU). Obesity and asthma were highly prevalent but not significantly associated with PICU admission (P = .99). Admission to the PICU was significantly associated with higher C-reactive protein, procalcitonin, and pro-B type natriuretic peptide levels and platelet counts (P < .05 for all). Patients in the PICU were more likely to require high-flow nasal cannula (P = .0001) and were more likely to have received Remdesivir through compassionate release (P < .05). Severe sepsis and septic shock syndromes were observed in 7 (53.8%) patients in the PICU. Acute respiratory distress syndrome was observed in 10 (77%) PICU patients, 6 of whom (46.2%) required invasive mechanical ventilation for a median of 9 days. Of the 13 patients in the PICU, 8 (61.5%) were discharged home, and 4 (30.7%) patients remain hospitalized on ventilatory support at day 14. One patient died after withdrawal of life-sustaining therapy because of metastatic cancer.. We describe a higher than previously recognized rate of severe disease requiring PICU admission in pediatric patients admitted to the hospital with COVID-19.

Topics: Adenosine Monophosphate; Adolescent; Alanine; Antiviral Agents; Asthma; Betacoronavirus; Blood Urea Nitrogen; C-Reactive Protein; Child; Child, Preschool; Coronavirus Infections; COVID-19; Creatinine; Critical Illness; Dyspnea; Female; Hospitalization; Hospitals, Pediatric; Humans; Infant; Infant, Newborn; Intensive Care Units, Pediatric; Male; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; New York City; Pandemics; Pediatric Obesity; Platelet Count; Pneumonia, Viral; Procalcitonin; Respiration, Artificial; Retrospective Studies; SARS-CoV-2; Sepsis; Shock, Septic; Tertiary Care Centers; Young Adult

The diagnosis of heart failure in the emergency department (ED) is challenging. The aim of this study was to evaluate systolic time intervals (STIs) using phonoelectrocardiography for the diagnosis of heart failure (HF) in ED patients with undifferentiated dyspnea.. A total of 855 patients with dyspnea and suspected HF were prospectively enrolled. They underwent echocardiographic measurements of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) testing and computerised phonoelectrocardiography to assess STIs including electromechanical activation time (EMAT), left ventricular ejection time (LVET) and EMAT/LVET ratio. Diagnosis accuracy of STIs was calculated including sensitivity, specificity, likelihood ratio and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve.. Patients with HF (n = 530) had significantly higher EMAT and lower LVET compared with non-HF patients. ROC curve c-statistic was 0.74, 0.72 and 0.78 for EMAT, LVET and EMAT/LVET respectively. Sensitivity and specificity of EMAT/LVET at a cut-off = 40% were 72% and 88% respectively. EMAT/LVET had the highest correlation with LVEF (r = 0.48). In patients with intermediate BNP (n = 107), positive likelihood ratio increased from 1.8 with BNP alone to 3.6 with BNP combined to EMAT/LVET. Patients without HF had STIs values not significantly different from those with preserved LVEF (≥45%).. Given their immediate availability, phonoelectrocardiography STIs' parameters and particularly EMAT/LVET ratio could have an important role in the diagnosis approach of HF in patients with undifferentiated dyspnea in the ED.

Topics: Aged; Biomarkers; Dyspnea; Echocardiography; Emergency Service, Hospital; Female; Heart Failure; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Prospective Studies; ROC Curve; Sensitivity and Specificity; Stroke Volume; Systole; Ventricular Dysfunction, Left; Ventricular Function, Left

To assess the accuracy of focused cardiac ultrasound (FOCUS) and point-of-care N-terminal proBNP assay in the emergency setting for differentiation of cardiac from noncardiac causes of respiratory distress in cats.. Prospective diagnostic accuracy study between 2014 and 2016.. Emergency room at an urban university teaching hospital.. Forty-one client-owned cats presenting for evaluation of respiratory distress.. Emergency clinicians made an initial diagnosis of noncardiac or cardiac cause of respiratory distress based on physical examination (PE) findings and history. The diagnoses were updated after performing FOCUS and point-of-care N-terminal B-type natriuretic peptide (POC-BNP). Reference standard diagnosis was determined by agreement of a board-certified cardiologist and critical care specialist with access to subsequent radiographs and echocardiograms.. Forty-one cats were enrolled. Three cats with incomplete data and 1 cat with an uncertain reference standard diagnosis were excluded. The remaining 37 cats were used for analysis: 21 cardiac and 16 noncardiac cases. The ratio of left atrial to aortic root diameter (LA:Ao) measured by FOCUS was significantly correlated with LA:Ao measured by echocardiography (R = 0.646, P < 0.0001). Emergency clinicians correctly diagnosed 27 of 37 (73.0%), yielding a PE positive percent agreement = 76.2% (95% CI, 52.8-91.8%) and negative percent agreement = 68.8% (95% CI, 41.3-89.0%). Five noncardiac and 5 cardiac cats were misdiagnosed. Post FOCUS, overall percent agreement improved to 34 of 37 (91.9%), with positive percent agreement = 95.2% (95% CI, 76.2-99.9%) and negative percent agreement = 87.5% (95% CI, 61.7-98.5%). The POC-BNP yielded an overall percent agreement = 32/34 (94.1%), positive percent agreement = 100% (95% CI, 82.4-100.0%), and negative percent agreement = 86.7% (95% CI, 59.5-98.3%) in differentiating cardiac versus noncardiac cases.. FOCUS evaluation of basic cardiac structure and LA:Ao by trained emergency clinicians improved accuracy of diagnosis compared to PE in cats with respiratory distress. FOCUS and POC-BNP are useful diagnostics in the emergent setting.

Topics: Animals; Cat Diseases; Cats; Dyspnea; Echocardiography; Female; Heart Diseases; Hospitals, Animal; Male; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Point-of-Care Systems; Prospective Studies; Radiography

With the development and standardization of modern chronic total occlusions (CTOs) recanalization technique, percutaneous coronary intervention has become a promising treatment alternative to surgery after bypass graft failure. Treatment of a native coronary CTO lesion is preferable to treatment of a saphenous vein graft (SVG) CTO supplying the same territory; however, technical expertise is required.. This is a 69-year-old male with prior history of coronary artery bypass grafting presented with severe dyspnea at mild exertion (NYHA III) of 2 months duration.. The patient was diagnosed as heart failure caused by ischemia after SVG failure (SVG to right coronary artery) according to electrocardiogram, plasma N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide levels, and coronary angiogram.. We recanalized native right coronary artery CTO by retrograde approach using septal collaterals by surfing technique after recanalization of totally occluded left coronary artery.. Dyspnea was relieved at discharge. At 6-month follow-up, the patient had no recurrence of dyspnea.. In case of SVG failure, percutaneous coronary intervention of native vessel should be considered as a treatment option. Retrograde approach through native vessel is safe but has requirements for operators' volume, skill, and experience.

Topics: Aftercare; Aged; Coronary Angiography; Coronary Artery Bypass; Coronary Vessels; Dyspnea; Electrocardiography; Graft Occlusion, Vascular; Heart Failure; Humans; Male; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Peptide Fragments; Percutaneous Coronary Intervention; Saphenous Vein; Treatment Outcome

A new virus broke out in Wuhan, Hubei, China, that was later named severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The clinical characteristics of severe pneumonia caused by SARS-CoV-2 are still not clear.. The aim of this study was to explore the clinical characteristics and risk factors of severe pneumonia caused by the SARS-CoV-2 in Wuhan, China.. The study included patients hospitalized at the Central Hospital of Wuhan who were diagnosed with COVID-19. Clinical features, chronic comorbidities, demographic data, laboratory examinations, and chest computed tomography (CT) scans were reviewed through electronic medical records. SPSS was used for data analysis to explore the clinical characteristics and risk factors of patients with severe pneumonia caused by SARS-CoV-2.. A total of 110 patients diagnosed with COVID-19 were included in the study, including 38 with severe pneumonia and 72 with nonsevere pneumonia. Statistical analysis showed that advanced age, increased D-Dimer, and decreased lymphocytes were characteristics of the patients with severe pneumonia. Moreover, in the early stage of the disease, chest CT scans of patients with severe pneumonia showed that the illness can progress rapidly.. Advanced age, decreased lymphocytes, and D-Dimer elevation are important characteristics of patients with severe COVID-19. Clinicians should focus on these characteristics to identify high-risk patients at an early stage.

Topics: Adult; Age Factors; APACHE; Betacoronavirus; C-Reactive Protein; China; Comorbidity; Coronavirus Infections; Cough; COVID-19; Disease Progression; Dyspnea; Fatigue; Female; Fever; Fibrin Fibrinogen Degradation Products; Humans; Hypertension; Lung; Lymphocyte Count; Male; Middle Aged; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Organ Dysfunction Scores; Pandemics; Pneumonia, Viral; Procalcitonin; Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive; Respiratory Distress Syndrome; Risk Assessment; SARS-CoV-2; Serum Albumin; Severity of Illness Index; Sex Factors; Tomography, X-Ray Computed

Pulmonary valve stenosis (PVS) accounts for approximately 10% of all congenital heart defects. Echocardiography and right heart catheterization are the gold standards for diagnosis of PVS and for assessing disease severity and responsiveness to treatment.Recently, cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (cMRI) has been established as an important tool to comprehensively evaluate cardiac structure and function; however, research into the usefulness of cMRI for PVS management is limited. Here, we describe a case of a 59-year-old female with isolated, severe PVS who was successfully treated with balloon pulmonary valvuloplasty (BPV) followed by sequential cMRI at 1 and 12 months. Exertional dyspnea and elevated plasma BNP concentration were observed 1 month after BPV; however, echocardiographic findings did not indicate recurrent stenosis or increased pulmonary valve regurgitation but an increase in mitral E/e'. cMRI demonstrated improved systolic forward flow and RV function with enlargement of LV volume, and the rapid increase in LV preload might be associated with the transient deterioration in symptoms and BNP level, which both gradually improved within 3 months after BPV. cMRI further depicted that a reduced RV mass index and increased RV cardiac output were achieved gradually during the follow-up period.In conclusion, cMRI in combination with echocardiography was sufficiently informative to follow-up this PVS patient both before and after BPV. cMRI is easily reproducible in adult patients; therefore, cMRI should be recommended for long-term follow-up in adult PVS patients.

Topics: Balloon Valvuloplasty; Cardiac Imaging Techniques; Cardiac Output; Dyspnea; Echocardiography; Female; Humans; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Middle Aged; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Postoperative Period; Pulmonary Valve Stenosis; Recovery of Function; Severity of Illness Index; Ventricular Function, Right

The aim of this study was to evaluate the performance of a rapid cardiothoracic ultrasound protocol (CaTUS), combining echocardiographically derived E/e' and lung ultrasound (LUS), for diagnosing acute heart failure (AHF) in patients with undifferentiated dyspnea in an emergency department (ED).. We enrolled 100 patients with undifferentiated dyspnea from a tertiary care ED, who all had CaTUS done immediately upon arrival in the ED. CaTUS was positive for AHF with an E/e' > 15 and congestion, that is bilateral B-lines or bilateral pleural fluid, on LUS. In addition, an inferior vena cava index was also recorded to analyze whether including a central venous pressure estimate would add diagnostic benefit to the CaTUS protocol. All 100 patients had a brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) sample withdrawn, and 96 patients underwent chest radiography in the ED, which was analyzed later by a blinded radiologist. The reference diagnosis of AHF consisted of either a BNP of more than 400 ng/l or a BNP of less than 100 ng/l in combination with congestion on chest radiography and structural heart disease on conventional echocardiography.CaTUS had a sensitivity of 100% (95% confidence interval: 91.4-100%), a specificity of 95.8% (95% confidence interval: 84.6-99.3%), and an area under the curve of 0.979 for diagnosing AHF (P<0.001). The diagnostic accuracy of CaTUS was higher than of either E/e' or LUS alone. Adding the inferior vena cava index to CaTUS did not improve diagnostic accuracy. CaTUS seemed helpful also for differential diagnostics of dyspnea, mainly regarding pneumonias and pulmonary embolisms.. CaTUS, combining E/e' and LUS, provided excellent accuracy for diagnosing AHF.

Topics: Acute Disease; Aged; Diagnosis, Differential; Dyspnea; Echocardiography; Electrocardiography; Emergency Service, Hospital; Female; Heart Failure; Humans; Lung; Male; Middle Aged; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Peptide Fragments; Physical Examination

This study sought to establish the diagnostic and prognostic value of a strategy for prediction of abnormal diastolic response to exercise (AbnDR) using clinical, biochemical, and resting echocardiographic markers in dyspneic patients with mild diastolic dysfunction.. An AbnDR (increase in left ventricular filling pressure) may indicate heart failure with preserved ejection fraction as the cause of symptoms in dyspneic patients, despite a nonelevated noncardiac at rest. However, exercise testing may be inconclusive in patients with noncardiac limitations to physical activity.. In 171 dyspneic patients (64 ± 8 years) with suspected heart failure with preserved ejection fraction but resting peak early diastolic mitral inflow velocity/peak early diastolic mitral annular velocity ratio (E/e') <14, a complete echocardiogram (including assessment of myocardial deformation and rotational mechanics) and blood assays for biomarkers were performed. Echocardiography following maximal exercise was undertaken to assess AbnDR (exertional E/e' >14). Patients were followed over 26.2 ± 4.6 months for endpoints of cardiovascular hospitalization and death.. AbnDR was present in 103 subjects (60%). Independent correlates of AbnDR were resting E/e' (odds ratio [OR]: 8.23; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 3.54 to 9.16; p < 0.001), left ventricular untwisting rate (OR: 0.60; 95% CI: 0.42 to 0.86; p = 0.006), and galectin-3-a marker of fibrosis (OR: 1.80; 95% CI: 1.21 to 2.67; p = 0.004). The use of resting E/e' >11.3 and galectin-3 <1.17 ng/ml to select patients for further diagnostic processing would have allowed exercise testing to be avoided in 65% of subjects, at the cost of misclassification of 13%. The composite outcome of cardiovascular hospitalization or death occurred in 47 patients (27.5%). The predictive value of an AbnDR response and the combined strategy (resting echocardiography and galectin-3 or exercise testing in case of an inconclusive first step) showed similar event prediction (36 vs. 34; p = 0.95).. The implementation of a 2-step algorithm (echocardiographic evaluation of resting E/e' followed by the assessment of galectin-3) may improve the diagnosis and prognostic assessment of individuals with suspected heart failure with preserved ejection fraction who are unable to perform a diagnostic exercise test.

Topics: Aged; Biomarkers; Blood Proteins; Diastole; Dyspnea; Echocardiography, Doppler; Echocardiography, Stress; Exercise Test; Exercise Tolerance; Female; Galectin 3; Galectins; Heart Failure; Hospitalization; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Predictive Value of Tests; Prognosis; Reproducibility of Results; Stroke Volume; Ventricular Function, Left

This study was performed to determine whether a dual-biomarker approach using N-terminal prohormone of brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) and galectin-3 optimizes the diagnosis and risk stratification of acute cardiac dyspnea. Atypical clinical manifestations and overlapping pathologies require objective and effective diagnostic methods to avoid treatment delays.. This prospective observational study included 208 patients who presented to the emergency department for acute dyspnea. NT-proBNP and galectin-3 were measured upon admission. The patients were divided into two groups according to the etiology of their clinical manifestations: cardiac and non-cardiac dyspnea. The patients' New York Heart Association functional class, left ventricular ejection fraction, and discharge status were assessed.. Diagnostic criteria for acute heart failure were fulfilled in 61.1% of the patients. NT-proBNP and galectin-3 were strongly and significantly correlated. Receiver operating characteristic analysis revealed similar areas under the curve for both markers in the entire group of patients as well as in the high-risk subsets of patients.. The diagnostic performance of NT-proBNP and galectin-3 is comparable for both the total population and high-risk subsets. Galectin-3 adds diagnostic value to the conventional NT-proBNP in patients with acute cardiac dyspnea, and its utility is of major interest in uncertain clinical situations.

Topics: Acute Disease; Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Area Under Curve; Biomarkers; Blood Proteins; Dyspnea; Emergency Service, Hospital; Female; Galectin 3; Galectins; Heart Failure; Heart Ventricles; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Peptide Fragments; Prospective Studies; ROC Curve; Stroke Volume

This study sought to characterize the course of decongestion among patients hospitalized for acute heart failure (AHF) by history of atrial fibrillation (AF) and/or atrial flutter (AFL).. AF/AFL and chronic heart failure (HF) commonly coexist. Little is known regarding the impact of AF/AFL on relief of congestion among patients who develop AHF.. We pooled patients from 3 randomized trials of AHF conducted within the Heart Failure Network, the DOSE (Diuretic Optimization Strategies) trial, the ROSE (Renal Optimization Strategies) trial, and the CARRESS-HF (Cardiorenal Rescue Study in Acute Decompensated Heart Failure) trial. The association between history of AF/AFL and in-hospital changes in various metrics of congestion was assessed using covariate-adjusted linear and ordinal logistic regression models.. Of 750 unique patients, 418 (56%) had a history of AF/AFL. Left ventricular ejection fraction was higher (35% vs. 27%, respectively; p < 0.001), and N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) levels were nonsignificantly lower at baseline (4,210 pg/ml vs. 5,037 pg/ml, respectively; p = 0.27) in patients with AF/AFL. After adjustment of covariates, history of AF/AFL was associated with less substantial loss of weight (-5.7% vs. -6.5%, respectively; p = 0.02) and decrease in NT-proBNP levels (-18.7% vs. -31.3%, respectively; p = 0.003) by 72 or 96 h. History of AF/AFL was also associated with a blunted increase in global sense of well being at 72 or 96 h (p = 0.04). There was no association between history of AF/AFL and change in orthodema congestion score (p = 0.67) or 60-day composite clinical endpoint (all-cause mortality or any rehospitalization; hazard ratio: 1.21; 95% confidence interval: 0.92 to 1.59; p = 0.17).. More than half of the patients admitted with AHF had a history of AF/AFL. History of AF/AFL was independently associated with a blunted course of in-hospital decongestion. Further research is required to understand the utility of specific therapies targeting AF/AFL during hospitalization for AHF.

Topics: Acute Disease; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Atrial Fibrillation; Atrial Flutter; Cardiotonic Agents; Comorbidity; Diuretics; Dopamine; Dyspnea; Edema, Cardiac; Female; Heart Failure; Humans; Linear Models; Logistic Models; Male; Middle Aged; Natriuretic Agents; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Peptide Fragments; Prognosis; Proportional Hazards Models; Stroke Volume; Treatment Outcome

Despite attempts to improve the management of patients with acute heart failure (HF), virtually all therapeutic agents investigated in large clinical trials failed to show any consistent reduction in mortality and morbidity. Complexity of the clinical syndrome of acute HF seems to be likely an underlying explanation. Traditionally, clinical trials studied mixed patient populations with acute HF, and only recently, better clinical characterization of patients has been proposed. Dyspnoea is the most common presenting symptom related to hospital admission for acute HF. Whether in patients with acute HF, the pattern of symptoms onset preceding hospital admission is associated with clinical characteristics, and the outcomes have not yet been established.. We investigated 137 patients (mean age: 65 ± 13 years; 80% men) hospitalized due to acute HF with dyspnoea as major reported symptom, who were divided according to the time of its onset into those with acute (n = 98) vs. subacute (n = 39) onset (i.e. within 7 days vs. >7 days preceding hospital admission, respectively). On admission, the former group presented higher blood pressure (138 ± 33 vs. 121 ± 32 mmHg), more often moderate-severe pulmonary congestion (33 vs. 8%), and lower bilirubin level [1.07 (0.72-1.60) vs. 1.27 (0.87-2.06); P < 0.05 in all comparisons]. There were no other differences in baseline clinical characteristics and laboratory indices. Higher percentage of patients with an acute dyspnoea onset reported marked/moderate dyspnoea relief after 6 (18% vs. 7%), 24 (59% vs. 24%), and 48 h (80% vs. 46% assessed as an improvement of at least 5 points in self-reported 10-point Likert scale; P < 0.05 in all time points). In patients with an acute onset of dyspnoea after 48 h, a decrease of N-terminal pro BNP was more frequently observed (83% vs. 65%), and the levels of endothelin-1 were more reduced [-1.1 (-2.9-0.03) vs 0.4 (-2.2-1.4); all P < 0.05]. Patients with acute onset experienced less in-hospital HF worsening (13% vs. 40%, P = 0.001), and 1 year cardiovascular mortality was significantly lower (20% vs. 41%, P = 0.01). On the multivariable analysis, subacute pattern of dyspnoea was independent predictor of 12 month cardiovascular mortality in patients with acute HF after adjusting for other prognostic factors: systolic blood pressure, urea, and HF de novo [hazard ratio (95% confidence interval): 2.32 (1.13-4.75), P = 0.02].. In patients with acute HF, the pattern of symptoms onset is associated with baseline differences in clinical characteristics, biomarker profile, response to standard treatment, and the long-term outcomes. This is relevant information for planning future clinical trials.

Topics: Acute Disease; Aged; Biomarkers; Dyspnea; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Heart Failure; Hospital Mortality; Hospitalization; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Morbidity; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Peptide Fragments; Poland; Prognosis; Retrospective Studies

To elucidate clinical and diagnostic features of chronic heart failure (CHF) in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).. The study included 239 patients with COPD and 42 patients with CHF without COPD. The first subgroup consisted of 60 patients with a history of myocardial infarction (MI) and the second subgroup consisted of 79 patients without a history of MI. A general clinical examination, EchoCG, measurements of N-terminal pro B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), galectin 3, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) were performed for all patients.. The risk group for excluding HF as a cause of progressive dyspnea in COPD patients consisted of patients with the bronchitic phenotype who belonged to GOLD groups C and D with frequent exacerbations, increased hsCRP, reduced oxygen saturation, and impaired exercise tolerance. Patients with a history of MI constituted a special group of risk. Measuring specific biomarkers, primarily BNP or NT-proBNP, is recommended to confirm the presence/absence of CHF and to evaluate CHF severity in patients with these risk factors.. A combination of COPD and CHF produces a number of clinical and, specifically, diagnostic problems, which have not been completely solved so far.

Topics: Biomarkers; Chronic Disease; Dyspnea; Heart Failure; Humans; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Peptide Fragments; Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive

Topics: Acidosis; Adult; Alcoholism; Beriberi; Dyspnea; Echocardiography; Edema; Electrocardiography; Heart Failure; Humans; Lactic Acid; Male; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Peptide Fragments; Stroke Volume; Tachycardia; Thiamine; Vitamin B Complex

Topics: Dyspnea; Emergency Service, Hospital; Humans; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain

Background Defects in human cognition commonly result in clinical reasoning failures that can lead to diagnostic errors. A metacognitive structured reflection on what clinical findings fit and/or do not fit with likely and "can't miss" diagnoses may reduce such errors. Case presentation A 57-year-old man was sent to the emergency department from clinic with chest pain, severe shortness of breath, weakness, and cold sweats. Further investigation revealed multiple risk factors for coronary artery disease, sudden onset of exertional dyspnea, and chest pain that incompletely resolved with rest, mild tachycardia and hypoxia, an abnormal electrocardiogram (ECG), elevated serum cardiac biomarkers, and elevated B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) in the absence of left-sided heart failure. He was treated for acute coronary syndrome (ACS), discharged, and quickly returned with worsening symptoms that eventually led to a diagnosis of submassive pulmonary embolism (PE). Conclusions Through integrated commentary on the diagnostic reasoning process from clinical reasoning experts at two institutions, this case underscores the importance of frequent assessment of fit along with explicit explanation of dissonant features in order to avoid premature closure and diagnostic error. A fishbone diagram is provided to visually demonstrate the major factors that contributed to the diagnostic error. A case discussant describes the importance of diagnostic schema as an analytic reasoning strategy to assist in the creation of a differential diagnosis, problem representation to summarize updated findings, a Popperian analytic approach of attempting to falsify less-likely hypotheses, and matching pertinent positives and negatives to previously learned illness scripts. Finally, this case provides clinical teaching points in addition to a pitfall, myth, and pearl specific to premature closure.

Topics: Acute Coronary Syndrome; Chest Pain; Clinical Decision-Making; Cognitive Dissonance; Diagnostic Errors; Dyspnea; Emergency Service, Hospital; Humans; Male; Mental Processes; Middle Aged; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Pulmonary Embolism

Topics: Cardiomyopathy, Dilated; Diagnosis, Differential; Disease Progression; Dyspnea; Echocardiography; Humans; Male; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Phenotype; Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy; Troponin I; Young Adult

Circulating fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) concentrations have been linked to left ventricular remodeling and unfavorable cardiovascular outcomes, but whether FGF23 is associated with heart failure (HF) diagnosis and outcome in unselected patients with dyspnea is unknown. Accordingly, we assessed the diagnostic and prognostic properties of FGF23 in patients presenting to the emergency department with acute dyspnea.. FGF23 was measured in 314 patients admitted with acute dyspnea and the diagnostic and prognostic merit was compared to that of N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP). The diagnosis of acute HF was adjudicated by two independent physicians. Circulating FGF23 concentrations on hospital admission were higher in patients with acute HF vs. patients with non-HF related dyspnea: median 3.60 (IQR 1.24-8.77) vs. 1.00 (0.43-2.20) pmol/L; P<0.001. The receiver-operating statistics area under the curve for acute HF diagnosis was 0.750 (0.699-0.797) for FGF23 and 0.853 (0.809-0.890) for NT-proBNP. Adjusting for clinical risk indices and cardiac biomarkers in multivariate Cox regression analysis, admission FGF23 concentrations were associated with mortality in the total study population (hazard ratio [HR] per 1 SD in. Circulating FGF23 concentrations provide incremental prognostic information to established risk indices in patients with acute dyspnea, but do not improve diagnostic accuracy over NT-proBNP measurements.

Topics: Acute Disease; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Cohort Studies; Dyspnea; Emergency Service, Hospital; Female; Fibroblast Growth Factor-23; Fibroblast Growth Factors; Heart Failure; Hospitalization; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Peptide Fragments; Physical Examination; Prognosis; Prospective Studies; Risk Factors

To investigate the value of bedside lung ultrasound B-line score in the diagnosis of acute heart failure (AHF).. A retrospectively analysis was conducted. The adult patients presenting with acute dyspnea in intensive care unit (ICU) of Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine from January 2016 to June 2017 were enrolled. An 8-zone lung ultrasound was performed and plasma B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) level was tested in all patients. AHF was determined as the final diagnosis by two experienced ICU doctors according to the diagnostic criteria of AHF. Patients were divided into two groups: AHF group and non-AHF group. The levels of BNP and B-line score were compared between the two groups, and the diagnostic value of BNP and B-line score in AHF was evaluated.. Fifty-six patients were included in this study, with 32 of men and 24 of women, and with an average age of 77.3±8.8. Thirty-six patients were diagnosed as AHF. The level of BNP and lung ultrasound B-line score in AHF group were higher than those in non-AHF group [BNP (ng/L): 1 640.4±1 078.4 vs. 236.9±124.9, B line score: 12.8±5.3 vs. 5.4±1.8, both P < 0.01]. There was a strong correlation between elevated BNP levels and an increased B-lines score (R. Lung ultrasound B-line score was highly specific, but moderately sensitive for identifying patients with AHF.

Topics: Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Dyspnea; Female; Heart Failure; Humans; Male; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Prognosis; Retrospective Studies; ROC Curve; Ultrasonography

Topics: Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors; Dyspnea; Female; Heart Failure; Hospitalization; Humans; Male; Mortality; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Peptide Fragments; Posture; Pressure; Prospective Studies

According to guidelines, single determination of B-type Natriuretic peptide (BNP) should be used for distinguishing between cardiac and non-cardiac acute dyspnea at the emergency room. BNP measurement is also recommended before hospital discharge in patients hospitalized for heart failure to assess prognosis and to evaluate treatment efficacy. In acute cardiogenic pulmonary edema, BNP is measured using a single BNP determination, but the temporal behavior of BNP during pulmonary edema recovery is unknown.. Fifty chronic low ejection fraction (<40%) heart failure patients (age 77 ± 9 years, 17 M-33F) admitted for acute pulmonary edema were studied. Patients were grouped according to 50% dyspnea recovery time into 3 groups: ≤30 min (n = 14), 30 to 60 min (n = 19), and > 60 min (n = 17). BNP was measured at arrival and 4, 8, 12 and 24 h afterwards.. At arrival, BNP was elevated in all patients without significant difference among groups. In the entire population, BNP median and interquartile range value were 791 (528-1327) pg/ml, 785(559-1299) pg/ml, 1014(761-1573) pg/ml, 1049(784-1412) pg/ml, 805(497-1271) pg/ml at arrival and 4, 8, 12 and 24 h afterwards, respectively, showing higher values at 8 and 12 h. This peculiar temporal behavior of BNP was shared by all study groups. Patients with the longest edema resolution showed the highest BNP level 8 and 12 h after admission.. In acute pulmonary edema, BNP increased up to 12 h after emergency admission regardless of dyspnea recovery time, making BNP quantitative meaning in the acute phase of pulmonary edema uncertain.

Topics: Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Biomarkers; Dyspnea; Female; Heart Failure; Hospitalization; Humans; Italy; Male; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Prognosis; Pulmonary Edema; ROC Curve; Tertiary Care Centers; Time Factors

To compare the diagnostic and prognostic value of mid-regional pro-ANP (MR-proANP) and N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) in patients with acute dyspnea.. MR-proANP and NT-proBNP were measured with commercial immunoassays at hospital admission (n = 313), on day 2 (n = 234), and before discharge (n = 91) and compared for diagnosing acute heart failure (HF; n = 143) and to predict mortality among patients with acute HF and acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD; n = 84) separately.. The correlation coefficient between MR-proANP and NT-proBNP was 0.89 (p < 0.001) and the receiver-operating area under the curve (AUC) was 0.85 (95% CI 0.81-0.89) for MR-proANP and 0.86 (0.82-0.90) for NT-proBNP to diagnose acute HF. During a median follow-up of 816 days, mortality rates were 46% in acute HF patients and 42% in AECOPD patients. After adjustment for other risk variables by multivariate Cox regression analysis, MR-proANP and NT-proBNP concentrations were associated with mortality in patients with acute HF, but only MR-proANP were associated with mortality among patients with AECOPD: hazard ratio (. MR-proANP and NT-proBNP concentrations provide similar diagnostic and prognostic information in patients with acute HF. In contrast to NT-proBNP, MR-proANP measurements also provided independent prognostic information in AECOPD patients.

Topics: Aged; Atrial Natriuretic Factor; Dyspnea; Female; Heart Failure; Hospitalization; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Peptide Fragments; Predictive Value of Tests; Prognosis; Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive

Topics: Aortic Aneurysm; Aortic Dissection; Aortic Valve Insufficiency; Biomarkers; Blood Vessel Prosthesis Implantation; Dyspnea; Heart Failure, Diastolic; Heart Murmurs; Heart Valve Prosthesis Implantation; Humans; Hypertension; Male; Middle Aged; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Peptide Fragments

Peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) is life-threatening and its diagnosis is a challenge. We highlight the clinical characteristics and bio-markers of PPCM and the proper differential diagnosis of peripartum dyspnea to aim to make an early diagnosis available.We analyzed 262 peripartum patients with dyspnea, and summed up the final diagnosis. The clinical data of the control group and the PPCM group as well as before and after the treatment of the PPCM group were compared.In total, 147 (56%) of the perinatal patients were physiologic dyspnea of pregnancy; only 11 (4%) patients met the PPCM diagnostic criteria. Compared with the basic baseline characteristics between the PPCM group and control group, patients with PPCM had a higher heart rate, and the white blood cell, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), and B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels were markedly elevated, whereas PaO2 and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) were lower. The heart rate, CRP and BNP levels were lower at the follow-up compared with the pretreatment. Patients who were followed up showed significant improvements in the LVEF and New York Heart Association function class.We standardized the symptoms of dyspnea for calculating, and analyzed the diagnostic efficacy of laboratory indicators. The research highlighted that the use of echocardiography and disease-specific bio-markers may aid in the diagnosis and management.

Topics: Adult; Biomarkers; C-Reactive Protein; Cardiomyopathies; Dyspnea; Female; Heart Rate; Humans; Leukocyte Count; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Peripartum Period; Postpartum Period; Puerperal Disorders; Stroke Volume; Young Adult

Topics: Antibiotics, Antineoplastic; Breast Neoplasms; Cardiomyopathy, Dilated; Doxorubicin; Dyspnea; Emergency Service, Hospital; Female; Heart Failure; Humans; Liver Neoplasms; Middle Aged; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Peptide Fragments

adults aged 80 and over, a fast growing age-group, with increased co-morbidity and frailty have not been the focus of previous research on dyspnoea. We investigate the correlates of dyspnoea and its association with adverse outcomes in a cohort of adults aged 80 and over.. about 565 community-dwelling adults aged 80 and over of the BELFRAIL prospective cohort had assessment of Medical Research Council dyspnoea scale (MRC), forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1), N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), physical performance tests, grip strength, 15 items geriatric depression scale, activities of daily living (ADL), body mass index (BMI) and demographics data. Kaplan-Meier survival curves, Cox and logistic multivariable regression, classification and regression tree (CART) analysis assessed association of dyspnoea (MRC 3-5) with time-to-cardiovascular and all-cause death (5 years), time to first hospitalisation (3 years), new/worsened ADL disability (2 years), and its correlates.. participants with dyspnoea MRC 3-5 (29.9%) had increased hazard ratios for cardiovascular mortality 2.85 (95% confidence interval 1.93-4.20), all-cause mortality 2.04 (1.58-2.64), first hospitalisation 1.72 (1.35-2.19); and increased odds ratio for new/worsened disability 2.49 (1.54-4.04), independent of age, sex and smoking status. Only FEV1, physical performance, BMI and NT-proBNP (in order of importance) were selected in the tree-based classification model for dyspnoea.. in a cohort of adults aged 80 and over, dyspnoea was common and an independent predictor of adverse outcomes, with cardio-respiratory and physical performance impairments as key independent correlates. Its routine and comprehensive evaluation in primary care could be very valuable in caring for this age-group.

Topics: Age Factors; Aged, 80 and over; Aging; Belgium; Biomarkers; Body Mass Index; Cardiovascular Diseases; Disability Evaluation; Disease Progression; Dyspnea; Female; Forced Expiratory Volume; Geriatric Assessment; Hospitalization; Humans; Kaplan-Meier Estimate; Logistic Models; Lung; Male; Multivariate Analysis; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Odds Ratio; Peptide Fragments; Prevalence; Prognosis; Proportional Hazards Models; Prospective Studies; Risk Factors; Time Factors

Topics: Acute Disease; Aged, 80 and over; Cysts; Drainage; Dyspnea; Echocardiography; Female; Heart Failure; Humans; Liver Diseases; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Tomography, X-Ray Computed

Acute heart failure is a common condition among adults presenting with dyspnea in the Emergency Department (ED), still the diagnosis is challenging as objective standardized criteria are lacking. First line work-up, other then clinical findings, is nowadays made with lung ultrasound imaging study, chest X-ray study and brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) level determination; however, it is not clear which is the best diagnostic test to be used and whether there is any real benefit for clinical judgement. We set up this study to compare the performances of these three diagnostic tools; furthermore, we combined them to find the best possible approach to dyspneic patients. This is a prospective observational study based in the ED. We enrolled adults presenting with dyspnea not trauma-related, they underwent lung ultrasound, and chest X-ray studies, and NT pro-BNP level determination. Then we compared the results with the diagnosis of acute heart failure established by an independent panel of experts. 236 patients were enrolled in the study. We find sensitivity and specificity for lung ultrasound of 57.73 and 87.97 %, for chest X-ray 74.49 and 86.26 %, for NT pro-BNP 97.59 and 27.56 %, respectively. Combining together the chest X-ray and lung ultrasound, we find the best overall performance with 84.69 % sensitivity, 77.69 % specificity and 87.07 % negative predictive value. From our results, we could not identify the "best test" to diagnose acute heart failure in an emergency setting, although we could suggest that a stepwise workup combining chest X-ray and lung ultrasound at first, then for those negative, a determination of NT pro-BNP assay would be a reasonable approach to the dyspneic patient.

Topics: Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Dyspnea; Early Diagnosis; Emergency Service, Hospital; Female; Heart Failure; Humans; Italy; Logistic Models; Lung; Male; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Peptide Fragments; Prospective Studies; Radiography; Sensitivity and Specificity; Ultrasonography

Symptoms of breathlessness, fatigue, and ankle swelling are common in general practice but deciding which patients are likely to have heart failure is challenging.. To evaluate the performance of a clinical decision rule (CDR), with or without N-Terminal pro-B type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) assay, for identifying heart failure.. Prospective, observational, diagnostic validation study of patients aged >55 years, presenting with shortness of breath, lethargy, or ankle oedema, from 28 general practices in England.. The outcome was test performance of the CDR and natriuretic peptide test in determining a diagnosis of heart failure. The reference standard was an expert consensus panel of three cardiologists.. Three hundred and four participants were recruited, with 104 (34.2%; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 28.9 to 39.8) having a confirmed diagnosis of heart failure. The CDR+NT-proBNP had a sensitivity of 90.4% (95% CI = 83.0 to 95.3) and specificity 45.5% (95% CI = 38.5 to 52.7). NT-proBNP level alone with a cut-off <400 pg/ml had sensitivity 76.9% (95% CI = 67.6 to 84.6) and specificity 91.5% (95% CI = 86.7 to 95.0). At the lower cut-off of NT-proBNP <125 pg/ml, sensitivity was 94.2% (95% CI = 87.9 to 97.9) and specificity 49.0% (95% CI = 41.9 to 56.1).. At the low threshold of NT-proBNP <125 pg/ml, natriuretic peptide testing alone was better than a validated CDR+NT-proBNP in determining which patients presenting with symptoms went on to have a diagnosis of heart failure. The higher NT-proBNP threshold of 400 pg/ml may mean more than one in five patients with heart failure are not appropriately referred. Guideline natriuretic peptide thresholds may need to be revised.

Topics: Adult; Aged; Biomarkers; Clinical Protocols; Dyspnea; Electrocardiography; England; Fatigue; Female; Heart Failure; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Peptide Fragments; Primary Health Care; Prospective Studies; Referral and Consultation; Research Design; ROC Curve

Heart failure is a disease characterized by high prevalence and mortality, and frequent rehospitalizations. The aim of this study is to investigate the prognostic power of combining brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) and congestion status detected by bioelectrical impedance vector analysis (BIVA) in acute heart failure patients. This is an observational, prospective, and a multicentre study. BNP assessment was measured upon hospital arrival, while BIVA analysis was obtained at the time of discharge. Cardiovascular deaths were evaluated at 90 days by a follow up phone call. 292 patients were enrolled. Compared to survivors, BNP was higher in the non-survivors group (mean value 838 vs 515 pg/ml, p < 0.001). At discharge, BIVA shows a statistically significant difference in hydration status between survivors and non-survivors [respectively, hydration index (HI) 85 vs 74, p < 0.001; reactance (Xc) 26.7 vs 37, p < 0.001; resistance (R) 445 vs 503, p < 0.01)]. Discharge BIVA shows a prognostic value in predicting cardiovascular death [HI: area under the curve (AUC) 0.715, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 0.65-0.76; p < 0.004; Xc: AUC 0.712, 95% CI 0.655-0.76, p < 0.007; R: AUC 0.65, 95% CI 0.29-0.706, p < 0.0247]. The combination of BIVA with BNP gives a greater prognostic power for cardiovascular mortality [combined receiving operating characteristic (ROC): AUC 0.74; 95% CI 0.68-0.79; p < 0.001]. In acute heart failure patients, higher BNP levels upon hospital admission, and congestion detected by BIVA at discharge have a significant predictive value for 90 days cardiovascular mortality. The combined use of admission BNP and BIVA discharge seems to be a useful tool for increasing prognostic power in these patients.

Topics: Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Brazil; Dyspnea; Electric Impedance; Emergency Service, Hospital; Female; Heart Failure; Hospitalization; Humans; Male; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Patient Discharge; Prognosis; Prospective Studies; Rome; Survival Analysis

To evaluate the interest of brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) for heart failure (HF) diagnosis in very old patients.. A total of 383 patients aged 80 years or older, hospitalized in geriatrics care for dyspnoea, had a BNP measurement at the acute phase. Independent cardiologists blinded to BNP values classified the patients into cardiac vs. respiratory aetiology according to the European Society of Cardiology guidelines. Mean (SD) age was 88.5 (5.4) years, 66% (n = 254) of patients were women, 62% (n = 238) had cardiac dyspnoea and 38% (n = 145) had respiratory dyspnoea. The BNP levels were significantly higher in the cardiac group (median = 385.5 ng/L, interquartile range = 174.0-842.0) than in the respiratory group (median = 172.0 ng/L, interquartile range = 70.8-428.0; P < 0.001). On its own, BNP showed poor discriminative ability [area under the curve (AUC) = 0.68; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.62-0.73] for the diagnostic. In multivariate analysis, BNP remained independently associated with the cardiac aetiology after full-adjustment (odds ratio 1 log increase = 1.87; 95% CI 1.28-2.74), but did not improve the discrimination between the cardiac and the respiratory aetiologies (ΔAUC = 0.013, P = 0.16). In addition, although adding BNP to the other predictive covariates yielded a significant continuous NRI of 57.8% (95% CI 31.2-83.5%), the mean changes in individual predicted probabilities were too low (<3%) to be clinically relevant.. In this population of very old patients with acute dyspnoea, despite being independently associated with the cardiac aetiology, BNP was not useful for better discriminating cardiac vs. respiratory origin.

Topics: Aged, 80 and over; Diagnosis, Differential; Dyspnea; Female; Heart Failure; Humans; Male; Multivariate Analysis; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Odds Ratio; Respiratory Tract Diseases

Topics: Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Atrial Natriuretic Factor; Dyspnea; Heart Failure; Humans; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Respiration

Topics: Adult; Catheterization; Diagnosis, Differential; Dyspnea; Echocardiography; Hemoptysis; Humans; Hypertension, Pulmonary; Male; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Pulmonary Embolism; Thrombolytic Therapy; Tomography, X-Ray Computed

Topics: Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Biomarkers; Clinical Laboratory Techniques; Dyspnea; Emergency Service, Hospital; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Retrospective Studies

To characterize a novel "worst"-symptom visual analogue scale (WS-VAS) versus the traditional dyspnea visual analogue scale (DVAS) in an acute heart failure (AHF) trial.. AHF trials assess symptom relief as a pivotal endpoint with the use of dyspnea scores. However, many AHF patients' worst presenting symptom (WS) may not be dyspnea. We hypothesized that a WS-VAS may reflect clinical improvement better than DVAS in AHF.. AHF patients (n = 232) enrolled in the Renal Optimization Strategies Evaluation in Acute Heart Failure (ROSE-AHF) Trial indicated their WS at enrollment and completed DVAS and WS-VAS at enrollment and 24, 48, and 72 hours. Dyspnea was the WS in 61%, body swelling in 29%, and fatigue in 10% of patients. Clinical characteristics differed by WS. In all patients, DVAS scores were higher (less severe symptoms) than WS-VAS and the change in WS-VAS over 72 hours was greater than the change in DVAS (P < .001). Changes in DVAS were smaller in patients with body swelling and fatigue than in patients with dyspnea as their WS (P = .002), whereas changes in the WS-VAS were similar regardless of patients' WS. Neither score, nor its change, was associated with available decongestion markers (change in N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide, weight or cumulative 72-hour urine volume).. Many AHF patients have symptoms other than dyspnea as their most bothersome symptom. The WS-VAS better reflects symptom improvement across the spectrum of AHF phenotypes. Symptom relief and decongestion were not correlated in this AHF study.

Topics: Acute Disease; Aged; Biomarkers; Diuretics; Dyspnea; Edema; Fatigue; Female; Heart Failure; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Pain Measurement; Prognosis; Renal Insufficiency; Risk Assessment; Severity of Illness Index; Statistics, Nonparametric; Treatment Outcome

It remains unclear if early administration of i.v. nesiritide in patients hospitalized with acute heart failure (AHF) is associated with improved clinical outcomes.. We analysed data from 7007 patients enrolled in ASCEND-HF to examine the associations between time to treatment with study medication (nesiritide or placebo) and clinical endpoints: (i) moderate to marked dyspnoea relief on a 7-point Likert scale at 6 h; (ii) 30-day all-cause mortality or re-hospitalization; and (iii) 30-day all-cause mortality. The median time to study drug administration was 16.7 h (25th, 75th percentiles = 6.5, 23.1), with significant regional variation (e.g. median of 13.0 h in Asia-Pacific vs. 18.4 h in North America). After risk adjustment, each hour delay in study medication after the first 10 h from initial hospital presentation was associated with modestly reduced odds of dyspnoea relief [(adjusted odds ratio (OR) 0.98, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.98-0.99; P < 0.0001]. Every hour delay in study medication was associated with modestly higher all-cause mortality or re-hospitalization (unadjusted OR 1.01, 95% CI 1.01-1.02; P < 0.001) due to pre-randomization therapies and known predictors of 30-day outcomes (adjusted P = 0.12). There was no significant association between time to study drug and all-cause mortality (P > 0.08).. In a large international AHF trial, time to treatment with study medication varied markedly across regions. Earlier administration of study medication was associated with modestly better dyspnoea relief, but not 30-day clinical outcomes. The association between timing of treatment with study medication and study endpoints may have implications for the interpretation of AHF studies and future trial design.

Topics: Acute Disease; Aged; Asia; Cause of Death; Dyspnea; Europe; Female; Heart Failure; Hospitalization; Humans; Latin America; Male; Middle Aged; Mortality; Natriuretic Agents; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; North America; Odds Ratio; Patient Readmission; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Time-to-Treatment; Treatment Outcome

Topics: Acute Disease; Biomarkers; Dyspnea; Emergency Service, Hospital; Heart Failure; Humans; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Peptide Fragments

The objective of our study was to evaluate the prevalence of abnormal maternal echocardiographic findings in triplet pregnancies presenting with dyspnoea.. Between 2003 and 2013, patients' records of 96 triplet pregnancies at our department were analysed including maternal and fetal outcome, echocardiographic parameters and N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) levels. After exclusion of triplet pregnancies with fetal demise before 23 + 0 weeks, selective feticide or missing outcome data, the study population consisted of 60 triplet pregnancies. All women with dyspnoea underwent echocardiography and measurement of NT-proBNP.. Dyspnoea towards the end of pregnancy was observed in 13.3% (8/60) of all women with triplet pregnancies, and all of these women underwent echocardiography. The prevalence of abnormal echocardiographic findings in women with dyspnoea was 37.5% (3/8) with peripartum cardiomyopathy in one woman. Median serum NT-proBNP was significantly higher in women with abnormal echocardiographic findings compared with those without (1779 ng/ml, range 1045-6076 ng/ml vs 172 ng/ml, range 50-311 ng/ml; p < 0.001 by Mann-Whitney-U Test).. We conclude that triplet pregnancies presenting with dyspnoea show a high prevalence of abnormal echocardiographic findings. Since dyspnoea is a common sign in triplet pregnancies and is associated with a high rate of cardiac involvement, echocardiography and evaluation of maternal NT-proBNP could be considered to improve early diagnosis and perinatal management.

Topics: Adult; Austria; Biomarkers; Comorbidity; Dyspnea; Echocardiography; Female; Humans; Incidence; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Peptide Fragments; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Complications, Cardiovascular; Pregnancy, Triplet; Risk Factors; Ultrasonography, Prenatal

In clinical practice lung ultrasound (LUS) is becoming an easy and reliable noninvasive tool for the evaluation of dyspnea. The aim of this study was to assess the accuracy of nurse-performed LUS, in particular, in the diagnosis of acute cardiogenic pulmonary congestion. We prospectively evaluated all the consecutive patients admitted for dyspnea in our Medicine Department between April and July 2014. At admission, serum brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels and LUS was performed by trained nurses blinded to clinical and laboratory data. The accuracy of nurse-performed LUS alone and combined with BNP for the diagnosis of acute cardiogenic dyspnea was calculated. Two hundred twenty-six patients (41.6% men, mean age 78.7 ± 12.7 years) were included in the study. Nurse-performed LUS alone had a sensitivity of 95.3% (95% CI: 92.6-98.1%), a specificity of 88.2% (95% CI: 84.0-92.4%), a positive predictive value of 87.9% (95% CI: 83.7-92.2%) and a negative predictive value of 95.5% (95% CI: 92.7-98.2%). The combination of nurse-performed LUS with BNP level (cut-off 400 pg/mL) resulted in a higher sensitivity (98.9%, 95% CI: 97.4-100%), negative predictive value (98.8%, 95% CI: 97.2-100%), and corresponding negative likelihood ratio (0.01, 95% CI: 0.0, 0.07). Nurse-performed LUS had a good accuracy in the diagnosis of acute cardiogenic dyspnea. Use of this technique in combination with BNP seems to be useful in ruling out cardiogenic dyspnea. Other studies are warranted to confirm our preliminary findings and to establish the role of this tool in other settings.

Topics: Acute Disease; Aged; Dyspnea; Female; Heart Diseases; Humans; Lung; Male; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Nursing Diagnosis; Predictive Value of Tests; Prospective Studies; Ultrasonography

Limited data exist assessing the relationship between ambulance versus self-presentation and outcomes in patients with acute heart failure (AHF).. Clinical trial sites in North America.. 1068 patients enrolled in the Acute Studies of Nesiritide in Decompensated Heart Failure (ASCEND-HF) trial.. The association between ambulance use and dyspnoea improvement, 30-day mortality or HF rehospitalisation and 180-day mortality.. Of the 1068 patients in the substudy, 832 (78%) self-presented (SP) and 236 (22%) patients presented via ambulance. Patients presenting via ambulance were older, more likely to be female, have a higher ejection fraction but similar natriuretic peptide levels as patients who SP. Patients presenting by ambulance (compared with SP) trended towards more dyspnoea improvement at 6 (p=0.09) and 24 h (p=0.10). The co-primary end point (30-day mortality or HF rehospitalisation) was similar between groups (ambulance 12.2% vs SP 11.4%, p=0.74). Patients who presented by ambulance had a higher 30-day and 180-day mortality rate than those who SP (30-day: 4.3% vs 2.2%, p=0.08; 180-day: 15.1% vs 10.3%, p=0.04). After adjustment for baseline characteristics, patients arriving by ambulance (compared with SP) had a 2-fold high risk of 30-day mortality (OR 2.12, 95% CI 0.94 to 4.79), but no relationship to the composite of 30-day mortality/HF rehospitalisation (OR 1.01, 95% CI 0.63 to 1.63).. Among patients with AHF, 30-day and 180-day mortality is 1.5-2 times higher for those with presenting via ambulance compared with patients who self-present. Understanding patient-related and system-related factors of ambulance use for patients with AHF is important.. NCT00475852.

Topics: Acute Disease; Aged; Ambulances; Disease Progression; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Dyspnea; Emergency Medical Services; Female; Heart Failure; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; North America; Patient Readmission; Prospective Studies; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Risk Factors; Time Factors; Treatment Outcome

Topics: Antihypertensive Agents; Diagnostic Errors; Diuretics; Dyspnea; Echocardiography; Edema; Exercise Therapy; Heart Failure; Humans; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Peptide Fragments; Prognosis; Quality of Life; Severity of Illness Index; Stroke Volume; Uncertainty

We assessed the local prevalence, characteristics and 10-year outcomes in a heart failure (HF) cohort from the emergency room (ER).. Patients presenting with acute dyspnoea to ER were prospectively enrolled from December 2003 to December 2004. HF was diagnosed by physicians' adjudication based on clinical assessment and echocardiogram within 12 hours, blinded to N-terminal-pro brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) results. They were stratified into heart failure with preserved (HFPEF) and reduced ejection fraction (HFREF) by left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF).. At different cutoffs of LVEF of ≥50%, ≥45%, ≥40%, and >50% plus excluding LVEF 40% to 50%, HFPEF prevalence ranged from 38% to 51%. Using LVEF ≥50% as the final cutoff point, at baseline, HFPEF (n = 35), compared to HFREF (n = 55), had lower admission NT- proBNP (1502 vs 5953 pg/mL, P <0.001), heart rate (86 ± 22 vs 98 ± 22 bpm, P = 0.014), and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) (75 ± 14 vs 84 ± 20 mmHg, P = 0.024). On echocardiogram, compared to HFREF, HFPEF had more LV concentric remodelling (20% vs 2%, P = 0.003), less eccentric hypertrophy (11% vs 53%, P <0.001) and less mitral regurgitation from functional mitral regurgitation (60% vs 95%, P = 0.027). At 10 years, compared to HFREF, HFPEF had similar primary endpoints of a composite of cardiovascular death, non-fatal myocardial infarction, non-fatal stroke, and rehospitalisation for congestive heart failure (CHF) (HR 0.886; 95% CI, 0.561 to 1.399; P = 0.605), all-cause mortality (HR 0.663; 95% CI, 0.400 to 1.100; P = 0.112), but lower cardiovascular mortality (HR 0.307; 95% CI, 0.111 to 0.850; P = 0.023).. In the long term, HFPEF had higher non-cardiovascular mortality, but lower cardiovascular mortality compared to HFREF.

Topics: Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Cardiovascular Diseases; Dyspnea; Echocardiography; Emergency Service, Hospital; Female; Heart Failure; Humans; Hypertrophy, Left Ventricular; Male; Middle Aged; Mitral Valve Insufficiency; Myocardial Infarction; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Peptide Fragments; Prevalence; Prospective Studies; Singapore; Stroke; Stroke Volume; Tertiary Care Centers; Ventricular Remodeling

Both Framingham criteria and natriuretic peptides (NPs) may worsen their diagnostic validity for acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) in elderly patients with comorbidities, mainly renal failure. Ultrasound of inferior vena cava (IVCu) and bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) are useful tools for detecting ADHF, although their utility compared with NP is not fully established.. We conducted a prospective study with 96 patients who presented at the emergency department with dyspnea and were classified as ADHF and non-ADHF groups. Inferior vena cava ultrasonography measured maximum and minimum inferior vena cava diameters and collapsibility index (CIx), whereas BIA calculated resistance (Rz) and reactance (Xc). The primary goal was to compare amino-terminal pro-B-type NP (NT-proBNP), IVCu, and BIA for identifying ADHF. The ADHF group showed significantly (P<.001) higher NT-proBNP values (5801 vs 599 pg/mL), higher maximum IVC diameter (2.26 vs 1.58 cm), higher minimum IVC diameter (1.67 vs 0,7 cm), and lower CIx (27% vs 59%), as well as lower Rz (458.8 vs 627.1 Ohm) and lower Xc (23.5 vs 38.4 Ohm) compared with the non-ADHF group. The estimated area under the curve for ADHF diagnosis was 0.84 for NT-proBNP, 0.90 for maximum IVC diameter, 0.93 for minimum IVC diameter, and 0.90 for CIx, as well as 0.83 and 0.80 for Rz and Xc respectively, without finding significant difference. Cutoff values for diagnosis of ADHF with IVCu and BIA are proposed. Amino-terminal pro-B-type NP values significantly varied in patients with renal impairment, independently of ADHF status, whereas neither IVCu nor BIA did.. Inferior vena cava ultrasonography and BIA analysis are as useful as NT-proBNP to ADHF diagnosis, validated in an elderly population with kidney disease.

Topics: Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Dyspnea; Electric Impedance; Emergency Service, Hospital; Female; Heart Failure; Humans; Logistic Models; Male; Middle Aged; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Peptide Fragments; Prospective Studies; Renal Insufficiency, Chronic; Ultrasonography; Vena Cava, Inferior

This cross-sectional analytical study was conducted in Cardiology & Medicine Department of Mymensingh Medical College Hospital. After fulfilling the exclusion & inclusion criteria, B-type natriuretic peptide concentrations were measured in a convenience sample of 100 predominantly male (94%) dyspnic patients who got admitted in Cardiology & Medicine Department of Mymensingh Medical College & Hospital from November 2013 to October 2014. The diagnosis of Congestive Heart Failure (CHF) was based on generally accepted Framingham criteria with corroborative information including hospital course (response to diuretics, vasodilators, inotropes or hemodynamic monitoring) and results of further cardiac testing, including echocardiography. Patients with right heart failure from cor pulmonale were classified as having CHF. Pulmonary disease was confirmed by using the following diagnostic tools: i) A chest X-ray without signs of heart enlargement or pulmonary venous hypertension or a chest X-ray with signs of chronic obstructive lung disease, ii) Normal heart function as seen by echocardiography, iii) Abnormal pulmonary function tests or follow-up results and iv) A positive response to treatment with steroids, nebulizers or antibiotics in hospital. Patients with CHF (n=50) had mean BNP level 1146.72pg/ml (range 103 to 5000pg/ml), which is significantly higher than the group of patients with a final diagnosis of pulmonary disease (n=50) whose BNP was 34pg/ml (range 10 to 90pg/ml) (p<0.05). In conclusion, it was found that B-type natriuretic peptide is an important biomarker for differentiating congestive heart failure from lung disease in patients presenting with dyspnea.

Topics: Biomarkers; Cross-Sectional Studies; Dyspnea; Heart Failure; Humans; Lung Diseases; Male; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain

Most international acute heart failure trials have failed to show benefit with respect to key end points. The impact of site enrollment and protocol execution on trial performance is unclear.. We assessed the impact of varying site enrollment volume among all 7141 acute heart failure patients from the ASCEND-HF trial (Acute Study of Clinical Effectiveness of Nesiritide in Decompensated Heart Failure). Overall, 398 sites enrolled ≥1 patient, and median enrollment was 12 patients (interquartile range, 5-23). Patients from high enrolling sites (>60 patients/site) tended to have lower ejection fraction, worse New York Heart Association functional class, and lower utilization of guideline-directed medical therapy but fewer comorbidities and lower B-type natriuretic peptide level. Every 10 patient increase (up to 100 patients) in site enrollment correlated with lower likelihood of protocol noncompletion (odds ratio, 0.93; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.89-0.98). After adjustment, increasing site enrollment predicted higher risk of persistent dyspnea at 6 hours (per 10 patient increase: odds ratio 1.02; 95% CI, 1.01-1.03) but not at 24 hours (odds ratio, 0.99; 95% CI, 0.98-1.00). Higher site enrollment was independently associated with lower risk of 30-day death or rehospitalization (per 10 patient increase: odds ratio, 0.98, 95% CI, 0.96-0.99) but not 180-day mortality (hazard ratio, 0.99; 95% CI, 0.98-1.01). The influence of increasing site enrollment on clinical end points varied across geographic regions with strongest associations in Latin America and Asia-Pacific (all interaction P<0.01).. In this large, acute heart failure trial, site enrollment correlated with protocol completion and was independently associated with trial end points. Individual and regional site performance present challenges to be considered in design of future acute heart failure trials.. URL: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT00475852.

Topics: Aged; Chi-Square Distribution; Disease Progression; Dyspnea; Endpoint Determination; Female; Heart Failure; Humans; Kaplan-Meier Estimate; Linear Models; Logistic Models; Male; Middle Aged; Multicenter Studies as Topic; Multivariate Analysis; Natriuretic Agents; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Odds Ratio; Patient Dropouts; Patient Readmission; Patient Selection; Proportional Hazards Models; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Recovery of Function; Retrospective Studies; Risk Assessment; Risk Factors; Time Factors; Treatment Outcome

Topics: Aged; Anesthesia, Spinal; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Arthroplasty, Replacement, Hip; Blood Gas Monitoring, Transcutaneous; Disease Progression; Dyspnea; Echocardiography; Fatal Outcome; Fibrin Fibrinogen Degradation Products; Glucocorticoids; Humans; Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis; Male; Methylprednisolone; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Oxygen Inhalation Therapy; Perioperative Care; Respiration, Artificial; Tomography, X-Ray Computed

Cardiac biomarkers provide objective data that augments clinical assessment of heart disease (HD).. Determine the utility of plasma N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide concentration [NT-proBNP] measured by a 2nd generation canine ELISA assay to discriminate cardiac from noncardiac respiratory distress and evaluate HD severity.. Client-owned dogs (n = 291).. Multicenter, cross-sectional, prospective investigation. Medical history, physical examination, echocardiography, and thoracic radiography classified 113 asymptomatic dogs (group 1, n = 39 without HD; group 2, n = 74 with HD), and 178 with respiratory distress (group 3, n = 104 respiratory disease, either with or without concurrent HD; group 4, n = 74 with congestive heart failure [CHF]). HD severity was graded using International Small Animal Cardiac Health Council (ISACHC) and ACVIM Consensus (ACVIM-HD) schemes without knowledge of [NT-proBNP] results. Receiver-operating characteristic curve analysis assessed the capacity of [NT-proBNP] to discriminate between dogs with cardiac and noncardiac respiratory distress. Multivariate general linear models containing key clinical variables tested associations between [NT-proBNP] and HD severity.. Plasma [NT-proBNP] (median; IQR) was higher in CHF dogs (5,110; 2,769-8,466 pmol/L) compared to those with noncardiac respiratory distress (1,287; 672-2,704 pmol/L; P < .0001). A cut-off >2,447 pmol/L discriminated CHF from noncardiac respiratory distress (81.1% sensitivity; 73.1% specificity; area under curve, 0.84). A multivariate model comprising left atrial to aortic ratio, heart rate, left ventricular diameter, end-systole, and ACVIM-HD scheme most accurately associated average plasma [NT-proBNP] with HD severity.. Plasma [NT-proBNP] was useful for discriminating CHF from noncardiac respiratory distress. Average plasma [NT-BNP] increased significantly as a function of HD severity using the ACVIM-HD classification scheme.

Topics: Animals; Cross-Sectional Studies; Dog Diseases; Dogs; Dyspnea; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; Female; Heart Failure; Male; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Peptide Fragments

Dyspnea on exertion is a common and debilitating symptom, yet evidence for the relative value of cardiac and pulmonary tests for the evaluation of chronic dyspnea among adults without known cardiac or pulmonary disease is limited.. The Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA) enrolled participants aged 45 to 84 years who were free of clinical cardiovascular disease from 6 communities; participants with clinical pulmonary disease were excluded from this report. Dyspnea on exertion was assessed via structured interview. Tests included electrocardiograms, cardiac computed tomography (CT) for coronary artery calcium, cardiac magnetic resonance imaging, spirometry, percent emphysema (percent of lung regions <-950 HU) on CT, inflammatory biomarkers, and N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP). Logistic regression was used to identify independent correlates of dyspnea after adjustment for age, sex, body mass index, physical activity, anxiety, and leg pain.. Among 1969 participants without known cardiopulmonary disease, 9% had dyspnea. The forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) (P < .001), NT-proBNP (P = .004), and percent emphysema on CT (P = .004) provided independent information on the probability of self-reported dyspnea. Associations with the FEV1 were stronger among smokers and participants with other recent respiratory symptoms or seasonal allergies; associations with NT-proBNP were present only among participants with coexisting symptoms of lower-extremity edema. Only the FEV1 provided a significant improvement in the receiver operating curve.. Among adults without known cardiac or pulmonary disease reporting dyspnea on exertion, spirometry, NT-proBNP, and CT imaging for pulmonary parenchymal disease were the most informative tests.

Topics: Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Atherosclerosis; Biomarkers; Coronary Artery Disease; Dyspnea; Electrocardiography; Female; Forced Expiratory Volume; Heart; Humans; Lung; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Male; Middle Aged; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Outpatients; Peptide Fragments; Spirometry; Tomography, X-Ray Computed

To evaluate whether changes in hydration status (reflecting fluid retention) would be detected by bioelectrical impedance vector analysis (BIVA) and phase angle during hospitalization for acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) and after clinical stabilization.. Patients admitted to ADHF were evaluated at admission, discharge and after clinical stabilization (3 mo after discharge) for dyspnea, weight, brain natriuretic peptide, bioelectrical impedance resistance, reactance, and phase angle. Generalized estimating equations and chi-square detected variations among the three time points of evaluation.. Were included 57 patients: Mean age was 61 ± 13 y, 65% were male, LVEF was 25 ± 8%. During hospitalization there were improvements in clinical parameters and increase in resistance/height (from 250 ± 72 to 302 ± 59 Ohms/m, P < 0.001), reactance/height (from 24 ± 10 to 31 ± 9 Ohms/m, P < 0.001), and phase angle (from 5.3 ± 1.6 to 6 ± 1.6°, P = 0.007). From discharge to chronic stability, both clinical and BIVA parameters remained stable. At admission, 61% of patients had significant congestion by BIVA, and they lost more weight and had higher improvement in dyspnea during hospitalization (P < 0.05). At discharge, more patients were in the upper half of the graph (characterizing some degree of dehydration) while at chronic stability normal hydration status was more prevalent (P < 0.001).. BIVA and phase angle were able to detect significant changes in hydration status during ADHF, which paralleled the clinical course of recompensation, both acutely and chronically. The classification of congestion by BIVA at admission identified patients with more pronounced changes in weight and dyspnea during compensation.

Topics: Acute Disease; Aged; Body Composition; Body Weight; Cohort Studies; Dyspnea; Electric Impedance; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Heart Failure; Hospitalization; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Water-Electrolyte Imbalance

The etiologic diagnosis of acute dyspnea in the emergency department (ED) remains difficult, especially for elderly patients or those with previous cardiorespiratory medical history. This may lead to inappropriate treatment and potentially a higher mortality rate. Our objective was to evaluate the performance of cardiopulmonary ultrasound compared with usual care for the etiologic diagnosis of acute dyspnea in the ED.. Patients admitted to the ED for acute dyspnea underwent upon arrival a cardiopulmonary ultrasound performed by an emergency physician, in addition to standard care. The performances of the clinical examination, chest x-ray, N-terminal brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), and cardiopulmonary ultrasound were compared with the final diagnosis made by 2 independent physicians.. One hundred thirty patients were analyzed. For the diagnosis of acute left-sided heart failure, cardiopulmonary ultrasound had an accuracy of 90% (95% confidence interval [CI], 84-95) vs 67% (95% CI, 57-75), P = .0001 for clinical examination, and 81% (95% CI, 72-88), P = .04 for the combination "clinical examination-NT-proBNP-x-ray". Cardiopulmonary ultrasound led to the diagnosis of pneumonia or pleural effusion with an accuracy of 86% (95% CI, 80-92) and decompensated chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or asthma with an accuracy of 95% (95% CI, 92-99). Cardiopulmonary ultrasound lasted an average of 12 ± 3 minutes.. Cardiopulmonary ultrasounds performed in the ED setting allow one to rapidly establish the etiology of acute dyspnea with an accuracy of 90%.

Topics: Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Asthma; Cohort Studies; Disease Progression; Dyspnea; Echocardiography; Emergency Service, Hospital; Female; Heart Failure; Humans; Lung; Male; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Peptide Fragments; Physical Examination; Pleural Effusion; Pneumonia; Prospective Studies; Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive; Radiography, Thoracic; Sensitivity and Specificity

Topics: Acute Disease; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Dyspnea; Female; Heart Failure; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Peak Expiratory Flow Rate; Peptide Fragments

To evaluate serum Brain Natriuretic Peptide levels (BNP) as a screening test in the diagnosis of congestive heart failure.. Comparative cross-sectional study.. Prince Salman Heart Center, King Fahad Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia between December 2010 to January 2012 and Nishtar Hospital, Multan, Pakistan, from February to August 2006.. A total of 80 patients with clinical diagnosis of Congestive Heart Failure (CHF) underwent measurement of serum BNP and had a trans-thoracic echocardiography to measure Ejection Fraction (EF). The normal limit for serum BNP levels, provided by the manufacturer of the kit was applied as a cut-off value for BNP. EF of > 45% was considered normal.. Forty seven patients (94%) had an EF < 45%. BNP levels were elevated in 36 patients (72%). Sensitivity and specificity of BNP was found to be 80% and 66% respectively and accuracy was 80%.. BNP measurements as a screening tool for CHF has good sensitivity and accuracy when compared to echocardiography.

Topics: Adult; Aged; Cross-Sectional Studies; Dyspnea; Echocardiography; Female; Heart Failure; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Pakistan; ROC Curve; Saudi Arabia; Sensitivity and Specificity; Stroke Volume; Ventricular Dysfunction, Left

We aimed to determine the role of inferior vena cava (IVC) diameter in making a differentiation between dyspnea of cardiac (acute heart failure [AHF]) and pulmonary origin. We also attempted to determine the best sonographic method for the measurement of IVC diameter.. This prospective observational study was conducted at the intensive care unit of the emergency department of a training and research hospital. This study enrolled patients with the main symptom of dyspnea who were categorized into 2 groups, cardiac dyspnea and pulmonary dyspnea groups, based on the final diagnosis. All patients underwent sonographic measurement of minimum and maximum diameters of IVC, and the caval index (CI) was calculated in both M-mode and B-mode. The sensitivity, specificity, and likelihood ratios (LR) of the IVC values for the differentiation of the 2 groups were calculated.. This study included a total of 74 patients with a mean age of 72.8 years. Thirty-two patients had dyspnea of cardiac origin, and 42 patients had dyspnea of pulmonary origin. The IVC diameter measured with B-mode during inspiration (B-mode i) was the most successful method for differentiation of the 2 groups. B-mode i values greater than 9 mm predicted dyspnea of cardiac origin with a sensitivity of 84.4% and a specificity of 92.9% (+LR: 11.8, LR: 0.16).. Sonographic assessment of the IVC diameter may be used as a rapid, readily, nonexpensive, complication-free, and reproducible technique for the differentiation of cardiac and pulmonary causes of dyspnea. B-mode i measurement may be more successful in the differentiation of dyspnea compared with other IVC diameters and calculations.

Topics: Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Area Under Curve; Diagnosis, Differential; Disease Progression; Dyspnea; Echocardiography; Emergency Service, Hospital; Female; Heart Failure; Humans; Intensive Care Units; Male; Middle Aged; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Organ Size; Pneumonia; Prospective Studies; Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive; Pulmonary Embolism; Sensitivity and Specificity; Vena Cava, Inferior

Topics: Acute Disease; Atrial Natriuretic Factor; Biomarkers; Dyspnea; Heart Failure; Humans; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Peptide Fragments

Topics: Clinical Trials, Phase III as Topic; Disease Progression; Dyspnea; Endpoint Determination; Exercise Test; Guanylate Cyclase; Humans; Hypertension, Pulmonary; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Peptide Fragments; Pyrazoles; Pyrimidines; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Vascular Resistance; Walking; World Health Organization

The aim of this study was to evaluate bioimpedance vector analysis (BIVA) for the diagnosis of acute heart failure (AHF) in patients presenting with acute dyspnea to the emergency department (ED).. Patients with acute dyspnea presenting to the ED were prospectively enrolled. Four parameters were assessed: resistance (R), reactance (Ra), total body water (TBW), and extracellular body water (EBW). Brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) measures and cardiac ultrasound studies were performed in all patients at admission. Patients were classified into AHF and non-AHF groups retrospectively by expert cardiologists.. Seventy-seven patients (39 men; age, 68±14years; weight, 79.8±20.6 kg) were included. Of the 4 BIVA parameters, Ra was significantly lower in the AHF compared to non-AHF group (32.7±14.3 vs 45.4±19.7; P<.001). Brain natriuretic peptide levels were significantly higher in the AHF group (1050.3±989 vs 148.7±181.1ng/L; P<.001). Reactance levels were significantly correlated to BNP levels (r=-0.5; P<.001). Patients with different mitral valve Doppler profiles (E/e'≤8, E/e' ≥9 and <15, and E/e'≥15) had significant differences in Ra values (47.9±19.9, 34.7±19.4, and 31.2±11.7, respectively; P=.003). Overall, the sensitivity of BIVA for AHF diagnosis with a Ra cutoff at 39Ω was 67% with a specificity of 76% and an area under the curve at 0.76. However, Ra did not significantly improve the area under the curve of BNP for the diagnosis of AHF (P=not significant).. In a population of patients presenting to the ED with dyspnea, BIVA was significantly related to the AHF status but did not improve the diagnostic performance for AHF in addition to BNP alone.

Topics: Acute Disease; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Body Water; Cohort Studies; Dyspnea; Echocardiography; Electric Impedance; Emergency Service, Hospital; Female; Heart Failure; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Prospective Studies

To evaluate diagnostic and long-term prognostic values of hFABP compared to NT-proBNP and troponin I (TnI) in patients presenting to the emergency department (ED) suspected of acute heart failure (AHF).. 401 patients with acute dyspnea or peripheral edema, 122 suffering from AHF, were prospectively enrolled and followed up to 5 years. hFABP combined with NT-proBNP versus NT-proBNP alone was tested for AHF diagnosis. Prognostic value of hFABP versus TnI was evaluated in models predicting all-cause mortality (ACM) and AHF related rehospitalization (AHF-RH) at 1 and 5 years, including 11 conventional risk factors plus NT-proBNP.. Additional hFABP measurements improved diagnostic specificity and positive predictive value (PPV) of sole NT-proBNP testing at the cutoff <300 ng/l to "rule out" AHF. Highest hFABP levels (4th quartile) were associated with increased ACM (hazard ratios (HR): 2.1-2.5; p = 0.04) and AHF-RH risk at 5 years (HR 2.8-8.3, p = 0.001). ACM was better characterized in prognostic models including TnI, whereas AHF-RH was better characterized in prognostic models including hFABP. Cox analyses revealed a 2 % increase of ACM risk and 3-7 % increase of AHF-RH risk at 5 years by each unit increase of hFABP of 10 ng/ml.. Combining hFABP plus NT-proBNP (<300 ng/l) only improves diagnostic specificity and PPV to rule out AHF. hFABP may improve prognosis for long-term AHF-RH, whereas TnI may improve prognosis for ACM.. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT00143793 .

Topics: Acute Disease; Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Area Under Curve; Cohort Studies; Diagnosis, Differential; Dyspnea; Echocardiography; Edema; Emergency Service, Hospital; Fatty Acid Binding Protein 3; Fatty Acid-Binding Proteins; Heart Failure; Humans; Kaplan-Meier Estimate; Longitudinal Studies; Middle Aged; Myocardial Ischemia; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Patient Readmission; Peptide Fragments; Prognosis; Prospective Studies; Sensitivity and Specificity; Survival Rate; Troponin I; Young Adult

Topics: Blood Chemical Analysis; Dyspnea; Female; Heart Failure; Humans; Male; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Peptide Fragments

Patients with acute heart failure (AHF) frequently have atrial fibrillation (AF), but how this affects patient-reported outcomes has not been well characterized.. We examined dyspnea improvement and clinical outcomes in 7007 patients in the Acute Study of Clinical Effectiveness of Nesiritide in Decompensated Heart Failure (ASCEND-HF) trial. At baseline, 2677 (38.2%) patients had current or a history of AF and 4330 (61.8%) did not. Patients with a history of AF were older than those without (72 vs. 63 years) and had more comorbidities and a higher median left ventricular ejection fraction (31% vs. 27%, P<0.001). Compared to those without AF, patients with AF had a similar mean ventricular rate on admission (81 vs. 83 beats per minute [bpm]; P=0.138) but a lower rate at discharge (75 vs. 78 bpm; P<0.001). There was no difference in dyspnea improvement between patients with and without AF at 6 hours (P=0.087), but patients with AF had less dyspnea improvement at 24 hours (P<0.001). Compared to patients without AF, patients with AF had a higher 30-day all-cause mortality rate (4.7% vs. 3.3%; P=0.005), a higher 30-day HF rehospitalisation rate (7.2% vs. 5.3%; P=0.001), and a higher coprimary composite outcome of 30-day death or readmission (11.6% vs. 8.6%; P<0.001). This difference persisted after adjustment for prognostic variables (adjusted odds ratio=1.19; (95% confidence interval, 1.02 to 1.38; P=0.029).. Among patients admitted to the hospital with AHF, current or a history of AF is associated with less dyspnea improvement and higher morbidity and mortality at 30-days, compared to those not in AF.. URL: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT00475852.

Topics: Acute Disease; Aged; Atrial Fibrillation; Chi-Square Distribution; Dyspnea; Female; Heart Failure; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Multivariate Analysis; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Odds Ratio; Patient Readmission; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Recovery of Function; Retrospective Studies; Risk Factors; Time Factors; Treatment Outcome

Diagnosing heart failure in an on-call setting can be difficult, and international studies report diagnostic accuracy among duty doctors, as measured using area under the ROC curve (AUC), to be 0.76-0.90. This study has examined the accuracy with which doctors in the internal medicine out-of-hours service in a Norwegian university hospital distinguish heart failure from no heart failure in patients with dyspnoea.. Information was gathered on 468 patients admitted to Akershus University Hospital with dyspnoea between June 2009 and November 2010, and 314 patients were included in the study. The duty doctors estimated the probability of heart failure (0-100%) before N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NTproBNP) concentrations were known. The final diagnosis for the hospital admission was made retrospectively by two independent doctors after review of the medical records, including supplementary tests and the patient outcome.. Heart failure was considered the cause of hospitalisation in 143 patients (46%). Patients with heart failure were older, more often men, had a higher prevalence of heart disease, reduced/impaired renal function, and higher NTproBNP concentrations than patients with non-heart failure dyspnoea. The diagnostic accuracy among duty doctors for heart failure (AUC) was 0.86 (95% confidence interval 0.82-0.90). The doctors' diagnostic accuracy was lower when the patient had heart failure with left ventricular ejection fraction [LVEF] ≥ 50% (n=52): AUC 0.83 (0.77-0.87).. The duty doctors at Akershus University Hospital from 2009-2010 demonstrated similar diagnostic accuracy for heart failure as previously reported from international centres. Diagnostic accuracy was lower for heart failure patients with LVEF ≥ 50%.

Topics: After-Hours Care; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Dyspnea; Female; Heart Failure; Hospitalization; Hospitals, University; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Norway; Peptide Fragments; Physicians; ROC Curve; Surveys and Questionnaires

In the emergency department, it is sometimes difficult to differentiate heart failure (HF) from other diseases (e.g., respiratory diseases) in patients who develop dyspnea. The plasma B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels increase in patients with HF, and various levels are associated with specific New York Heart Association classes. Although the diagnosis of HF should not be made based only on the plasma BNP levels, the identification of a cut-off value for BNP to diagnose HF would be helpful.. Patients admitted to the emergency department of our hospital with dyspnea between January 2010 and December 2011 were retrospectively reviewed. The patients whose estimated glomerular filtration rate was less than 30 mL/min/1.73 m(2) were excluded. Patients were divided into two groups: those with HF (n=131) and those without HF (n=138). The cut-off value for BNP was determined by the receiver-operating characteristic curve.. The area under the curve of this curve was 0.934. The optimal cut-off point for detection of HF was 234 pg/mL. The sensitivity and specificity were 87.0% and 85.5%, respectively. The fifth and 95th percentiles of the HF group were 132.2 and 2,420.8 pg/mL, respectively. Those of the non-HF group were 9.7 and 430.2 pg/mL, respectively.. Our study suggests that a plasma BNP level cut-off value of 234 pg/mL can be used to detect HF in the emergency department.

Topics: Aged; Area Under Curve; Diagnosis, Differential; Dyspnea; Emergency Service, Hospital; Female; Glomerular Filtration Rate; Heart Failure; Hospitalization; Humans; Japan; Male; Middle Aged; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Retrospective Studies; ROC Curve; Sensitivity and Specificity

The study aims to evaluate a rapid testing of NT-proBNP in differential diagnosis of cardiac and pulmonary dyspnea among elderly emergency patients. Two hundred sixty-eight dyspnea patients with ages of ≥60 years old participated in the study. Based on their clinical diagnosis, the patients were divided into three groups: group A diagnosed with pulmonary dyspnea (PD), group B diagnosed with congestive heart failure (CHF), and group C diagnosed with combined dyspnea (CHF+PD). NT-proBNP levels among the three groups were compared. NT-proBNP levels in group A were significantly lower than those in groups B and C. No significant difference was observed between groups B and C in terms of NT-proBNP levels (P>0.05). Our data showed that NT-proBNP levels in patients with cardiac dyspnea were significantly higher than those in patients with pulmonary dyspnea. Person linear association analysis revealed that NT-proBNP levels were reversely associated with LVEF (r=-0.675, P<0.01), indicating that higher NT-proBNP levels result in lower LVEF and poorer heart functions. NT-proBNP is a valuable biomarker in differential diagnosis of pulmonary and cardiac dyspnea among elderly patients due to the high sensitivity of the testing method and the strong association with the severity of heart failure.

Topics: Aged; Biomarkers; Diagnosis, Differential; Dyspnea; Female; Heart Failure; Humans; Lung Diseases; Male; Middle Aged; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Peptide Fragments; Retrospective Studies

Amyloidosis is a disease having many different faces. Different symptoms may appear, depending on which organ is involved. That's why correct diagnosis can be difficult. Cardiac involvement must always be considered because of poor prognosis (30 to 68 % patients survive one year). Also in case of rapid progress of cardiac wall thickening, amyloidosis should be taken into account.. we present a case of a female patient with rapid progress of heart failure due to systemic amyloidosis with cardiac involvement.. 48-old female, with no prior medical history, admitted to cardiology ward because of dyspnea on exertion and leg edema. Couple days before admission hypertrophic cardiomyopathy was diagnosed. Laboratory test revealed elevated troponin I, d-dimers and BNP (natriuretic peptide type B). Electrocardiogram showed low QRS voltage in limb leads. Echocardiography confirmed concentric thickening of left ventricular walls and reduced ejection fraction (40%). We performed cardiac magnetic resonance. Morphology of the delayed enhancement and an increased signal in T2 dependent sequences suggested overlap of general inflammatory process and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Because of amyloidosis suspicion, gingival and subcutaneous adipose tissue biopsies were performed. Sirius red stain identified amyloid only in the walls of gingival blood vessels. Diagnosis of amyloidosis was established and further diagnostics planned. Soon after patients condition worsened. Finally, in intensive care unit, after cardiac arrest patient died.. Amyloidosis with cardiac involvement has a very poor prognosis. Multiple tissue biopsy and histopathological assessment should lead to correct diagnosis and proper treatment.

Topics: Amyloidosis; Biopsy; Disease Progression; Dyspnea; Echocardiography; Edema; Electrocardiography; Fatal Outcome; Female; Heart Failure; Humans; Middle Aged; Myocardium; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Troponin I

Proper assessment of dyspnea is important in patients with heart failure. Our aim was to evaluate the use of the 5-point Likert scale for dyspnea to assess the degree of pulmonary congestion and to determine the prognostic value of this scale for predicting adverse events in heart failure outpatients.. We undertook a prospective study of outpatients with moderate to severe heart failure. The 5-point Likert scale was applied during regular outpatient visits, along with clinical assessments. Lung ultrasound with ≥15 B-lines and an amino-terminal portion of pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) level >1000 pg/mL were used as a reference for pulmonary congestion. The patients were then assessed every 30 days during follow-up to identify adverse clinical outcomes.. We included 58 patients (65.5% male, age 43.5 ± 11 years) with a mean left ventricular ejection fraction of 27 ± 6%. In total, 29.3% of these patients had heart failure with ischemic etiology. Additionally, pulmonary congestion, as diagnosed by lung ultrasound, was present in 58% of patients. A higher degree of dyspnea (3 or 4 points on the 5-point Likert scale) was significantly correlated with a higher number of B-lines (p = 0.016). Patients stratified into Likert = 3-4 were at increased risk of admission compared with those in class 1-2 after adjusting for age, left ventricular ejection fraction, New York Heart Association functional class and levels of NT-proBNP >1000 pg/mL (HR = 4.9, 95% CI 1.33-18.64, p = 0.017).. In our series, higher baseline scores on the 5-point Likert scale were related to pulmonary congestion and were independently associated with adverse events during follow-up. This simple clinical tool can help to identify patients who are more likely to decompensate and whose treatment should be intensified.

Topics: Adult; Brazil; Cohort Studies; Dyspnea; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Heart Failure; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Outpatients; Peptide Fragments; Prognosis; Prospective Studies; Psychometrics; Pulmonary Edema; Ultrasonography; Ventricular Function, Left

To determine the diagnostic cut-off values of brain natriuretic (BNP) peptide to establish left ventricular failure in patients presenting with dyspnoea in emergency department.. Descriptive study.. Ziauddin University Hospital, Karachi, from July to December 2011.. BNP estimation was done on Axysm analyzer with kit provided by Abbott diagnostics, while the Doppler echocardiography was done on Toshiba istyle (UICW-660A) using 2.5 MHz and 5.0 MHz probes. Log transformation was done to normalize the original BNP values. A receiver operating curve was plotted to determine the diagnostic cut-off value of BNP which can be used to distinguish CHF from other causes of dyspnoea. Statistical analysis was performed by SPSS version 17.. A total of 92 patients presenting with dyspnoea in the emergency department were studied. There were 38/92 (41.3%) males and 54/92 (58.7%) females, and the average age of the study population was 64 ± 14.1 years. These patients had BNP levels and Doppler echocardiography done. The average BNP was found to be 1117.78 ± 1445.74 pg/ml. In log transformation, the average was found to be 2.72 ± 0.58. BNP value of 531 pg/ml was found to be the cut off to distinguish between cardiogenic and non-cardiogenic causes of dyspnoea.. BNP value of 531 pg/ml can distinguish CHF from other conditions as a cause of dyspnoea in emergency.

Topics: Adult; Aged; Area Under Curve; Biomarkers; Dyspnea; Echocardiography, Doppler; Emergencies; Emergency Service, Hospital; Female; Heart Failure; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Reference Values; Sensitivity and Specificity; Stroke Volume

The majority of patients with heart failure are diagnosed in primary care, but underdiagnosis is common. Shortness of breath is a prevalent complaint of older persons and one of the key symptoms of heart failure. We assessed the prevalence of unrecognized heart failure in elderly patients presenting to primary care with shortness of breath on exertion.. This was a cross-sectional selective screening study. Patients aged 65 years or over presenting to primary care with shortness of breath on exertion in the previous 12 months were eligible when not known to have an established, echocardiographic confirmed diagnosis of heart failure. All participants underwent history taking, physical examination, electrocardiography, and a blood test of N-terminal pro B-type natriuretic peptide (NTproBNP). Only those with an abnormal electrocardiogram or NTproBNP level exceeding the exclusionary cut-point for non-acute onset heart failure (>15 pmol/L (≈125 pg/mL) underwent open-access echocardiography. An expert panel established presence or absence of heart failure according to the criteria of the European Society of Cardiology heart failure guidelines. The mean age of the 585 participants was 74.1 (SD 6.3) years, and 54.5% were female. In total, 92 (15.7%, 95% CI 12.9-19.0) participants had heart failure: 17 (2.9%, 95% CI 1.8-4.7) had heart failure with a reduced ejection fraction (≤45%), 70 (12.0%, 95% CI 9.5-14.9) had heart failure with preserved ejection fraction, and five (0.9%, 95% CI 0.3-2.1) had isolated right-sided heart failure.. Elderly primary care patients with shortness of breath on exertion often have unrecognized heart failure, mainly with preserved ejection fraction.

Topics: Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Cross-Sectional Studies; Diagnostic Errors; Dyspnea; Echocardiography; Electrocardiography; Female; Heart Failure; Humans; Male; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Peptide Fragments; Physical Exertion; Primary Health Care; Stroke Volume

The plasma N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) level is frequently elevated in dyspnoeic patients and increasingly used in emergency departments to assess the cause of acute dyspnea. In this study we prospectively tested NT-proBNP levels in patients with congestive heart failure (CHF) and/or acute pulmonary embolism (APE) and determined the utility of NT-proBNP for discriminating APE from CHF.. A cohort of 177 dyspnoeic patients with a diagnosis of APE and/or CHF was prospectively studied between June 2010 and March 2013. NT-proBNP was measured by the electrochemiluminescence immunoassay (ECLIA). All patients were evaluated with transthoracic echocardiography (TTE). APE was diagnosed in the presence of thrombi signs in the pulmonary arteries with computed tomographic pulmonary angiography (CTPA) or a high-probability lung ventilation/perfusion scan. Risk stratification was based on the evaluation on admission according to the ESC guidelines from 2008. The diagnosis of CHF was based on the guidelines of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association and the European Society of Cardiology. Two physicians independently reviewed the records to determine the final diagnosis.. Fifty-nine patients met the criteria for dyspnea caused by APE, and 113 patients were diagnosed with CHF. Most of the APE patients (41, 69.5%) were intermediate-risk. The symptoms and signs, such as orthopnea, paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea and rales in the lungs, were more common in patients with CHF than in patients with APE (P < 0.01). Median NT-proBNP was significantly lower in patients with APE compared to those in patients with CHF (2 855.9 pg/ml vs. 6 911.4 pg/ml, P < 0.01). We constructed the receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve in predicting the diagnosis of APE. At a cut point = 1 582.750 pg/ml, NT-proBNP provided a specificity of 93% and a true positive rate (sensitivity) of 17% for the diagnosis. At a cut point = 3 390.000 pg/ml, NT-proBNP had a specificity of 83% and a sensitivity of 84% for the diagnosis of APE. At a cut point = 6 486.500 pg/ml, they were 54% and 93% respectively.. NT-proBNP can assist in excluding CHF patients from those admitted to the emergency department with acute dyspnea and identifying patients with a high probability of APE, which would reduce the missed diagnosis of APE. Larger studies are necessary to validate these findings.

Topics: Acute Disease; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Biomarkers; Dyspnea; Female; Heart Failure; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Peptide Fragments; Prospective Studies; Pulmonary Embolism

Preexisting renal failure diminishes the excretion of N-Terminal Pro-Brain Natriuretic Peptide (NT-proBNP), therefore limits the diagnostic value of this peptide for concomitant heart failure. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between NT-proBNP and the stages of renal dysfunction in a typical population attended to emergency department with acute dyspnea.. In this cross-sectional study, all consecutive patients with acute dyspnea underwent clinical evaluation, laboratory assessment of NT-proBNP, and echocardiographic examinations. Among subjects, 54.5% were diagnosed as heart failure. Grouping variables according to renal function capacity and ejection fraction, independent variables were compared with Kruskal-Wallis or ANOVA with posthoc tests. Correlation and linear regression analysis were done to analyze the variables associated with NT-proBNP. The diagnostic performance of NT-proBNP was evaluated by receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curve.. Serum median NT-proBNP level in patients with severe renal impairment was significantly higher than moderate and mildly decreased renal functions (p=0.001). In patients with moderate and severe left ventricular failure, NT-proBNP was significantly higher compared with normal subjects (LVEF>50%) (p=0.040, and 0.017, respectively). Renal dysfunction was associated in 56% of patients with heart failure. The area under the ROC curve of NT-proBNP for identifying left ventricular failure in patients with renal failure (eGFR<90 mL/min/1.73 m2) was 0.649 and reached significant difference (95% CI:0.548-0.749, p=0.005).. In addition to NT-proBNP measurement in clinical judgement of heart failure, renal functions have to be taken into consideration to avoid misdiagnosis.

Topics: Biomarkers; Cross-Sectional Studies; Dyspnea; Echocardiography; Emergency Service, Hospital; Female; Heart Failure; Humans; Male; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Patient Admission; Peptide Fragments; Predictive Value of Tests; Renal Insufficiency; ROC Curve

Guidelines advocate using B-type natriuretic peptides in the diagnostic work-up of suspected heart failure (HF). Their main role is to limit echocardiography rates by ruling out HF/LV dysfunction where peptide level is low. Recommended rule-out cut points vary between guidelines. The utility of B-type natriuretic peptides in the very old (85+) requires further investigation, with optimal cut points yet to be established. We examined NT-proBNP's utility, alone and in combination with history of myocardial infarction (MI), as a rule-out test for LV dysfunction in very old people with limiting dyspnoea.. Cross-sectional analysis.. Population-based sample; North-East England.. 155 people (aged 87-89) with limiting dyspnoea.. Dyspnoea assessed by questionnaire. Domiciliary echocardiography performed; LV systolic/diastolic function graded. NT-proBNP measured (Roche Diagnostics). Receiver operating characteristic analyses examined NT-proBNP's diagnostic accuracy for LV dysfunction.. AUC for LVEF less than or equal to 50% was poor (0.58, 95% CI 0.49-0.65), but good for LVEF less than or equal to 40% (0.80, 95% CI 0.73-0.86). At ESC cut point (125 ng/l), few cases of systolic dysfunction were missed (NPV 94-100%, depending on severity), but echocardiography (88%) and false positive rates (56-81 per 100 screened) were high. At NICE cut point (400 ng/l), echocardiography (51%) and false positive rates (33-45) were lower; exclusionary performance was good for LVEF less than or equal to 40% (1 case missed per 100 screened, 15% of cases; NPV 97%), but poor for LVEF less than or equal to 50% (16 cases missed per 100 screened, 45% of cases; NPV 68%). Incorporating isolated moderate/severe diastolic dysfunction into target condition increased the proportion of cases missed (lower NPV), whilst improving case detection. Incorporating MI history as an additional referral prompt slightly reduced the number of cases missed at expense of higher echocardiography and false positive rates.. High echocardiography rates and poor exclusionary performance for mild degrees of systolic dysfunction and for diastolic dysfunction limit NT-proBNP's utility as a rule-out test for LV dysfunction in very old people with limiting dyspnoea. Incorporating MI history as an additional echocardiography prompt yields no overall benefit compared to using NT-proBNP level alone.

Topics: Age Factors; Aged, 80 and over; Area Under Curve; Biomarkers; Cross-Sectional Studies; Dyspnea; Echocardiography; England; Female; Humans; Longitudinal Studies; Male; Myocardial Infarction; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Peptide Fragments; Predictive Value of Tests; Risk Factors; ROC Curve; Severity of Illness Index; Stroke Volume; Surveys and Questionnaires; Ventricular Dysfunction, Left; Ventricular Function, Left

We compared the ability of noninvasive measurements of cardiac output (CO) and thoracic fluid content (TFC) and their change in response to orthostatic challenges to diagnose acute decompensate heart failure (ADHF) from non-ADHF causes of acute dyspnea in patients in the ED.. Forty-five patients > 44 years old presenting in the ED with dyspnea were studied. CO and TFC were monitored with a NICOM bioreactance device. CO and TFC were measured continuously while each patient was sitting, supine, and during a passive leg-raising maneuver (3 min each); the maximal values during each maneuver were reported. Orthostatic challenges were repeated 2 h into treatment. One patient was excluded because of intolerance to the supine position. Diagnoses obtained with the hemodynamic measurements were compared with ED diagnoses and with two expert physicians by chart review (used as gold standard diagnosis); both groups were blinded to CO and TFC values. Patient's treatment, ED disposition, hospital length of stay, and subjective dyspnea (Borg scale) were also recorded.. Sixteen of 44 patients received a diagnosis of ADHF and 28 received a diagnosis of non-ADHF by the experts. Baseline TFC was higher in patients with ADHF (P = .001). Fifteen patients were treated for ADHF, and their Borg scale values decreased at 2 h (P < .05). TFC threshold of 78.8 had a receiver operator characteristic area under the curve of 0.81 (76% sensitivity, 71% specificity) for ADHF. Both ADHF and non-ADHF groups were similar in their increased CO from baseline to PLR and supine. Pre- and posttreatment measurements were similar.. Baseline TFC can discriminate patients with ADHF from non-ADHF dyspnea in the ED.

Topics: Acute Disease; Adult; Body Fluids; Cardiac Output; Dyspnea; Emergency Service, Hospital; Female; Heart Failure; Hemodynamics; Humans; Length of Stay; Male; Middle Aged; Monitoring, Physiologic; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Posture; Sensitivity and Specificity

Since their identification in the circulation, microRNAs have received considerable interest as putative biomarkers of cardiovascular disease. We have investigated the diagnostic utility of microRNAs in differentiating between patients with heart failure (HF) and non-HF-related breathlessness, and between HF with reduced (HF-REF) and preserved (HF-PEF) EF.. MicroRNA profiling was performed on plasma from 32 HF and 15 COPD patients, as well as 14 healthy controls. Seventeen microRNAs were selected for validation in 44 HF, 32 COPD, 59 other breathless, and 15 controls. Cases of HF were split evenly between HF-REF and HF-PEF. Diagnostic utility was compared with NT-proBNP and high sensitivity troponin T (hs-troponin T). MiR-103 [area under the curve (AUC) = 0.642, P = 0.007], miR-142-3p (AUC = 0.668, P = 0.002), miR-199a-3p (AUC = 0.668, P = 0.002), miR-23a (AUC = 0.637, P = 0.010), miR-27b (AUC = 0.642, P = 0.008), miR-324-5p (AUC = 0.621, P = 0.023), and miR-342-3p (AUC = 0.644, P = 0.007) were associated with HF diagnosis in regression and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analyses. Individually, NT-proBNP (AUC = 0.896, P = 9.68 × 10(-14)) and hs-troponin T (AUC = 0.750, P = 2.50 × 10(-6)) exhibited greater sensitivity and specificity. However, combining significantly associated microRNAs with NT-proBNP improved the AUC of NT-proBNP by 4.6% (P = 0.013). Four microRNAs, miR-103, miR-142-3p, miR-30b, and miR-342-3p, were differentially expressed between HF and controls, COPD, and other breathless patients (P = 0.002-0.030). Eight microRNAs that distinguished between HF-REF and HF-PEF in screening (P = 0.017-0.049) were not replicated in the validation.. Four microRNAs distinguished between HF and exacerbation of COPD, other causes of dyspnoea, and controls. Seven were associated with HF diagnosis in regression and ROC analysis. Although individually NT-proBNP was far superior in predicting HF, combining microRNA levels with NT-proBNP may add diagnostic value.

Topics: Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Biomarkers; Case-Control Studies; Dyspnea; Female; Heart Failure; Humans; Male; MicroRNAs; Middle Aged; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Peptide Fragments; Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive; Regression Analysis; ROC Curve; Stroke Volume; Troponin T

Dyspnea is a subjective experience of breathing discomfort; patients experience qualitatively distinct sensations that vary in intensity. Acute dyspnea might be secondary to an acute problem, or it might be an exacerbation of an existing disease (eg, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, heart failure). It also accompanies a variety of illnesses at the end of life. New information has changed differentiation between respiratory and cardiovascular etiologies of acute dyspnea, as well as rapid diagnosis of pulmonary embolism. Management of acute dyspnea from hypercapnic failure also has changed. Patients presenting with dyspnea most commonly have underlying cardiovascular and/or respiratory etiologies, and differentiating between the two can be challenging. B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) and N-terminal proB-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) are elevated when ventricular wall tension increases (eg, during a heart failure exacerbation). BNP and NT-proBNP are most useful for identifying patients with dyspnea who do not have heart failure. A BNP level less than 50 pg/mL has a negative predictive value of 96%, effectively ruling out heart failure; a serum BNP level less than 100 pg/mL has a negative likelihood ratio of 0.11. Patients with pulmonary embolism often present with dyspnea, and this condition needs to be diagnosed and managed expeditiously. When pulmonary embolism is suspected, use a clinical decision rule (eg, the Wells rule, the Geneva rule) to establish the probability of this condition. For patients with a low probability, obtain a D-dimer test; if the D-dimer result is negative, monitor the patient. A positive D-dimer result requires further investigation. For patients with intermediate or high probability, obtain computed tomography pulmonary angiography for a definitive diagnosis. Patients who have dyspnea from a chronic obstructive pulmonary disease exacerbation can experience hypercapnic failure. As an adjunct to usual medical treatment, noninvasive positive pressure ventilation decreases the need for mechanical ventilation and is particularly useful in patients who have chosen not to be resuscitated with intubation.

Topics: Acute Disease; Asthma; Biomarkers; Decision Support Systems, Clinical; Diagnosis, Differential; Dyspnea; Female; Fibrin Fibrinogen Degradation Products; Heart Failure; Humans; Middle Aged; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Oxygen Inhalation Therapy; Peptide Fragments; Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive; Pulmonary Embolism; Respiratory Tract Diseases

The main objective of this study was to determine a predictive cutoff value for plasma N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) that could successfully predict the long-term (4-year) survival of patients with acute heart failure (HF) at the time of admission to the emergency department (ED). To our best knowledge, our study is the first research done to identify a predictive cutoff value for admission NT-proBNP to the prescriptive 4-year survival of patients admitted to ED with acute HF diagnosis.. NT-proBNP levels were measured in plasma obtained from 99 patients with dyspnea and left ventricular dysfunction upon admission to the ED. The end point was survival from the time of inclusion through 4 years.. The mean age of the patients in this study was 71.1 ± 10.3 years; 50 of these patients were female. During the 4-year follow-up period, 76 patients died; survivors were significantly younger than non-survivors (64.26 ± 11.42 years vs 72.83 ± 11.07 years, P = .002). The optimal NT-proBNP cutoff point for predicting 4-year survival at the time of admission was 2300 pg/mL, which had 85.9% sensitivity and 39.1% specificity (95% confidence interval, area under the curve: 0.639, P = .044).. Elevated NT-proBNP levels at the time of admission are a strong and independent predictor of all-cause mortality in patients with acute HF 4 years after admission. Furthermore, the optimal cutoff level of NT-proBNP used to predict 4-year survival had high sensitivity. However, especially in the case of long-term survival, additional prospective, large, and multicenter studies are required to confirm our results.

Topics: Acute Disease; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Biomarkers; Cross-Sectional Studies; Dyspnea; Emergency Service, Hospital; Female; Heart Failure; Humans; Kaplan-Meier Estimate; Longitudinal Studies; Male; Middle Aged; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Peptide Fragments; Prognosis; Prospective Studies; Survival Rate; Ventricular Dysfunction, Left

We investigated the relationship between NT-pro-BNP, glomerular filtration rate (GFR), and all-cause mortality rates in a cohort of older people discharged from an internal medicine unit after admission for dyspnoea.. NT-pro-BNP was evaluated in serum samples of 134 patients aged 80 ± 6 years who presented to a single academic centre with worsening dyspnoea. History data and anthropometric, clinical, and biochemical parameters including GFR were collected at the time of admission. 119 out of 134 were discharged alive from hospital and were included in the follow-up of 779 ± 370 days.. 35 out of 119 subjects died after a follow-up of 266 ± 251 days. Cox proportional hazards model showed that GFR and Ln (NT-pro-BNP) were predictors for all-cause mortality with estimated hazard ratios of 0.969 (95% confidence interval: 0.950-0.988; P = 0.001) and 2.360 (95% confidence interval: 1.208-4.610; P = 0.012), respectively. Patients characterized by high NT-pro-BNP levels and GFR ≥ 60 mL/min/1.73 m(2) showed a dramatic reduction in survival duration compared with the groups with different combinations of the two variables (P = 0.008).. In the elderly, NT-pro-BNP and GFR are predictors of all-cause mortality after admission because of dyspnoea. Since the fact that subjects with high NT-pro-BNP and GFR ≥ 60 mL/min/1.73 m(2) exhibited a reduced survival, high admission NT-pro-BNP suggests future negative outcome.

Topics: Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Biomarkers; Dyspnea; Female; Glomerular Filtration Rate; Hospitalization; Humans; Kaplan-Meier Estimate; Kidney; Male; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Patient Admission; Peptide Fragments; Prognosis; Proportional Hazards Models

Congestion is a primary driver of symptoms in patients with acute heart failure, and relief of congestion is a critical goal of therapy. Monitoring of response to therapy through the assessment of daily weights and net fluid loss is the current standard of care, yet the relationship between commonly used markers of decongestion and both patient reported symptom relief and clinical outcomes are unknown.. We performed a retrospective analysis of the randomized clinical trial, diuretic optimization strategy evaluation in acute heart failure (DOSE-AHF), enrolling patients hospitalized with a diagnosis of acute decompensated heart failure. We assessed the relationship among 3 markers of decongestion at 72 hours-weight loss, net fluid loss, and percent reduction in serum N terminal B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) level-and relief of symptoms as defined by the dyspnea visual analog scale area under the curve. We also determined the relationship between each marker of decongestion and 60-day clinical outcomes defined as time to death, first rehospitalization or emergency department visit. Mean age was 66 years, mean ejection fraction was 35%, and 27% had ejection fraction ≥50%. Of the 3 measures of decongestion assessed, only percent reduction in NT-proBNP was significantly associated with symptom relief (r=0.13; P=0.04). There was no correlation between either weight loss or net fluid loss and symptom relief, (r=0.04; P=0.54 and r=0.07; P=0.27, respectively). Favorable changes in each of the 3 markers of decongestion were associated with improvement in time to death, rehospitalization, or emergency department visit at 60 days (weight: hazard ratio, 0.91; 95% confidence interval, 0.85-0.97 per 4 lbs; weight lost; fluid hazard ratio, 0.94; 95% confidence interval, 0.90-0.99 per 1000 mL fluid loss; NT-proBNP hazard ratio, 0.95; 95% confidence interval, 0.91-0.99 per 10% reduction). These associations were unchanged after multivariable adjustment with the exception that percent reduction in NT-proBNP was no longer a significant predictor (hazard ratio, 0.97; 95% confidence interval, 0.93-1.02). The rates of death, HF hospitalization, or emergency department visit at 60 days for patients with 0, 1, 2, and 3 markers of decongestion (above the median) were 67%, 64%, 46%, and 38%, respectively (log rank P value=0.05).. Weight loss, fluid loss, and NT-proBNP reduction at 72 hours are poorly correlated with dyspnea relief. However, favorable improvements in each of the 3 markers were associated with improved clinical outcomes at 60 days. These data suggest the need for ongoing research to understand the relationships among symptom relief, congestion, and outcomes in patients with acute decompensated heart failure.. URL: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov. UNIQUE IDENTIFIER: NCT00577135.

Topics: Acute Disease; Aged; Biomarkers; Chi-Square Distribution; Diuretics; Drug Administration Schedule; Dyspnea; Emergency Service, Hospital; Female; Furosemide; Heart Failure; Humans; Inpatients; Linear Models; Male; Middle Aged; Multivariate Analysis; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Patient Readmission; Peptide Fragments; Proportional Hazards Models; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Retrospective Studies; Risk Assessment; Risk Factors; Stroke Volume; Time Factors; Treatment Outcome; Ventricular Function, Left; Weight Loss

Cardiovascular diseases often coexist with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and in some cases it is difficult to differentiate between cardiac and pulmonary cause of dyspnoea. It is well known that the serum concentration of NT-proBNP in patients with cardiovascular diseases, especially with congestive heart failure, is elevated. The aim of this study was to estimate the usefulness of NT-proBNP serum level measurement in patients with COPD complaining of chronic dyspnoea.. The study group consisted of 81 stable COPD patients in middle age, 65 ± 7 years, (57 of them with concomitant cardiovascular disease). Serum concentration of NT-proBNP was measured using VITROS laboratory test.. There were no statistical differences in serum NT-proBNP between patients stratified according to the GOLD staging system for COPD severity or BODE index and mMRC breathlessness scale. The concentration of NT-proBNP was statistically significantly higher in the patients with coexisting cardiovascular diseases (220.8 ± 258.1 vs. 95.4±56.1 pg/ml). The group of patients with NT-proBNP concentration 〉 125 pg/ml (n = 36) was statistically significantly older (67.5 ± 6 years old vs. 63.2 ± 7.1 years old; p = 0.009) and had statistically significantly lower PaO2 (67.4 ± 11.8 mm Hg vs. 73.0 ± 11.6 mm Hg; p = 0.04).. 1. In the group of stable COPD patients there were no differences between NT-proBNP serum concentration according to GOLD staging, BODE index, and mMRC breathlessness scale. 2. The NT-proBNP serum concentration was statistically significantly higher in the group of COPD patients with the concomitant cardiovascular disease. 3. In patients with chronic dyspnoea testing of serum NT-proBNP may be useful in the detection of patients with cardiovascular problems, who require more intensive therapy.

Topics: Acute Disease; Age Factors; Aged; Biomarkers; Dyspnea; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Peptide Fragments; Poland; Predictive Value of Tests; Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive; Risk Factors; Severity of Illness Index

Sonographic assessment of jugular venous distension (US-JVD) has been described as a sensitive test for pulmonary oedema on chest x-ray in patients with dyspnoea, but chest x-ray may not detect all patients with raised B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels.. To compare US-JVD and initial BNP levels in patients with dyspnoea.. This was a secondary analysis of a previously collected dataset from a prospective study of US-JVD in patients with dyspnoea due to suspected congestive cardiac failure. Initial BNP levels were obtained for each patient. The sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values (PPV and NPV), and likelihood ratios (LR) of US-JVD ≥8 cm H(2)O for BNP ≥500 pg/ml were calculated. The product moment correlation coefficient between US-JVD and BNP was also calculated.. 119 patients were included in the initial study. US-JVD ≥8 cm H(2)O had a sensitivity of 100% (95% CI 92% to 100%), specificity of 43% (95% CI 31% to 56%), PPV of 61% (95% CI 50% to 71%), NPV of 100% (95% CI 84% to 100%), LR+=1.75 (95% CI 1.41 to 2.17), and LR-=0 for a BNP ≥ 500 pg/ml. The Pearson correlation coefficient between US-JVD and BNP was 0.35 (95% CI 0.18 to 0.50) and the Spearman correlation coefficient was 0.73 (95% CI 0.63 to 0.80), suggesting a monotonic, but non-linear relationship between US-JVD and BNP.. US-JVD correlates with initial BNP levels and is a sensitive test for raised BNP levels in patients with dyspnoea due to suspected congestive cardiac failure.

Topics: Aged; Dilatation, Pathologic; Dyspnea; Emergency Service, Hospital; Female; Heart Failure; Humans; Jugular Veins; Male; Middle Aged; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Prospective Studies; Sensitivity and Specificity; Ultrasonography

N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) plasma levels are associated with congestive heart failure severity, and are an important diagnostic tool for assessing patients with acute dyspnea. Reduced renal function increases NT-proBNP concentrations, and therefore it might be a confounding factor in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients.. The aim of the present study was to relate NT-proBNP plasma levels to different stages of renal function assessed with different methods in older adult subjects admitted because of dyspnea.. NT-proBNP plasma levels (Roche Diagnostic, Mannheim, Germany) were measured in 134 older adult patients (age: 80 ± 6 years) admitted to hospital because of dyspnea. Anthropometrics, anamnesis, and biochemical data were collected. Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) was evaluated with different equations, the 4 variables MDRD equations (GFR(MDRD186), GFR(MDRD175)), Mayo Clinic Quadratic formula (GFR(MAYO)), and the new CKD-EPI formula (GFR(CKD-EPI)). Patients were classified into the five K/DOQI stages of CKD and median NT-proBNP values were calculated evaluating their relationship with GFR.. Median NT-proBNP values were better stratified into the five K/DOQI stages by GFR(MAYO) (stage 1 (n = 10) 1,640 pg/ml vs. stage 2 (n = 61) 2,371 pg/ml vs. stage 3 (n = 42) 3,815 pg/ml vs. stage 4 (n = 18) 6,320 pg/ml vs. stage 5 (n = 3) 7,256 pg/ml, p = 0.017). However, similar results were obtained with the other formulae. NT-proBNP was negatively correlated with GFR as evaluated with all the different formulae (r -0.25 to -0.29; all p < 0.01). Multiple regression analysis confirmed the independent association between LnNT-proBNP and GFR.. NT-proBNP plasma levels progressively increase with worsening of renal function, and appear to be related to the five K/DOQI stages of CKD. For this purpose, GFR assessed with the GFR(MAYO) formula appears to better stratify NT-proBNP in older adult subjects. Renal function should be considered when interpreting NT-proBNP levels in older adult patients admitted for dyspnoea.

Topics: Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Aging; Dyspnea; Female; Glomerular Filtration Rate; Hospitalization; Humans; Kidney; Kidney Failure, Chronic; Male; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Peptide Fragments; Renal Insufficiency, Chronic

Topics: California; Dyspnea; Heart Failure; History, 21st Century; Humans; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain

Acute decompensated congestive heart failure (ADCHF) is a common etiology of dyspnea in emergency department (ED) patients. Delayed diagnosis of ADCHF increases morbidity and mortality. Two cardiac biomarkers, N-terminal-pro brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) and brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) have demonstrated excellent sensitivity in diagnostic accuracy studies, but the clinical impact on patient-oriented outcomes of these tests remains in question.. Does emergency physician awareness of BNP or NT-proBNP level improve ADCHF patient-important outcomes including ED length of stay, hospital length of stay, cardiovascular mortality, or overall health care costs?. Five trials have randomized clinicians to either knowledge of or no knowledge of ADCHF biomarker levels in ED patients with dyspnea and some suspicion for heart failure. In assessing patient-oriented outcomes such as length-of-stay, return visits, and overall health care costs, the randomized controlled trials fail to provide evidence of unequivocal benefit to patients, clinicians, or society.. Clinician awareness of BNP or NT-proBNP levels in ED dyspnea patients does not necessarily improve outcomes. Future ADCHF biomarker trials must assess patient-oriented outcomes in conjunction with validated risk-stratification instruments.

Topics: Acute Disease; Aged, 80 and over; Biomarkers; Dyspnea; Emergency Medicine; Emergency Service, Hospital; Heart Failure; Hospital Costs; Humans; Intensive Care Units; Length of Stay; Logistic Models; Male; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Patient Discharge; Prospective Studies

There is no gold standard for the differential diagnosis of acute dyspnea despite the usefulness of N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) and lung ultrasound. No study has evaluated the contribution of bioelectrical impedance vector analysis (BIVA) in discriminating between cardiac and noncardiac dyspnea. We sought to determine whether a relationship exists between ultrasound detection of lung congestion, NT-proBNP, and BIVA in patients with acute dyspnea.. Eligible patients were between 50 and 95 years, with an estimated glomerular filtration rate of ≥30 mL min(-1) 1.73 m(-2), who presented to an emergency department with dyspnea. Dyspnea was classified by reviewers blinded to BIVA as cardiac or noncardiac based on physical examination, electrocardiogram, chest X-ray, NT-proBNP, and B-lines of lung congestion on ultrasound. Overall, 315 patients were enrolled (median age 77 years, 48% male). An adjudicated diagnosis of cardiac dyspnea was established in 169 (54%). Using BIVA, vector positions below -1 SD of the Z-score of reactance were associated with peripheral congestion (χ(2) = 115; P < .001). BIVA measures were reasonably accurate in discriminating cardiac and noncardiac dyspnea (69% sensitivity, 79% specificity, 80% area under the receiver operating characteristic curve).. In patients presenting with acute dyspnea, the combination of BIVA and lung ultrasound may provide a rapid noninvasive method to determine the cause of dyspnea.

Topics: Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Cross-Sectional Studies; Diagnosis, Differential; Dyspnea; Electric Impedance; Female; Humans; Lung Diseases; Male; Middle Aged; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Peptide Fragments; Prospective Studies; Ultrasonography

Topics: Dyspnea; Female; Heart Failure; Humans; Male; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Peak Expiratory Flow Rate

Rho kinases (ROCKs) are the best characterized effectors of the small G-protein RhoA, and play a role in enhanced vasoconstriction in animal models of congestive heart failure (CHF). This study examined if ROCK activity is increased in CHF and how it is associated with the outcome in CHF.. Patients admitted with CHF (n =178), disease controls (n =31), and normal subjects (n =30) were studied. Baseline ROCK activity was measured by phosphorylation of themyosin-binding subunit in peripheral leucocytes. The patients were followed up for 14.4 ± 7.2 months (range 0.5-26 months) or until the occurrence of cardiac death. The ROCK activity in CHF patients (2.93 ± 0.87) was significantly higher than that of the disease control (2.06 ± 0.38, P < 0.001) and normal control (1.57 ± 0.43, P < 0.001) groups. Similarly, protein levels of ROCK1 and ROCK2 as well as the activity of RhoA in CHF were significantly higher than in disease controls and normal controls (all P < 0.05). Dyspnoea at rest (β =0.338, P < 0.001), low left ventricular ejection fraction (β = -0.277, P < 0.001), and high creatinine (β =0.202, P =0.006) were independent predictors of the baseline ROCK activity in CHF. Forty-five patients died within 2 years follow-up (25.3%). Combining ROCK activity and N-terminal pro brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) had an incremental value (log rank χ(2) =11.62) in predicting long-term mortality when compared with only NT-proBNP (log rank χ(2) =5.16, P < 0.05).. ROCK activity is increased in CHF and it might be associated with the mortality in CHF. ROCK activity might be a complementary biomarker to CHF risk stratification.

Topics: Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Blotting, Western; Case-Control Studies; Dyspnea; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Heart Failure; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Peptide Fragments; Prognosis; rho-Associated Kinases; rhoA GTP-Binding Protein; Risk Factors; Stroke Volume

The aim of this study was to assess diagnostic and prognostic value of mid-regional pro-atrial natriuretic peptide (MR-proANP) and adrenomedullin (MR-proADM) for the evaluation of patients presenting to the emergency department with acute dyspnoea.. A total of 560 patients from the pro-B type natriuretic peptide Investigation of Dyspnoea in the Emergency Department were evaluated; 180 had acutely decompensated heart failure (ADHF). Concentrations of amino-terminal pro-B type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), MR-proADM, and MR-proANP were measured, and patients were followed to 4 years for survival. Logistic regression evaluated utility of MR-proANP in ADHF diagnosis. Area under the curve (AUC), multivariate Cox regression, net reclassification improvement, and Kaplan-Meier survival analyses were used for mortality analyses. Mid-regional pro-atrial natriuretic peptide was higher in patients with ADHF (median 329 vs. 58 pmol/L; P < 0.001), and remained an independent predictor of HF diagnosis even when NT-proBNP was included as a covariate (odds ratio = 4.34, 95% CI = 2.11-8.92; P < 0.001). In time-dependent analyses, MR-proADM had the highest AUC for death during the first year; after 1 year, MR-proANP and NT-proBNP had a higher AUC. Both mid-regional peptides were independently prognostic and reclassified risk at 1 year [MR-proANP, hazard ratio (HR) = 2.99, MR-proADM, HR = 2.70; both P < 0.001] and at 4 years (MR-proANP, HR = 3.12, P < 0.001; MR-proADM, HR = 1.51, P = 0.03) and in Kaplan-Meier curves both mid-regional peptides were associated with death out to 4 years, individually or in a multimarker strategy.. Among patients with acute dyspnoea, MR-proANP is accurate for diagnosis of ADHF, while both MR-proANP and MR-proADM are independently prognostic to 4 years of the follow-up.

Topics: Acute Disease; Adrenomedullin; Area Under Curve; Atrial Natriuretic Factor; Dyspnea; Heart Failure; Humans; Kaplan-Meier Estimate; Middle Aged; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Peptide Fragments; Prognosis; Protein Precursors

The cardiac biomarker NT-proBNP indicates cardiac load in terms of myocardial wall stress. The objective of the study was to compare the results of NT-proBNP measurements in healthy dogs and dogs with dyspnea as well as asymptomatic dogs with heart murmur with the literature.. Between April 2007 and December 2007 dogs with dyspnea of non-cardiac origin (n=11), dogs with dyspnea of cardiac origin (n=18) and asymptomatic dogs with heart murmur (n=22) were included. Twelve clinically healthy dogs served as a control group. All animals underwent cardiologic examination including echocardiography and measurement of serum NT-proBNP concentration. Serum was centrifuged and frozen within 30 minutes and was stored frozen until analysis was performed.. Median NT-proBNP concentration in healthy dogs was 240 pmol/l (range 131-546 pmol/l). Dogs with dyspnea and primary respiratory disease displayed a median NT-proBNP concentration of 876 pmol/l (range 97-2614 pmol/l). In patients with dyspnea of non-cardiac origin, there was a difference in the values of NT-proBNP of dogs with and without pulmonary hypertension diagnosed by echocardiography. Dogs with dyspnea of cardiac origin displayed a median NT-proBNP concentration of 2000 pmol/l (range 137-2614 pmol/l). Low normal NT-proBNP values were only found in patients with pericardial effusion. Median NT-proBNP concentration in asymptomatic dogs with heart murmur was 698.5 pmol/l (range 121-2614 pmol/l). Considerably increased values were particularly measured in asymptomatic patients with severe congenital heart disease.. NT-proBNP represents a useful additional diagnostic parameter in veterinary clinical cardiology to assess the severity of cardiac disease. Interpretation must take into consideration the clinical picture of the patient, as dogs with severe arrhythmias, sepsis and pulmonary thromboembolism may display high NT-proBNP levels without congestive heart failure. Our results indicate the following cut-off values: <500 pmol/l: no relevant cardiac load; 500-900 pmol/l: moderate cardiac load; >900 pmol/l: severe cardiac load.

Topics: Animals; Biomarkers; Case-Control Studies; Dog Diseases; Dogs; Dyspnea; Echocardiography; Female; Heart Diseases; Heart Murmurs; Hypertension, Pulmonary; Male; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Peptide Fragments; Severity of Illness Index

Topics: Adrenomedullin; Atrial Natriuretic Factor; Dyspnea; Heart Failure; Humans; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Peptide Fragments; Protein Precursors

Due to different release mechanisms, mid-regional pro-atrial natriuretic peptide (MR proANP) may be superior to N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT proBNP) in the diagnosis of acute heart failure (AHF) in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). We compared MR proANP and NT proBNP for their diagnostic value in patients with AF and sinus rhythm (SR).. Prospective cohort study.. University hospital, emergency department.. 632 consecutive patients presenting with acute dyspnoea.. MR proANP and NT proBNP plasma levels were determined. The diagnosis of AHF was adjudicated by two independent cardiologists using all available data. Patients received long-term follow-up.. AF was present in 151 patients (24%). MR proANP and NT proBNP levels were significantly higher in the AF group compared with the SR group (385 (258-598) versus 201 (89-375) pmol/l for MR proANP, p<0.001 and 4916 (2169-10285) versus 1177 (258-5166) pg/ml, p<0.001 for NT proBNP). Diagnostic accuracy in AF patients was similar for MR proANP (0.90, 95% CI 0.84 to 0.95) and NT proBNP (0.89, 95% CI 0.81 to 0.96). Optimal cut-off levels in AF patients were significantly higher compared with the optimal cut-off levels for patients in SR (MR proANP 240 vs 200 pmol/l; NT proBNP 2670 vs 1500 pg/ml respectively). After adjustment in multivariable Cox proportional hazard analysis, MR proANP strongly predicted one-year all-cause mortality (HR=1.13 (1.09-1.17), per 100 pmol/l increase, p<0.001).. In AF patients, NT proBNP and MR proANP have similar diagnostic value for the diagnosis of AHF. The rhythm at presentation has to be taken into account because plasma levels of both peptides are significantly higher in patients with AF compared with SR.

Topics: Acute Disease; Aged; Atrial Fibrillation; Atrial Natriuretic Factor; Cohort Studies; Dyspnea; Heart Failure; Humans; Middle Aged; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Peptide Fragments; Prospective Studies; Protein Precursors; Reproducibility of Results

The dosage of natriuretic peptides improves diagnostic performance in patients with acute dyspnea when combined with clinical elements. The high sensitivity of this test allows reasonably excluding heart failure when the value is normal. Nevertheless, an increased level of this biomarker is not specific of heart failure and can be observed in different pathologies such as renal failure, sepsis or elevated pulmonary arterial pressure. We therefore analyse the diagnostic performance of natriuretic peptide in COPD patients and discuss its use for the detection of heart failure in this population.

Topics: Biomarkers; Dyspnea; Heart Failure; Humans; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive

To determine the association of the pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) plasma levels with twodimensional echocardiographic determination of left ventricular dimensions and ejection fraction (EF) in acute dyspneic patients.. An observational cross-sectional study.. Tabba Heart Institute, Karachi, from January to June 2010.. One hundred patients were selected by consecutive purposive non-probability sampling who had presented with acute dyspnoea. NT-proBNP levels were assessed by commercial tests (Roche Diagnostics). The clinical diagnosis of congestive heart failure (CHF), echocardiographic assessment of left ventricular dimensions and function were compared with NT-proBNP levels. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was estimated for NT-proBNP and compared. The chi-square test was applied for categorical and student's t-test for numerical data at 0.05 levels of significance were used to compare patients with and without heart failure. Further comparative analysis between groups on the basis of ejection fraction was done by one way ANOVA test.. Seventy-nine patients (79%) had CHF as a cause of their dyspnoea. Patients with CHF were older (61.9 ± 14 years vs. 58.6 ± 14 years, p=0.368), had a lower EF (36.9% vs. 61%, p < 0.0001), had a higher LV dimensions, left ventricular end diastolic dimension - LVEDD (49.94 ± 5.6 vs. 42 ± 7.9 mm, p < 0.0001), left ventricular end systolic dimension - LVESD (37.31 ± 6 vs. 29.21 ± 10.9 mm, p < 0.0001) and a higher NT-proBNP (10918 ± 1228 vs. 461 ± 100 pg/mL, p < 0.0001) than patients without CHF. NT-proBNP values increased with the severity of ventricular impairment. Significant differences were found between patients with LVEF < 25 % and patients with moderate ventricular impairment (LVEF = 26 - 40%) and mild ventricular impairment (LVEF = 41-60%, p < 0.001). The group of patients with LV dilation, had significantly higher BNP levels than those with normal LVEDD (12416 ± 1060 pg/ml vs. 6113 ± 960, p = 0.009) and LVESD (10416 ± 1160 vs. 4513 ± 960 pg/ml, p = 0.008). Area under ROC curve for the diagnosis of CHF was significantly higher for NT-proBNP (AUC 0.99, p < 0.003). The sensitivity of NT-proBNP value of > 300 pg/mL for the diagnosis of CHF was 100% and specificity was 42%. A cut-point of 300 pg/mL NT-proBNP had 100% negative predictive value to exclude acute CHF.. NT-proBNP is strongly associated with two-dimensional echocardiographic determination of left ventricular dimensions and EF in identifying CHF in patients with acute dyspnoea.

Topics: Acute Disease; Adult; Age Distribution; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Analysis of Variance; Biomarkers; Cross-Sectional Studies; Dyspnea; Echocardiography, Doppler; Female; Heart Failure; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Pakistan; Peptide Fragments; Risk Factors; ROC Curve; Sex Distribution; Ventricular Dysfunction, Left; Ventricular Function, Left

Both serum measurements of B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) and impedance cardiography (ICG) are used to evaluate patients for congestive heart failure (CHF) in the Emergency Department (ED), but the agreement between the data obtained by these two methods remains uncertain.. We sought to measure the correlation between BNP levels and ICG measurements in patients presenting to the ED with dyspnea, and compare the diagnostic accuracy of each method in diagnosing CHF.. We performed a prospective observational study of a convenience sample of patients presenting to the ED with dyspnea and being evaluated for CHF as a cause of their symptoms. An ICG measurement was obtained on each patient and the correlation between BNP level and the ICG parameters cardiac index (CI), systemic vascular resistance (SVR), and thoracic fluid content (TFC) was measured. To further quantify the diagnostic accuracy of ICG and BNP, we then constructed receiver operating characteristic curves based on discharge diagnosis of CHF and compared the area under the curve (AUC) of each test.. Out of 54 patients enrolled, correlation was poor between BNP and CI (Spearman's ρ = -.07, p = 0.64) and between BNP and SVR (Spearman's ρ = -.10, p = 0.46), but moderate between BNP and TFC (Spearman's ρ = .32, p = 0.02); a wide degree of scatter was seen in all correlations. BNP levels showed the best diagnostic accuracy for a discharge diagnosis of CHF, with an AUC of .77 (95% confidence interval .59-.95), whereas CI had an AUC of .72 (95% confidence interval .55-.88).. We found limited correlation between BNP levels and ICG parameters, suggesting that, in our population, the two tests may not consistently give similar information. BNP level and CI both provided only fair diagnostic accuracy for discharge diagnosis of CHF.

Topics: Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Cardiac Output; Cardiography, Impedance; Dyspnea; Female; Heart Failure; Humans; Male; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Vascular Resistance

Topics: Biomarkers; Diagnosis, Differential; Dyspnea; Edema, Cardiac; Heart Failure; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain

Topics: Biomarkers; Dyspnea; Emergency Service, Hospital; Heart Failure; Hemodynamics; Hemoglobins; Humans; Monitoring, Intraoperative; Monitoring, Physiologic; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Resuscitation; Shock, Cardiogenic

The relationship between asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) and symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA) plasma concentrations and acute heart failure is unknown. We evaluated ADMA and SDMA in patients with acute dyspnea.. We studied 57 dyspneic subjects (50-95 years), with estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) ≥ 30 mL/min/1.73 m², presenting to the emergency department. Troponin I, N terminal-proBNP (NT-proBNP), ADMA, and SDMA were measured. Electrocardiogram, chest X-ray and lung ultrasound were performed. Patients were classified into cardiogenic dyspnea and non-cardiogenic dyspnea, and were also classified on the basis of renal function according to their eGFR.. Two-way analysis of variance demonstrated that ADMA and SDMA did not differ for type of dyspnea, but increased in renal dysfunction. NT-proBNP significantly increased both in cardiogenic dyspnea and renal dysfunction. Multiple regression analysis demonstrated that after adjustment for troponin and dyspnea, the only variables which significantly correlated with SDMA plasma concentrations were renal function (β = -0.47, p < 0.001) and NT-proBNP (β = 0.28, p = 0.02).. Neither type of dimethylarginine showed cardiogenic dyspnea to be a determinant for plasma concentrations. Renal dysfunction was a confounder for both ADMA and SDMA.

Topics: Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Analysis of Variance; Arginine; Biomarkers; Dyspnea; Female; Heart Failure; Humans; Kidney; Male; Middle Aged; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Peptide Fragments; Regression Analysis

B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) assay is a useful tool in order to diagnose dyspnea due to congestive heart failure (CHF). On the other hand many other diseases could affect BNP levels. The aim of this study was to investigate a group of elderly patients admitted to an Internal Medicine unit because of dyspnea.. NT-proBNP was assessed in 132 consecutive patients aged 80±6 years because of dyspnea. History data, anthropometric, clinical and biochemical parameters were collected. Renal function was assessed by the CKD-EPI formula. Diagnosis of pulmonary disease such as infections and chronic obstructive disease was considered and was analyzed as a single parameter. Statistical analysis was carried out dividing patients with high NT-proBNP from those with normal NT-proBNP according to the Januzzi cut-off.. NT-proBNP was higher than the normal reference values in 68.7% of patients and its levels increased in the 5 different stages of chronic kidney disease. Subjects with high NT-proBNP had lower haemoglobin levels (11.6±2.1 vs 12.8±1.9 g/dl, p=0.003), higher prevalence of atrial fibrillation (54.3 vs 25%, p=0.001), and lower prevalence of pulmonary diseases (29.7 vs 57.5%, p=0.005). Logistic regression analysis showed that NT-proBNP levels were independently associated with haemoglobin (OR 1.307 95% CI 1.072-1.593, p=0.008) and pulmonary diseases (OR 3.069 95% CI 1.385-6.801, p=0.006).. A disease different from CHF appears to affect NT-proBNP plasma levels. Therefore, determination of its levels does not seem to help clinicians in the definition of dyspnea in elderly people with different comorbidities.

Topics: Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Algorithms; Biomarkers; Diagnosis, Differential; Dyspnea; Female; Humans; Logistic Models; Lung Diseases; Male; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Peptide Fragments; Predictive Value of Tests; Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive; Regression Analysis; Risk Assessment; Risk Factors; Sensitivity and Specificity

To evaluate the effects of noncardiac disease on c-terminal brain natriuretic peptide (cBNP) concentrations in dogs.. Prospective observational study.. Urban university veterinary hospital.. Thirty-eight apparently healthy dogs, 28 dogs with cardiac disease (14 CHF, 14 non-CHF), and 81 dogs with primary noncardiac diseases.. none.. Plasma was collected from each dog and analyzed for active (cBNP) B-type natriuretic peptide using an assay that is being investigated for commercial use (Biosite).. Dogs with CHF had significantly higher plasma cBNP concentrations than dogs with subclinical cardiac disease, apparently healthy dogs, or dogs with primary noncardiac disease. However, 21% (28/133) of dogs without CHF (including healthy dogs, dogs with primary noncardiac disease, and dogs with subclinical cardiac disease) had cBNP concentrations above previously identified diagnostic thresholds for CHF, reiterating the importance of reestablishing new diagnostic cutoffs when considering comorbidities affecting B-type natriuretic peptide levels.. A clinically relevant proportion of nondyspneic dogs with primary noncardiac diseases have increased cBNP concentrations that exceed previously identified diagnostic thresholds, potentially limiting the ability of this test to identify CHF when noncardiac comorbidities exist. Interpretation of increased cBNP concentrations in such cases must be appropriately interpreted with further diagnostic investigation.

Topics: Animals; Biomarkers; Diagnosis, Differential; Dog Diseases; Dogs; Dyspnea; Female; Heart Diseases; Male; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Prospective Studies

Combined interpretation of late diastolic mitral annulus velocity (A') with left atrial volume index (LAVi) may have additional benefits in the assessment of diastolic dysfunction.. The LAVi/A' ratio may be useful in the identifying advanced diastolic dysfunction (ADD) and predicting clinical outcomes in patients with dyspnea.. We enrolled 395 consecutive patients hospitalized with dyspnea (New York Heart Association class II-IV) and performed transthoracic Doppler echocardiography and B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) measurement. LAVi/A' values were evaluated in terms of diagnosing ADD and predicting clinical outcome.. On the receiver operation characteristic curve analysis for the determination of ADD, the area under the curves of LAVi/A' in the entire population was comparable to those of BNP (0.94 vs 0.93, P = 0.845) and mitral E/E' (0.94 vs 0.93, P = 0.614) and higher than that of LAVi (0.94 vs 0.87; P = 0.014). A LAVi/A' of 4.0 was the best cut-off value to identify ADD. During a median follow-up of 31.9 months (range, 0.3 to 45.7 months), the group with LAVi/A' ≥4.0 had a higher incidence of primary composite outcomes (cardiac death and/or rehospitalization for heart failure) than the group with LAVi/A'<4.0 (25.0% vs 3.3%, P < 0.001). LAVi/A' ≥4.0 was an independent predictor of clinical outcomes (odds ratio, 3.245; 95% confidence interval, 1.386-7.598; P = 0.007).. As a new echo index, LAVi/A' is a useful parameter to identify ADD and predict clinical outcomes in patients with dyspnea.

Topics: Diastole; Dyspnea; Echocardiography; Echocardiography, Doppler; Female; Heart Atria; Heart Failure; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Mitral Valve; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Prospective Studies; ROC Curve; Stroke Volume; Ventricular Dysfunction, Left; Ventricular Function, Left

Currently available endothelin receptor antagonists for treating pulmonary arterial hypertension block either the endothelin (ET) receptor A or both A and B receptors. Transition from one endothelin receptor antagonist to another may theoretically alter side-effects or efficacy. We report our experience of a transition from sitaxsentan to ambrisentan, both predominant ET(A) receptor antagonists, in pulmonary arterial hypertension patients.. At Baylor Pulmonary Hypertension Center, 18 patients enrolled in the open-label extension phase of the original sitaxsentan studies (Sitaxsentan To Relieve ImpaireD Exercise) were transitioned to ambrisentan (from July 2007 to September 2007) at the time of study closure. Pre-transition (PreT), 1 month (1Mth) and 1 year (1Yr) post-transition assessments of 6-minute walk distance (6MWD), brain naturetic peptide (BNP) levels, WHO functional class (WHO FC), Borg dyspnea score (BDS), oxygen saturation, liver function, and peripheral edema were compared.. 6MWD was 356 ± 126 m at PreT, 361 ± 125 m at 1Mth, and 394 ± 114 m at 1Yr (mean ± SD). There was no difference in the walk distance at 1Mth and 1Yr post transition compared with PreT (P=0.92, 0.41 respectively). Oxygen saturation was no different at 1Mth and 1Yr to PreT level (P=0.49 and P=0.06 respectively). BNP was 178 ± 44 pg/mL at PreT, 129 ± 144 pg/mL at 1Mth and 157 ± 201 at 1Yr. Peripheral edema was present in 7/18 patients at PreT, in 8/16 patients at 1Mth, and in 6/13 patients at 1Yr post transition. Proportions of patients with edema over these 3 time points did not change significantly (P=0.803). At 1Yr, 2 patients had died, 1 had undergone lung transplantation, 1 had relocated, and 1 patient was started on intravenous prostacyclin therapy. Over 3 points (baseline, 1 month, and 1 year), there was no significant change in function class (P=0.672).. Our limited data suggest that ET(A) receptor antagonists can be switched from one to another with sustained exercise capacity and maintained WHO FC with no increase in incidence of peripheral edema.

Topics: Adult; Aged; Antihypertensive Agents; Blood Pressure; Drug Substitution; Dyspnea; Edema; Endothelin A Receptor Antagonists; Exercise Test; Exercise Tolerance; Familial Primary Pulmonary Hypertension; Female; Humans; Hypertension, Pulmonary; Isoxazoles; Liver Function Tests; Male; Middle Aged; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Oxygen; Phenylpropionates; Pyridazines; Retrospective Studies; Texas; Thiophenes; Time Factors; Treatment Outcome; Walking

Soluble ST2 (sST2), an interleukin-1 receptor family member, is an emerging risk indicator for patients with cardiovascular disease. We evaluated the prognostic role of sST2 for patients presenting to the emergency department with acute dyspnea, with a focus on those with preserved left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF ≥50%), as risk stratification is often most complex in this subgroup.. We conducted a post hoc analysis of 387 patients [39% female, mean (SD) age 57.6 (14.5) years] presenting to the emergency department with dyspnea and followed for 1 year (97% complete follow-up). We examined clinical data, concentrations of serum biomarkers [sST2, amino-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP)], and transthoracic echocardiography.. Patients had a median sST2 concentration of 38.4 U/mL [interquartile range (IQR) 25.5-64 U/mL]. Forty-six patients (12%) died during follow-up. Log sST2 [hazard ratio (HR) (95% CI) 2.85 (2.04-3.99), P < 0.001rsqb] and log NT-proBNP [1.28 (1.13-1.45), P < 0.001] concentrations were significant predictors of mortality at 1 year. After multivariate adjustment, only sST2 remained predictive of mortality [per log: 2.14 (1.37-3.38), P = 0.001]. In the subpopulation of individuals with normal systolic function (n = 200), only sST2 continued to predict mortality after multivariate adjustment [per log: 2.57 (1.12-5.91), P = 0.03]. Only NT-proBNP, but not sST2, concentrations correlated with multiple echocardiographic indices of left ventricular diastolic function.. sST2 is a strong predictor of mortality in patients presenting with acute dyspnea, particularly those with preserved LVEF, and may be useful for triage and risk stratification of this challenging group.

Topics: Acute Disease; Biomarkers; Dyspnea; Female; Heart Diseases; Humans; Interleukin-1 Receptor-Like 1 Protein; Male; Middle Aged; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Peptide Fragments; Predictive Value of Tests; Prognosis; Prospective Studies; Receptors, Cell Surface; Stroke Volume; Ultrasonography; Ventricular Function, Left

The diagnosis and treatment of dyspnea in the emergency department and in the prehospital setting is a challenge faced by the emergency physician and other prehospital care providers. While the use of lung ultrasound as a diagnostic tool in dyspneic patients has been well researched, there has been limited evaluation of its use in the prehospital setting. In the previous issue of Critical Care, Prosen and colleagues study the accuracy of lung ultrasound compared with both N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide and the clinical examination for differentiating between acute decompensated congestive heart failure and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease exacerbations for patients in the prehospital setting. Their article adds to the growing body of evidence demonstrating the diagnostic efficacy of lung ultrasound in differentiating between these two disease processes in the acutely dyspneic patient.

Topics: Asthma; Dyspnea; Emergency Medical Services; Female; Heart Failure; Humans; Lung; Male; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive; Ultrasonography

Topics: Aged; Amyloidosis; Antibodies, Antinuclear; Antirheumatic Agents; Arthritis, Rheumatoid; Benzimidazoles; Biphenyl Compounds; Carbazoles; Carvedilol; Drug Therapy, Combination; Dyspnea; Etanercept; Female; Furosemide; Glucocorticoids; Hand; Heart Failure; Humans; Immunoglobulin G; Lung Diseases, Interstitial; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Propanolamines; Radiography; Receptors, Tumor Necrosis Factor; Rheumatoid Factor; Ribonucleosides; Scleroderma, Systemic; Spironolactone; Sulfasalazine; Tetrazoles; Treatment Outcome

Topics: Biomarkers; Diagnosis, Differential; Dyspnea; Edema; Fatigue; Heart Failure; Humans; Meta-Analysis as Topic; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Practice Guidelines as Topic; Predictive Value of Tests; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Risk Assessment; Risk Factors; Sensitivity and Specificity

Few data are available on the exercise-induced abnormalities of myocardial function in patients with exertional dyspnoea and normal left ventricular ejection fraction (LV EF). The main aims of this study were to determine the prevalence of isolated exercise-induced heart failure with normal ejection fraction (HFNEF) and to assess whether disturbances in LV or right ventricular longitudinal systolic function are associated with the diagnosis of HFNEF.. Eighty-four patients with exertional dyspnoea and normal LV EF and 14 healthy controls underwent spirometry, NT-proBNP plasma analysis, and exercise echocardiography. Doppler LV inflow and tissue mitral and tricuspid annular velocities were analysed at rest and immediately after the termination of exercise. Of the 30 patients with the evidence of HFNEF, 6 (20%) patients had only isolated exercise-induced HFNEF. When compared with the remaining patients, those with HFNEF had a significantly lower resting and exercise peak mitral annular systolic velocity (Sa) and the mitral annular velocity during atrial contraction, lower exercise peak mitral annular velocity at early diastole, and lower exercise peak systolic velocity of tricuspid annular motion. The multivariate logistic regression analysis including both parameters standardly defining HFNEF and the new Doppler variables potentially associated with the diagnosis of HFNEF revealed that NT-proBNP, LV mass index, left atrial volume index, and Sa significantly and independently predict the diagnosis of HFNEF.. A significant proportion of patients require exercise to diagnose HFNEF. Sa appears to be a significant independent predictor of HFNEF, which may increase the diagnostic value of models utilizing the variables recommended by the European Society of Cardiology guidelines.

Topics: Aged; Area Under Curve; Dyspnea; Echocardiography, Doppler; Exercise; Exercise Test; Exercise Tolerance; Female; Health Status Indicators; Heart Failure; Hemodynamics; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Odds Ratio; Peptide Fragments; Prevalence; Prognosis; Risk Factors; Stroke Volume; Ventricular Function, Left

Some UK GPs are acquiring access to natriuretic peptide (NP) testing or echocardiography as diagnostic tests for heart failure. This study developed appropriateness ratings for the diagnostic application of these tests in routine general practice.. To develop appropriateness ratings for the diagnostic application of NP testing or echocardiography for heart failure in general practice.. An appropriateness ratings evaluation in UK general practice.. Four presenting symptoms (cough, bilateral ankle swelling, dyspnoea, fatigue), three levels of risk of cardiovascular disease (low, intermediate, high), and dichotomous categorisations of cardiovascular/chest examination and electrocardiogram result, were used to create 540 appropriateness scenarios for patients in whom NP testing or echocardiography might be considered. These were rated by a 10-person expert panel, consisting of GPs and GPs with specialist interests in cardiology, in a two-round RAND Appropriateness Method.. Onward referral for NP testing or echocardiography was rated as an appropriate next step in 217 (40.2%) of the 540 scenarios; in 194 (35.9%) it was rated inappropriate. The ratings also show where NP testing or echocardiography were ranked as equivalent next steps and when one test was seen as the more appropriate than the other.. NP testing should be the routine test for suspected heart failure where referral for diagnostic testing is considered appropriate. An abnormal electrocardiogram status makes referral to echocardiography an accompanying, or more appropriate, next step alongside NP testing, especially in the presence of dyspnoea. Abnormal NP testing should subsequently be followed up with referral for echocardiography.

Topics: Attitude of Health Personnel; Biomarkers; Consensus; Cough; Diagnostic Errors; Dyspnea; Echocardiography; Edema, Cardiac; Family Practice; Fatigue; Heart Failure; Humans; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Peptide Fragments; Professional Practice; Risk Factors; Triage

Topics: Acute Disease; Drug Approval; Dyspnea; Heart Failure; Humans; Hypotension; Natriuretic Agents; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Treatment Outcome

Few tools exist that provide objective accurate prediction of short-term mortality risk in patients presenting with acute heart failure (AHF). The purpose was to describe the accuracy of several biomarkers for predicting short-term death rates in patients diagnosed with AHF in the emergency department (ED).. The Biomarkers in ACute Heart failure (BACH) trial was a prospective, 15-center, international study of patients presenting to the ED with nontraumatic dyspnea. Clinicians were blinded to all investigational markers, except troponin and natriuretic peptides, which used the local hospital reference range. For this secondary analysis, a core lab was used for all markers except troponin. This study evaluated patients diagnosed with AHF by the on-site emergency physician (EP).. In the 1,641 BACH patients, 466 (28.4%) had an ED diagnosis of AHF, of whom 411 (88.2%) had a final diagnosis of AHF. In the ED-diagnosed HF patients, 59% were male, 69% had a HF history, and 19 (4.1%) died within 14 days of their ED visit. The area under the curve (AUC) for the 14-day mortality receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was 0.484 for brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), 0.586 for N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), 0.755 for troponin (I or T), 0.742 for adrenomedullin (MR-proADM), and 0.803 for copeptin. In combination, MR-proADM and copeptin had the best 14-day mortality prediction (AUC = 0.818), versus all other markers.. MR-proADM and copeptin, alone or in combination, may provide superior short-term mortality prediction compared to natriuretic peptides and troponin. Presented results are explorative due to the limited number of events, but validation in larger trials seems promising.

Topics: Acute Disease; Adrenomedullin; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Atrial Natriuretic Factor; Biomarkers; Dyspnea; Emergency Service, Hospital; Female; Glycopeptides; Heart Failure; Humans; Length of Stay; Male; Middle Aged; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Peptide Fragments; Predictive Value of Tests; Prospective Studies; Reproducibility of Results; Risk; ROC Curve; Time Factors

Topics: Acute Coronary Syndrome; Americas; Atrial Natriuretic Factor; Biomarkers; Dyspnea; Early Diagnosis; Emergency Service, Hospital; Europe; Heart Diseases; Heart Failure; Humans; Hypertension, Pulmonary; Intensive Care Units; Japan; Myocardial Infarction; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Patient Discharge; Peptide Fragments; Practice Guidelines as Topic; Predictive Value of Tests; Prognosis; Survival Rate; Troponin; Ventricular Dysfunction, Left

Topics: Dyspnea; Heart Failure; Humans; Natriuretic Agents; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain

To determine the diagnostic significance of plasma NT-proBNP estimation in patients presenting with acute dyspnea in Emergency Department.. An observational, cross sectional study.. From January to June 2008 at Liaquat National Hospital, Karachi.. In this study, 100 patients were selected with purposive non-probability sampling who had presented to the emergency department with acute dyspnea. Plasma NT-proBNP levels, chest X-ray and transthoracic echocardiography were performed at the time of admission. NT-proBNP levels were assessed by commercial tests. The clinical diagnosis of congestive heart failure, patient's hospital course and discharge diagnosis were cross-tabulated with NT-proBNP levels. The chi-square test for categorical data and Student's t-test for numerical data was applied at 0.05 level of significance to compare patients with and without heart failure (HF). Further comparative analysis between age groups was done by one way ANOVA test.. The mean NT-proBNP level among the 79 subjects with a final diagnosis of heart failure was 10918 compared with 461 pg/ml in those without heart failure (p=0.001). The diagnostic accuracy of NT-proBNP at a cutoff of 300 pg/milliliter (ml) was 100 percent. An optimal strategy to identify acute HF was to use age-related cut-points of 450 and 900 pg/ml for ages < 50 and > 50 years, which yielded 100% sensitivity and 86% specificity for acute HF. An age-independent cut-point of 300 pg/ml had 100% negative predictive value to exclude acute HF.. NT-proBNP is useful in establishing or excluding the diagnosis of congestive heart failure in patients with acute dyspnea.

Topics: Acute Disease; Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Cross-Sectional Studies; Dyspnea; Female; Heart Failure; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Peptide Fragments; Protein Precursors; Sensitivity and Specificity

The European Society of Cardiology recently proposed a new algorithm "How to diagnose heart failure with normal ejection fraction". Central element of the diagnostic strategy is the demonstration of diastolic dysfunction, either by tissue Doppler-derived indices in first line, or in second line by a combination of elevated blood levels of natriuretic peptide with abnormal tissue Doppler findings. We thought to use this diagnostic flowchart in a population-based cohort of elderly women, in whom the prevalence of diastolic dysfunction and heart failure is believed to be high. The purpose was to evaluate the association of dyspnea with the presence of diastolic dysfunction.. The study cohort recruited from a cross-sectional follow-up examination of the SALIA cohort (study on the influence of air pollution on lung function, inflammation, and aging). Participants with cardiac or pulmonary disease were excluded, 291 participants formed the final study group (all women, age range 69 to 79 years, all in sinus rhythm, LV ejection fraction > 50%, LV enddiastolic volume index < 97 mL/m2). Quality of life was assessed by the Minnesota living with heart failure questionnaire, and actual symptoms by a structural questionnaire; the examination consisted of a physical examination, measurement of B-type natriuretic peptide, ECG and tissue Doppler echocardiography. Diastolic dysfunction was assumed when the E/E' ratio exceeded 15 as derived from tissue Doppler. In case, tissue Doppler yielded an E/E' ratio ranging from 8 to 15, additional non-invasive parameters had to be fulfilled: left atrial volume index > 40 ml/m2 body surface, or left ventricular mass index > 122 g/m2 body surface, or transmitral E/A ratio < 0.5 plus deceleration time > 280 ms, or blood level of brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) > 200 pg/mL.. The examinations were concordant with the presence of diastolic dysfunction in 122/291 participants (41.9%). The diagnosis based in 94% of cases on two criteria: in 50 cases on the criterion "E/E' ratio > 15", and in 65 cases on the criterion "15 > E/E'>8 and LV mass index > 122 g/m2". The participants with diastolic dysfunction had on average a higher body mass index, more frequent a history of arterial hypertension and of hospitalization for congestive heart failure, poorer quality of life, and higher BNP blood levels as compared to those participants without signs of diastolic dysfunction. The number of participants complaining exertional dyspnea, however, was similar distributed among the subgroups with and without signs of diastolic dysfunction (40.2 vs 40.8%; p = n.s). In a logistic regression model, the symptom dyspnea was best predicted by systolic pulmonary artery pressure, followed by left atrial volume index, BNP, and body mass index.. The demonstration of diastolic dysfunction showed only a poor association with the symptom dyspnea in a cohort of elderly women with otherwise normal systolic function. Additional structural or hemodynamic changes are necessary to "explain" the symptom dyspnea. It is unclear whether these additional factors are secondary to a more advanced stage of diastolic dysfunction, or are related to cardiovascular co-morbidities, or both.

Topics: Aged; Cohort Studies; Cross-Sectional Studies; Diastole; Dyspnea; Echocardiography, Doppler; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Humans; Hypertension; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Population Surveillance

Topics: Drug Approval; Dyspnea; Heart Failure; Natriuretic Agents; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain

This study aimed to examine the influence of history of heart failure (HF) on circulating levels, diagnostic accuracy and prognostic value of B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) in patients presenting with all cause dyspnea at the emergency department.. BNP has been shown to be very helpful in diagnosis and prognosis of HF. Due to chronically elevated cardiac filling pressures, patients with a history of HF might have higher BNP levels and therefore diagnostic and prognostic properties of BNP may be affected.. We analyzed circulating levels, diagnostic accuracy and prognostic value of BNP in 388 patients without a previous history of HF and compared these to data to 64 patients with a history of HF included in the B-type Natriuretic Peptide for Acute Shortness of Breath Evaluation (BASEL) Study.. Baseline BNP levels were higher in patients with a history of HF (median 814 pg/ml [353-1300 pg/ml] vs. 216 pg/ml [45-801 pg/ml], p<0.001). Diagnostic accuracy of BNP to identify HF was comparable in patients with (AUC=0.804; 95% CI 0.628-0.980) and in patients without history of HF (AUC=0.883; 95% CI 0.848-0.919, p=0.389). Prognostic ability of BNP to predict one-year mortality was lower in overall patients with history of HF (AUC=0.458; 95%CI 0.294-0.622) compared to patients without history of HF (AUC=0.710; 95% CI 0.653-0.768, p<0.05).. In patients with history of HF, BNP levels retain diagnostic accuracy. Ability to predict one-year mortality was decreased in unselected patients, but not in patients with acute HF-induced dyspnea.

Topics: Acute Disease; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Biomarkers; Dyspnea; Female; Genetic Testing; Heart Failure; Humans; Kaplan-Meier Estimate; Length of Stay; Male; Middle Aged; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Prognosis; Reproducibility of Results; ROC Curve; Sensitivity and Specificity

The concentration of atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) in the circulation is approximately 10- to 50- fold higher than B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP). We sought to compare the accuracy of midregional pro-atrial natriuretic peptide (MRproANP) measured with a novel sandwich immunoassay with N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NTproBNP) in the diagnosis of heart failure.. The diagnosis of heart failure was adjudicated by two independent cardiologists using all available clinical data (including BNP levels) in 287 consecutive patients presenting with dyspnoea to the emergency department (ED). MRproANP and NTproBNP levels were determined at presentation in a blinded fashion.. Heart failure was the adjudicated final diagnosis in 154 patients (54%). Median MRproANP was significantly higher in patients with heart failure as compared to patients with other causes of dyspnoea (400 vs. 92 pmol L(-1), P < 0.001). The diagnostic accuracy of MRproANP was very high with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.92 and was comparable with that of NTproBNP (0.92, P = 0.791). Moreover, MRproANP provided incremental diagnostic information to BNP and NTproBNP in patients presenting with BNP levels in the grey zone between 100 and 500 pg mL(-1).. Midregional pro-atrial natriuretic peptide is as accurate in the diagnosis of heart failure as NTproBNP. MRproANP seems to provide incremental information on top of BNP or NT-proBNP in some subgroups and should be further investigated in other studies.

Topics: Aged; Atrial Natriuretic Factor; Biomarkers; Dyspnea; Female; Heart Failure; Humans; Male; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Peptide Fragments; Predictive Value of Tests; Prospective Studies; Risk Factors; ROC Curve; Survival Rate

To define more clearly the relationship between the information provided by the chest radiograph (CXR) and the natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) test as part of the evaluation of dyspneic patients presenting to the emergency department with suspected acute heart failure (HF), we evaluated the PRIDE cohort of 599 patients with and without HF, focusing on blinded NT-proBNP and unblinded CXR information. Clinical characteristics and diagnostic performance for each test were compared. We found that NT-proBNP measurement is superior to routine CXR interpretation for diagnosis or exclusion of acute HF and that normal CXR results should not be used to exclude HF in this population.

Topics: Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Dyspnea; Emergency Service, Hospital; Female; Heart Failure; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Peptide Fragments; Radiography, Thoracic

Patients with impaired lung function often have systemic inflammation. C-reactive protein (CRP) and N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) are markers for inflammation and cardiac stress, respectively.. To evaluate the association between both markers and the potential impacts of lung disease on this relationship.. CRP and NT-proBNP were prospectively measured in 697 consecutive outpatients (57.5 +/- 16.4 years) with chronic dyspnea. The patients were stratified into quartiles according to CRP levels (quartile 1: median CRP 0.35 mg/l; quartile 2: 1.50 mg/l; quartile 3: 3.62 mg/l; quartile 4: 10.90 mg/l) and classified into 2 categories based on the presence (n = 176) or absence (n = 521) of heart disease.. Patients with at least moderately severe airway obstruction and those with interstitial lung disease had higher CRP values than patients without lung disease (median 3.50 vs. 4.34 vs. 1.80 mg/l, respectively; p < 0.01). In patients without heart disease, NT-proBNP values increased from CRP quartiles 1-3 to quartile 4 (median 47.4 vs. 82.1 pg/ml; p < 0.01) after adjusting for important covariates such as age, sex, body mass index, renal function and arterial hypertension. Likewise, the values for NT-proBNP were lower in CRP quartiles 1-3 than in quartile 4 (median 212.0 vs. 647.7 pg/ml; p < 0.01) in patients with heart disease after additional adjustment for the type of cardiac disorder. Lung disease had no direct effect on the relationship between CRP and NT-proBNP.. Systemic inflammation that originates in the lung places an excess burden on the heart, which may contribute to the functional impairment of patients with advanced pulmonary disease.

Topics: Airway Obstruction; Biomarkers; C-Reactive Protein; Dyspnea; Female; Forced Expiratory Volume; Heart Diseases; Humans; Lung Diseases; Male; Middle Aged; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Peptide Fragments; Prospective Studies; Severity of Illness Index

Echocardiography is a fundamental tool in the diagnosis of acute left ventricular heart failure (aLVHF). However, a consultative exam is not routinely available in every emergency department (ED). The authors investigated the diagnostic performance of emergency Doppler echocardiography (EDecho) performed by emergency physicians (EPs) for the diagnosis of aLVHF in patients with acute dyspnea.. A convenience sample of acute dyspneic patients was evaluated. For each patient, the Boston criteria score for heart failure was calculated, and N-terminal prohormone brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) and EDecho were contemporaneously performed. Four investigators, after a limited echocardiography course, performed EDechos and evaluated for a "restrictive" pattern on pulsed Doppler analysis of mitral inflow and reduced left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction. The final diagnosis, established after reviewing all patient clinical data except NT-proBNP and EDecho results, served as the criterion standard.. Among 145 patients, 64 (44%) were diagnosed with aLVHF. The median time needed to perform EDecho was 4 minutes. Pulsed Doppler analysis was feasible in 125 patients (84%). The restrictive pattern was more sensitive (82%) and specific (90%) than reduced LV ejection fraction and more specific than the Boston criteria and NT-proBNP for the diagnosis of aLVHF. Considering noninterpretable values of the restrictive pattern and uncertain values ("gray areas") of Boston criteria (4 < Boston criteria score < 7) and of NT-proBNP (300 < NT-proBNP < 2,200 pg/mL) as false results, the accuracy of the restrictive pattern in the overall population was 75%, compared with accuracy of 49% for both NT-proBNP and Boston criteria.. EDecho, particularly pulsed Doppler analysis of mitral inflow, is a rapid and accurate diagnostic tool in the evaluation of patients with acute dyspnea.

Topics: Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Dyspnea; Echocardiography, Doppler; Female; Heart Failure; Hospitals, University; Humans; Immunoassay; Male; Middle Aged; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Peptide Fragments; Prospective Studies; Sensitivity and Specificity

Many patients with hepatitis C chronic infection (HCV+ patients) experience symptoms (fatigue, dyspnea) not proportional to the liver involvement and resemble symptoms of heart failure (HF). To our knowledge, no study evaluated at the same time serum levels of N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) in HCV+ patients. Circulating NT-proBNP and TNF-alpha were assayed in 60 HCV+ patients, and in 60 sex- and age-matched controls. HCV+ patients showed significantly higher mean NT-proBNP and TNF-alpha levels than controls (P < 0.003). By defining high NT-proBNP level as a value higher than 125 pg/mL (the single cutoff point for outpatients under 75 years of age), 28% of HCV+ and 7% controls had high NT-proBNP (chi-square; P < 0.002). With a cutoff point of 900 pg/mL (that should be used for ruling in HF in patients age 50-75; such as the patients in our study), 3% HCV+ and 0 controls had high NT-proBNP. In conclusion, the study demonstrates high levels of circulating NT-proBNP and TNF-alpha in HCV+ patients. The increase of NT-proBNP may indicate the presence of a subclinical cardiac dysfunction. Further prospective studies quantifying symptoms and correlating these with echocardiographic parameters are needed to confirm this association.

Topics: Aged; Dyspnea; Fatigue; Female; Hepacivirus; Hepatitis C, Chronic; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Peptide Fragments; Reference Standards; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha

To investigate the relationship between central venous pressure (CVP) at presentation to the emergency room (ER) and the risk of cardiac rehospitalization and mortality in patients with decompensated heart failure (DHF).. Central venous pressure was determined non-invasively using high-resolution compression sonography at presentation in 100 patients with DHF. Cardiac hospitalizations and cardiac and all-cause mortality were assessed as a function of continuous CVP levels and predefined CVP categories (low <6 cm H(2)O, intermediate 6-23 cm H(2)O, and high >23 cm H(2)O). Endpoints were adjudicated blinded to CVP. At presentation, mean age was 78 +/- 11 years, 60% of patients were male, mean B-type natriuretic peptide level was 1904 +/- 1592 pg/mL, and mean CVP was 13.7 +/- 7.0 cm H(2)O (range 0-33). During follow-up (median 12 months), 25 cardiac rehospitalizations, 26 cardiac deaths, and 7 non-cardiac deaths occurred. Univariate and stepwise multivariate Cox regression analysis revealed an independent relationship between CVP and cardiac rehospitalization (HR 1.09, 95% CI 1.01-1.18, P = 0.034). Kaplan-Meier analyses confirmed a stepwise increase in cardiac rehospitalization for low-to-high CVP (log-rank test P = 0.015). No association between CVP and (cardiac) mortality was detectable.. Central venous pressure at ER presentation in patients with DHF is an independent predictor of cardiac rehospitalization but not of cardiac and all-cause mortality.

Topics: Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Central Venous Pressure; Confidence Intervals; Dyspnea; Emergency Service, Hospital; Europe; Female; Health Status Indicators; Heart Failure; Hospitalization; Humans; Kaplan-Meier Estimate; Length of Stay; Male; Multivariate Analysis; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Peptide Fragments; Prognosis; Proportional Hazards Models; Risk Assessment

The expanding role of cardiac markers - cytosolic [heart-type fatty acid-binding protein (H-FABP) and creatine kinase MB (CK-MB)], myofibril [troponin T (TnT)], and cardio-endocrine [N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP)] - has been clarified in patients with acute coronary syndrome and those with heart failure. However, these applications for early risk stratification in the cardiac emergency, and the influence of renal function on these evaluations have not been fully investigated.. We investigated the prognostic value of these representative cardiac markers and influence of renal function on these evaluations in 165 consecutive patients who were admitted for cardiac emergency because of chest pain or dyspnea.. There were significant correlations between TnT and CK-MB (r=0.512, p<0.001), and between H-FABP and TnT (r=0.409, p<0.001) and CK-MB (r=0.254, p<0.01); however, NT-proBNP levels did not show significant correlations with other cardiac markers. There were significant correlations between estimated glomerular filtration rate and NT-proBNP (r=-0.466, p<0.001) and H-FABP (r=-0.235, p<0.001) levels, and between left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and NT-proBNP (r=-0.407, p<0.001) and H-FABP (r=-0.253, p<0.01) levels. Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that median of NT-proBNP, H-FABP, and CK-MB significantly discriminated in-hospital cardiovascular death, and multivariate analysis revealed NT-proBNP and LVEF as independent prognostic predictors.. NT-proBNP is a novel biomarker for integrated cardio-renal burden, and extremely useful for early risk stratification in the situation of cardiac emergency.

Topics: Biomarkers; Chest Pain; Creatine Kinase, MB Form; Cytosol; Dyspnea; Emergencies; Fatty Acid Binding Protein 3; Fatty Acid-Binding Proteins; Female; Glomerular Filtration Rate; Heart Diseases; Humans; Kidney Diseases; Male; Middle Aged; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Peptide Fragments; Prognosis; Stroke Volume; Troponin T

To explore the clinical significance of carrying out fast blood B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) detection together with noninvasive hemodynamic monitoring for pathogenic diagnosis in patients with dyspnea and to assess further the application value of noninvasive cardiac output monitoring in emergency room.. 354 patients were diagnosed as dyspnea in the Emergency Department of Chaoyang Hospital, being Affiliated to Capital Medical University during a period from May 2007 to January 2008 by using USCOM noninvasive ultrasonic cardiac output monitor to measure cardiac output (CO). If CO was less than 4 L/min, cardiac dyspnea will be diagnosed. Meanwhile, certain amount of venous blood was kept for rapid measuring of BNP concentration. If BNP concentration was higher than 100 pg/ml, cardiac dyspnea would be diagnosed. After diagnosis was made clearly, all the 354 patients were divided in two groups according to Framingham standards whether they had cardiac dyspnea or not and then comparison was carried out between the patients with the diagnosis of cardiac dyspnea with CO and BNP. The relationship between CO and BNP was studied as well.. In a group of 127 patients with cardiac dyspnea, there was no difference in terms of the number of patients showing positive results with CO or BNP as judging criteria (122 vs 119, P = 0.393) and CO and BNP had negative correlation; while the results were opposite in a group of 227 patients with non-cardiac dyspnea (102 vs 11, showing negative CO or BNP P = 0.000) and there was no correlation between BNP and CO.. For patients with dyspnea in the emergency room, the value of BNP concentration of blood plasma to determine cardiac dyspnea is somewhat limited. Appling non-invasive ultrasonic cardiac output monitor in the emergency room to detect CO for identifying the cause of dyspnea is clinically valuable.

Topics: Cardiac Output; Dyspnea; Heart Failure; Humans; Monitoring, Physiologic; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain

Brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) is a peptide, which has recently been used in the differential diagnosis and follow-up of patients with heart failure. Our aim in the present prospective and diagnostic designed study is to investigate the role of BNP in determining the etiology of dyspnea and to evaluate its relation with newer echocardiographic parameters.. Thirty-four patients presenting to the emergency department with dyspnea and fulfilling the Framingham criteria for heart failure were included in the study. Blood samples were obtained in the first hour of presentation for measurement of BNP levels from all patients. Detailed transthoracic two-dimensional, Doppler and tissue Doppler echocardiographic studies were then performed within 24 hours of presentation. Statistical analyses were performed using Student's t-test for independent samples, Mann Whitney U test and Pearson or Spearman correlation tests.. Plasma BNP levels were found to be significantly correlated with left ventricular end-systolic and end-diastolic diameter, left atrial diameter and the degree of mitral insufficiency (r=0.46, p=0.007; r=0.39, p=0.02; r=0.32, p=0.065; r=0.50, p=0.014, respectively). A significant inverse correlation was observed between plasma BNP levels and left ventricular ejection fraction (r=-0.5, p=0.003). When the patients were grouped according to their BNP levels, the mean ejection fraction of the group with BNP levels below median (578 pg/l) was 60.65+/-13.84%, whereas the mean ejection fraction of the group with BNP levels of 578 pg/l or above (BNP 2) was 49.41+/-15.26% (p=0.027). Out of parameters reflecting left ventricular diastolic functions, only transmitral Epeak/Apeak ratio was found to be significantly associated with BNP levels (r=0.4, p=0.05). Tissue Doppler study revealed significant correlations between BNP levels and right ventricular basal and midsystolic velocities (r=-0.507, p=0.008; r=-0.562, p=0.005, respectively) while none of the left ventricular tissue velocities displayed significant correlation with BNP values.. Plasma BNP levels are found to be significantly associated with conventional echocardiographic parameters reflecting left ventricular systolic and diastolic functions and tissue Doppler velocities reflecting right ventricular functions. Our findings are in agreement with the notion that plasma BNP levels are beneficial in the differential diagnosis of patients admitted to emergency service with acute dyspnea.

Topics: Aged; Biomarkers; Diagnosis, Differential; Dyspnea; Echocardiography, Doppler; Echocardiography, Doppler, Color; Emergency Medical Services; Female; Heart Failure; Humans; Male; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Stroke Volume; Ventricular Function, Left; Ventricular Function, Right

The biochemical determination of cardiac natriuretic peptides, primarily brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) and the amino-terminal fragment of its pro-hormone proBNP (NT-proBNP), are reliable tools for diagnosing cardiac disease, establishing prognosis and evaluating the effectiveness of treatment. These biomarkers have proven to be of particular value in the management of chronic and acute heart failure patients, and in the outpatient and the emergency setting.. A multicenter evaluation was performed to assess the practicability, and the analytical and clinical performance of a new point-of-care testing (POCT) PATHFAST NT-proBNP assay. This is an immunochemiluminescent assay using two polyclonal antibodies in a sandwich test format, and performed with a PATHFAST automated analyzer.. The limit of detection (mean+3 SD of the signal of 20 replicates of the zero calibrator obtained in one run) was 0.535 ng/L. An imprecision study, performed in accordance with the CLSI protocol, showed coefficients of variation of 4.0%-6.4% (within-run imprecision), 0.0%-3.4% (between-run imprecision), 5.5%-7.2% (between-day imprecision), 7.6%-8.9% (total imprecision). The method was linear to 28,755 ng/L. Slopes and intercepts ranged from 0.89 to 0.90 and from 10.96 to 22.85, respectively when lithium-heparin plasma samples (n=100) were used to compare the assay under evaluation with the routine laboratory methods (Dimension RxL, Stratus CS). When testing matched samples (n=52), a significant difference was found between the 50th percentile NT-proBNP concentration in K(2)EDTA whole blood, K(2)EDTA plasma, lithium-heparin plasma and serum. No significant interference was observed for NT-proBNP in lipemic (tryglicerides up to 28.54 mmol/L), icteric (total and conjugated bilirubin up to 513 and 13 micromol/L, respectively) or hemolyzed (hemoglobin up to 13.50 g/L) samples. The NT-proBNP concentration in a group of 180 healthy donors was significantly influenced by age and gender. In a selected population of patients (n=56) with acute dyspnea admitted to the emergency department, a marked reduction in cardiac natriuretic peptide concentrations was observed in hospitalized patients suffering from heart failure who had a better prognosis compared with those with a poorer prognosis (NT-proBNP mean Delta change, % from -22 to -71 vs. +9 to -11).. The satisfactory analytical and clinical performance of the PATHFAST NT-proBNP assay, together with its excellent practicability, suggests that it would be a reliable tool in clinical practice, in the emergency setting for point-of-care testing, as well as in the central laboratory.

Topics: Adult; Age Factors; Aged; Biomarkers; Dyspnea; Female; Heart Failure; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Peptide Fragments; Point-of-Care Systems; Sex Factors; Triglycerides

To determine the relationship between galectin-3 concentrations and cardiac structure in patients with acute dyspnoea, and to evaluate the impact of galectin-3 independent of echocardiographic measurements on long-term mortality.. One hundred and fifteen patients presenting to the emergency department with acute dyspnoea who had galectin-3 levels and detailed echocardiographic studies on admission were studied. Galectin-3 levels were associated with older age (r = 0.26, P = 0.006), lower creatinine clearance (r = -0.42, P < 0.001), and higher levels of N-terminal-proBNP (r = 0.39, P < 0.001). Higher galectin-3 levels were associated with tissue Doppler E/E(a) ratio (r = 0.35, P = 0.01), a lower right ventricular (RV) fractional area change (r = -0.19, P = 0.05), higher RV systolic pressure (r = 0.37, P < 0.001), and more severe mitral (r = 0.30, P = 0.001) or tricuspid regurgitation (r = 0.26, P = 0.005). In patients diagnosed with heart failure (HF), the association between galectin-3 and valvular regurgitation and RV systolic pressure persisted. In a multivariate Cox regression model, galectin-3 remained a significant predictor of 4-year mortality independent of echocardiographic markers of risk. Dyspnoeic patients with HF and galectin-3 levels above the median value had a 63% mortality; patients less than the median value had a 37% mortality (P = 0.003).. Among dyspnoeic patients with and without ADHF, galectin-3 concentrations are associated with echocardiographic markers of ventricular function. In patients with ADHF, a single admission galectin-3 level predicts mortality to 4 years, independent of echocardiographic markers of disease severity.

Topics: Acute Disease; Age Factors; Aged; Biomarkers; Creatinine; Dyspnea; Echocardiography, Doppler; Female; Galectin 3; Heart Failure, Systolic; Heart Ventricles; Humans; Male; Mitral Valve Insufficiency; Multivariate Analysis; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Peptide Fragments; Prognosis; Proportional Hazards Models; Risk Factors; Statistics, Nonparametric; Systole; Time Factors; United States

Although takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TTC) has been reported to have an excellent clinical recovery, there are few data regarding clinical, laboratory, and echocardiographic findings in TTC presenting as cardiogenic shock. We aimed to assess the differences in these parameters between TTC presenting with and without cardiogenic shock.. Fifty patients were enrolled from the TTC registry database and divided according to the presence of cardiogenic shock. Sixteen patients presented with cardiogenic shock as initial presentation (S group), and 34 did not (NS group).. The S group had a higher prevalence of dyspnea (81% vs 38%, P = .005), pulmonary edema (69% vs 29%, P = .009), and significant reversible mitral regurgitation (44% vs 15%, P = .025) than the NS group. In addition, the S group had significantly higher troponin-I (median, 8.2 vs 1.4 pg/mL; P = .043) and N-terminal prohormone brain natriuretic peptide levels (median, 8831 vs 2348 pg/mL; P = .046). During follow-up (median, 3.1 years), cardiac deaths associated with TTC itself and recurrences of TTC were not noted in both groups.. The S group has a higher prevalence of heart failure symptoms, significant reversible mitral regurgitation, and troponin-I and N-terminal prohormone brain natriuretic peptide levels. However, with meticulous therapeutic strategies, prognosis of this syndrome may be excellent irrespective of hemodynamic instability.

Topics: Aged; Dyspnea; Echocardiography; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Mitral Valve Insufficiency; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Peptide Fragments; Prognosis; Pulmonary Edema; Registries; Shock, Cardiogenic; Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy; Troponin I

Topics: Acute Disease; Age Factors; Aged; Algorithms; Diagnosis, Differential; Dyspnea; Heart Failure; Humans; Medical History Taking; Middle Aged; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Physical Examination; Predictive Value of Tests; Pulmonary Embolism; Tomography, X-Ray Computed

Although renal dysfunction influences the threshold values of B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) and N-terminal proBNP (NT-proBNP) in diagnosis of cardiac-related dyspnea (CRD), its effects on midregional pro-atrial natriuretic peptide (MR-proANP) threshold values are unknown. We evaluated the impact of renal function on MR-proANP concentrations and compared our results to those of BNP and NT-proBNP.. MR-proANP, BNP, and NT-proBNP concentrations were measured in blood samples collected routinely from dyspneic patients admitted to the emergency department. Patients were subdivided into tertiles based on their estimated glomerular filtration rate [eGFR, in mL · min(-1) · (1.73 m(2))(-1)]: tertiles 1 (<44.3), 2 (44.3-58.5), and 3 (≥58.6).. Of 378 patients studied, 69% (n = 260) had impaired renal function [<60 mL · min(-1) · (1.73 m(2))(-1)] and 30% (n = 114) had CRD. MR-proANP, BNP, and NT-proBNP concentrations were significantly increased in patients with impaired renal function. In each tertile, all peptides remained significantly increased in CRD patients by comparison with non-CRD patients. By ROC analysis, MR-proANP, BNP, and NT-proBNP threshold values for the diagnosis of CRD increased as eGFR decreased from tertile 3 to tertile 1. Areas under the ROC curve for all peptides were significantly lower in tertile 1. Using adapted thresholds, MR-proANP, BNP, and NT-proBNP remained independently predictive of CRD, even in tertile 1 patients.. Renal function influences optimum cutoff points of MR-proANP for the diagnosis of CRD. With use of an optimum threshold value adapted to the eGFR category, MR-proANP remains as effective as BNP and NT-proBNP in independently predicting a diagnosis of CRD in the emergency department.

Topics: Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Atrial Natriuretic Factor; Dyspnea; Emergency Service, Hospital; Female; Glomerular Filtration Rate; Heart Diseases; Humans; Kidney; Male; Multivariate Analysis; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Peptide Fragments; Protein Precursors

Appreciation of the anti-inflammatory actions of theophylline at low serum concentrations has revived the interest in this drug, but its cardiac side effects remain a concern. The serum level of N-terminal probrain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) is a marker for cardiac stress. This study examined the association between theophylline intake and NT-proBNP.. The effect of theophylline on NT-proBNP was prospectively evaluated by multiple regression analysis in 753 outpatients referred for pulmonary evaluation of dyspnea.. Of 548 patients with asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or respiratory muscle weakness, 107 were taking theophylline (median serum concentration 8.1 μg/ml). The theophylline users were older (mean 64.5 ± 11.6 vs. 56.5 ± 16.8 years, p < 0.01), had severer airway obstruction (p < 0.01) and had a higher prevalence of heart disease (33.6 vs. 23.1%, p = 0.02) than the patients not taking theophylline. Among the patients with heart disease (n = 138), the adjusted levels of NT-proBNP were lower (p < 0.01) in the theophylline-treated patients (n = 36) than in the patients not using theophylline (median 144.5 vs. 236.4 pg/ml). Theophylline had no effect on NT-proBNP in patients without heart disease.. The results of this observational study call into question the traditional view that even low-dose theophylline therapy may be detrimental in patients with coexisting heart disease.

Topics: Adult; Age Factors; Aged; Airway Obstruction; Bronchodilator Agents; Dyspnea; Female; Heart Diseases; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Peptide Fragments; Prevalence; Prospective Studies; Regression Analysis; Severity of Illness Index; Theophylline

Topics: Aged; Angina, Unstable; Biomarkers; Dyspnea; Electrocardiography; Humans; Male; Myocardial Ischemia; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Peptide Fragments

The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of cardiac ultrasound in diagnosing acute heart failure (AHF) in patients with acute dyspnea with available plasma B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) level.. Patients with acute dyspnea presenting to the emergency department (ED) of a tertiary medical center were prospectively enrolled. The enrolled 84 patients received both BNP tests and cardiac ultrasound studies and were classified into AHF and non-heart failure groups.. Plasma BNP levels were higher in the AHF group (1236 ± 1123 vs 354 ± 410 pg/mL; P < .001). The AHF group had larger left ventricular end-diastolic dimension (LVEDD; 32 ± 7 vs 27 ± 4 mm/m(2); P < .001) and worse left ventricular ejection fraction (52% ± 18% vs 64% ± 15%; P = .003). Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that both BNP levels more than 100 pg/mL and LVEDD were independent predictors for AHF. In patients with plasma BNP levels within gray zone of 100 to 500 pg/mL, LVEDD was larger in the AHF group than that in the non-heart failure group (29 ± 4 vs 26 ± 4 mm/m(2); P = .044).. Both LVEDD by cardiac ultrasound and BNP levels can help emergency physicians independently diagnose AHF in the ED. In patients with plasma BNP levels within 100 to 500 pg/mL, cardiac ultrasound can help differentiate heart failure or not.

Topics: Aged; Chi-Square Distribution; Diagnosis, Differential; Dyspnea; Echocardiography; Emergency Service, Hospital; Female; Heart Failure; Humans; Logistic Models; Male; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Prospective Studies; ROC Curve; Stroke Volume

The association of serial NT-proBNP changes and poor quality of life (QOL) with progressive heart failure (HF) and clinical outcomes in emergency department dyspnea patients is poorly understood.. The predictive value of changes in NT-proBNP and QOL (Minnesota Living with Heart Failure scale) from baseline to 30-day follow-up was examined for all-cause 1-year mortality and HF hospitalization. Patients with an initially elevated NT-proBNP (≥300 ng/L) which persisted at 30-days (no ≥25% decrease) were at high risk of death or HF hospitalization (HR=6.36, 95%CI=3.04-13.28). Combined with sustained poor QOL, these subjects with persistently elevated NT-proBNP were at highest mortality risk or HF hospitalization (HR=8.75, 95%CI=3.62-21.16).. Dyspnea patients with elevated NT-proBNP concentrations and no improvement in either NT-proBNP or QOL at 30-days are at high risk of mortality and HF hospitalization. These data highlight the value of serial biomarker measurements combined with serial evaluations for QOL.

Topics: Adult; Aged; Biomarkers; Cohort Studies; Dyspnea; Heart Failure; Hospitalization; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Patient Discharge; Peptide Fragments; Predictive Value of Tests; Prospective Studies; Quality of Life; Surveys and Questionnaires; Treatment Outcome

The basis for an optimal therapy of cardiopulmonary diseases is the assessment of an early diagnosis. This implies an evaluation of possible differential diagnoses of acute dyspnea. In numerous studies, natriuretic peptides were characterized as additional, meaningful parameters for the assessment of left ventricular function. Current studies could demonstrate that surfactant proteins B (SP-B) and D (SP-D) are of importance for the differentiation of patients with acute dyspnea. The aim of this study was to compare the values of NT-proBNP (N-terminal brain natriuretic peptide) and surfactant proteins for the assessment of a final diagnosis in patients with acute dyspnea.. NT-proBNP, SP-B and SP-D were measured in 81 patients with acute dyspnea in the emergency room and were correlated with clinical and echocardiographic parameters with respect to the final diagnosis. For this, patients were classified with respect to clinical and echocardiographic parameters in different subgroups concerning the final diagnosis of acute dyspnea.. In patients with a cardiac origin of acute dyspnea, plasma levels of NT-proBNP were significantly higher as compared to patients with a noncardiac diagnosis (p = 0.04). SP-D was highest in patients with a cardiac origin of acute dyspnea, but after performing regression analysis it seems to be of less importance for the differential diagnosis of acute dyspnea as compared to NT-proBNP. SP-B plasma levels were not different between the four subgroups.. NT-proBNP is of importance for the differential diagnosis of acute dyspnea. Although SP-D shows similar changes of plasma levels between the four subgroups, it seems to be of less importance for the differential diagnosis of acute dysnea. SP-B occurs to be of no relevance for the differentiation between cardiac and noncardiac origin of acute dyspnea.

Topics: Acute Disease; Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Diagnosis, Differential; Dyspnea; Emergency Service, Hospital; Female; Heart Diseases; Heart Failure; Humans; Lung Diseases; Male; Middle Aged; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Peptide Fragments; Predictive Value of Tests; Pulmonary Surfactant-Associated Protein A; Pulmonary Surfactant-Associated Protein B; Reference Values

Although numerous biomarkers may be prognostically meaningful in patients with acute dyspnea, few comparative analyses have addressed possible associations between a wide range of candidate biomarkers and clinical variables.. Vital status was obtained for 517 acutely dyspneic patients at 4 years after emergency department presentation. A wide array of biomarkers was measured in this cohort, including natriuretic peptides, necrosis markers, inflammatory markers, hematologic markers, and renal markers. We performed statistical evaluation by using minimization of the Bayesian information criterion to evaluate predictors of 4-year mortality. Cox proportional hazards analysis was used to confirm results from the Bayesian information criterion. A final risk model was derived, and this model was then validated by applying it to patients from a separate cohort of acutely dyspneic patients.. By 4 years, there were 186 deaths (36%). In addition to several clinical variables, several biomarkers were significant predictors of death, including log-transformed concentrations of hemoglobin (hazard ratio=0.77; P < 0.001), soluble ST2 (hazard ratio=1.38; P < 0.001), and amino-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (hazard ratio=1.19; P < 0.001). Risk models that used these significant variables were accurate in predicting 4-year mortality in both the training and validation sets.. When added to traditional clinical variables, selected biomarkers added significant value for long-term prognostication in acute dyspnea.

Topics: Acute Disease; Biomarkers; Cohort Studies; Diuretics; Dyspnea; Female; Humans; Interleukin-1 Receptor-Like 1 Protein; Kaplan-Meier Estimate; Male; Middle Aged; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Peptide Fragments; Prognosis; Proportional Hazards Models; Receptors, Cell Surface; Receptors, Interleukin-1; Risk Assessment; Risk Factors; ROC Curve; Smoking; Spironolactone

The diagnosis of heart failure is based on strict process using clinical examination as well as other tests. The fine analysis of cardinal symptoms - tiredness and dyspnea--as well as of various signs is required. In cases of uncertainty, blood testing of BNP or NT-pro-BNP improves the diagnostic accuracy. Then the diagnosis is confirmed only after the assessment of evidence of cardiac abnormalities, using cardiac echography among others. Such process will be repeated in cases of significant changes in symptoms. The diagnostic process is associated with etiological investigations as well as the strict assessment of precipitating factors, because of their potential consequences on treatment.

Topics: Algorithms; Biomarkers; Diagnosis, Differential; Dyspnea; Edema, Cardiac; Heart Failure; Humans; Natriuretic Agents; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Peptide Fragments; Physical Examination; Tachycardia

The identification of patients at highest risk for adverse outcome who are presenting with acute dyspnea to the emergency department remains a challenge. This study investigates the prognostic value of Copeptin, the C-terminal part of the vasopressin prohormone alone and combined to N-terminal pro B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) in patients with acute dyspnea.. We conducted a prospective, observational cohort study in the emergency department of a university hospital and enrolled 287 patients with acute dyspnea.. Copeptin levels were elevated in non-survivors (n = 29) compared to survivors at 30 days (108 pmol/l, interquartile range (IQR) 37 to 197 pmol/l) vs. 18 pmol/l, IQR 7 to 43 pmol/l; P < 0.0001). The areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) to predict 30-day mortality were 0.83 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.76 to 0.90), 0.76 (95% CI 0.67 to 0.84) and 0.63 (95% CI 0.53 to 0.74) for Copeptin, NT-proBNP and BNP, respectively (Copeptin vs. NTproBNP P = 0.21; Copeptin vs. BNP P = 0.002). When adjusted for common cardiovascular risk factors and NT-proBNP, Copeptin was the strongest independent predictor for short-term mortality in all patients (HR 3.88 (1.94 to 7.77); P < 0.001) and especially in patients with acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) (HR 5.99 (2.55 to 14.07); P < 0.0001). With the inclusion of Copeptin to the adjusted model including NTproBNP, the net reclassification improvement (NRI) was 0.37 (P < 0.001). An additional 30% of those who experienced events were reclassified as high risk, and an additional 26% without events were reclassified as low risk.. Copeptin is a new promising prognostic marker for short-term mortality independently and additive to natriuretic peptide levels in patients with acute dyspnea.

Topics: Acute Disease; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Biomarkers; Cohort Studies; Dyspnea; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Glycopeptides; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Peptide Fragments; Prospective Studies; Risk Assessment; Survival Rate

Plasma myeloperoxidase (MPO), an inflammatory biomarker, is associated with increased mortality in patients with acute coronary syndrome or chronic left ventricular systolic dysfunction. We sought to assess the diagnostic accuracy of MPO for acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) and its prognostic value for patients with acute dyspnea.. In a prospective, observational study conducted in 5 US centers, 412 patients [mean (SD) age, 58 (14) years; 39% women] presenting with dyspnea to the emergency department were enrolled and followed for 1 year. Clinical, serum/plasma biomarker [MPO, B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP), N-terminal proBNP (NT-proBNP)], and transthoracic echocardiographic data were obtained.. We observed no differences in MPO concentration (P = 0.07) between patients with ADHF [n = 147; median, 553 pmol/L; interquartile range (IQR), 415-738 pmol/L] and those without ADHF (n = 265; median, 576 pmol/L; IQR, 413-884 pmol/L). The diagnostic accuracy for ADHF was excellent for BNP [area under the ROC curve (AUC), 0.90; P < 0.001] and NT-proBNP (AUC, 0.90; P < 0.001) but poor for MPO (AUC, 0.46; P = 0.18). MPO appeared uncorrelated with echocardiographic measures of cardiac structure or function. The observed 1-year mortality rate was 12%. MPO concentration also appeared unrelated to mortality [hazard ratio, 1.25 (above vs below the median); 95% CI, 0.71-2.18], whereas BNP (P = 0.001) and NT-proBNP (P < 0.001) were significant predictors of mortality. MPO concentration provided no prognostic information in addition to that of BNP or NT-proBNP concentration.. Unlike natriuretic peptides, MPO concentration was not predictive of ADHF diagnosis or 1-year mortality in a heterogeneous sample of emergency department patients with acute dyspnea.

Topics: Acute Disease; Aged; Autoanalysis; Biomarkers; Cohort Studies; Dyspnea; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Heart Failure; Humans; Immunoassay; Male; Middle Aged; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Peptide Fragments; Peroxidase; Predictive Value of Tests; Prognosis; Prospective Studies; Reproducibility of Results; Sensitivity and Specificity; Survival Analysis

Sonographic thoracic B-lines and N-terminal pro-brain-type natriuretic peptide (NT-ProBNP) have been shown to help differentiate between congestive heart failure (CHF) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The authors hypothesized that ultrasound (US) could be used to predict CHF and that it would provide additional predictive information when combined with NT-ProBNP. They also sought to determine optimal two- and eight-zone scanning protocols when different thresholds for a positive scan were used.. This was a prospective, observational study of a convenience sample of adult patients presenting to the emergency department (ED) with shortness of breath. Each patient had an eight-zone thoracic US performed by one of five sonographers, and serum NT-ProBNP levels were measured. Chart review by two physicians blinded to the US results served as the criterion standard. The operating characteristics of two- and eight-zone thoracic US alone, compared to, and combined with NT-ProBNP test results for predicting CHF were calculated using both dichotomous and interval likelihood ratios (LRs).. One-hundred patients were enrolled. Six were excluded because of incomplete data. Results of 94 patients were analyzed. A positive eight-zone US, defined as at least two positive zones on each side, had a positive likelihood ratio (LR+) of 3.88 (99% confidence interval [CI] = 1.55 to 9.73) and a negative likelihood ratio (LR-) of 0.5 (95% CI = 0.30 to 0.82), while the NT-ProBNP demonstrated a LR+ of 2.3 (95% CI = 1.41 to 3.76) and LR- of 0.24 (95% CI = 0.09 to 0.66). Using interval LRs for the eight-zone US test alone, the LR for a totally positive test (all eight zones positive) was infinite and for a totally negative test (no zones positive) was 0.22 (95% CI = 0.06 to 0.80). For two-zone US, interval LRs were 4.73 (95% CI = 2.10 to 10.63) when inferior lateral zones were positive bilaterally and 0.3 (95% CI = 0.13 to 0.71) when these were negative. These changed to 8.04 (95% CI = 1.76 to 37.33) and 0.11 (95% CI = 0.02 to 0.69), respectively, when congruent with NT-ProBNP.. Bedside thoracic US for B-lines can be a useful test for diagnosing CHF. Predictive accuracy is greatly improved when studies are totally positive or totally negative. A two-zone protocol performs similarly to an eight-zone protocol. Thoracic US can be used alone or can provide additional predictive power to NT-ProBNP in the immediate evaluation of dyspneic patients presenting to the ED.

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Biomarkers; Diagnosis, Differential; Dyspnea; Emergency Service, Hospital; Female; Heart Failure; Humans; Likelihood Functions; Male; Middle Aged; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Peptide Fragments; Predictive Value of Tests; Prospective Studies; Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive; Sensitivity and Specificity; Ultrasonography

Assay of baseline B-type peptide (BNP and NT-proBNP) is useful for heart failure (HF) prognostication. In contrast, the prognostic value of NT-proBNP assay performed on admission of elderly subjects for acute dyspnea is uncertain. The aim of this study was to determine the vital prognostic value of NT-proBNP assay and other relevant variables available on admission in elderly patients hospitalized for acute dyspnea.. 254 patients over 70 years of age who were initially hospitalized with acute dyspnea were prospectively studied. The log-rank test and Cox proportional-hazards regression models were used to determine the prognostic value of NT-proBNP and creatinine clearance, measured within 24 h of initial admission, as well as age, gender, vascular risk factors and other clinical variables.. Mean age was 81+/-7 years, and 52% of the patients were women. During a median follow-up of 34 months, 134 patients (55%) died and 9 patients (4%) were lost to follow-up. The median survival time was 25 months, and almost half the deaths occurred during the first 6 months. In multivariate analysis the following three variables were independently associated with mortality (shown with their accompanying hazard ratios (HR)): NT-proBNP>2856 pg/mL (median), HR=1.6[95%CI:1.3-5.2]; creatinine clearance <30 mL/min, HR=1.7[95%CI:1.2-2.5]; and age>80 years, HR=1.7[95%CI:1.1-2.6]. The median survival time among patients with an admission NT-proBNP level of >2856 pg/mL (median) was 14 months, compared to >36 months in the rest of the population.. The admission NT-proBNP level, age, and creatinine clearance are predictive of vital outcome in elderly patients hospitalized for acute dyspnea.

Topics: Acute Disease; Age Distribution; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Cause of Death; Creatinine; Dyspnea; Female; Hospitalization; Humans; Kaplan-Meier Estimate; Male; Multivariate Analysis; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Peptide Fragments; Predictive Value of Tests; Proportional Hazards Models; Prospective Studies; Renal Insufficiency; Risk Factors

The differential diagnosis of dyspnoea is difficult due to the low predictive value of clinical and laboratory parameters. The elevated levels of NT-proBNP in congestive heart failure may improve diagnostic accuracy. We have evaluated the effect of the introduction of an NT-proBNP assay on hospital length of stay (LOS) and mortality.. There were 11,853 AMAU patient episodes in the 22 months study period (March 2005-Dec 2006). An NT-proBNP assay was requested in 657 (5.5%) of these. Comparison between categorical variables such as diagnosis, NT-proBNP testing, LOS, and in-hospital mortality was made using Chi-square tests. Literature review suggested that an NT-proBNP cut-off >or=5000 ng/L should predict acute in-patient mortality. Logistic regression analysis was used to examine the association between such an elevated NT-proBNP level and outcomes.. Of the 396 patients with NT-proBNP <5000 ng/L, 8.1% died compared with 22.5% of the 178 patients dying with values >or=5000 ng/L (p<0.0001). An NT-proBNP >or=5000 ng/L was predictive of both LOS >or=9 days (odds ratios (OR) 1.54 (95% CI 1.06, 2.24: p=0.02) and LOS >or=14 days (OR=1.87 (95% CI 1.29, 2.71: p=0.0009). NT-proBNP requests increased over time, from 2.6% to 8.2% of all patients; the result fell in the diagnostic range for CHF in 60% of requests.. The introduction of an NT-proBNP was reflected in an appropriate but rapidly increasing pattern of requests from clinicians. High NT-proBNP levels predicted in-hospital mortality and longer LOS in an acute medical population.

Topics: Acute Disease; Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Diagnostic Tests, Routine; Dyspnea; Female; Heart Failure; Hospital Mortality; Humans; Inpatients; Length of Stay; Logistic Models; Male; Medical Audit; Middle Aged; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Peptide Fragments

Brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) and N-Terminal pro natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) are widely accepted to diagnose congestive heart failure (CHF) in the emergency room. The aim of this study was to evaluate the value of BNP and NT-proBNP to diagnose CHF in primary care.. Clinical and Doppler-echocardiographic assessment of patients referred by their general practitioner (GP) with the diagnosis of CHF. Receiver operating curves were used to evaluate the accuracy of BNP and NT-proBNP for echocardiographically confirmed systolic and/or diastolic heart failure.. Three hundred and eighty four patients (mean age of 65) were included. One hundred and ninety three (50%) patients had systolic heart failure and 31 (8%) had isolated diastolic heart failure. Using currently recommended cut-off values of BNP (less than 100 pg/ml) and NT-proBNP (less than 125 pg/ml) for exclusion of CHF, BNP was false negative in 25% and NT-proBNP in 10% of the patients. The area under the curve was better for NT-proBNP than for BNP (0.742 vs. 0.691).. In this population with a high prevalence of CHF, BNP and NT-proBNP failed to adequately rule out CHF. GP's should be cautious when using BNP and NT-proBNP in primary care. An echocardiography remains compulsory in unexplained dyspnea.

Topics: Aged; Biomarkers; Cardiovascular Agents; Chronic Disease; Dyspnea; Echocardiography, Doppler; Female; Heart Failure, Diastolic; Heart Failure, Systolic; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Peptide Fragments; Predictive Value of Tests; Primary Health Care; Prospective Studies; Referral and Consultation; ROC Curve; Switzerland; Treatment Outcome

Cardiopulmonary exercise testing is the method of choice for the differentiation of exercise intolerance. This study sought to assess the utility of B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) and N-terminal-pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) for the identification of a cardiocirculatory exercise limitation.. In 162 patients undergoing cardiopulmonary exercise testing, rest and peak exercise BNP and NT-proBNP levels were measured. In 94 patients fulfilling criteria for appropriate effort and sufficient diagnostic certainty, the accuracy of BNP and NT-proBNP for the prediction of a cardiocirculatory limitation, as assessed based on clinical and exercise testing data, was determined.. A cardiocirculatory limitation was identified in 27 (29%) patients. Median (interquartile range) resting BNP [162 (45-415) vs 39 (19-94) vs 24 (15-46) pg/mL; P <.001] and NT-proBNP [506 (129-1167) vs 77 (35-237) vs 34 (19-77) pg/mL; P <.001] were higher in patients with cardiocirculatory as compared with those with pulmonary limitation (n=28) and those without cardiocirculatory or pulmonary limitation (n=39). The area under the receiver operator characteristics curve for BNP and NT-proBNP to identify a cardiocirculatory limitation was 0.79 and 0.84, respectively (P=.15 for comparison of the curves). Sensitivity and specificity of the optimal BNP cutoff of 85 pg/mL were 63% and 84%, respectively. Sensitivity and specificity of the optimal NT-proBNP cutoff of 223 pg/mL were 74% and 85%, respectively. Peak exercise biomarkers were not more accurate than resting levels.. Among patients referred for cardiopulmonary exercise testing for evaluation of unexplained exercise intolerance, BNP and NT-proBNP were similarly useful to identify those with a cardiocirculatory limitation.

Topics: Adrenergic beta-Antagonists; Biomarkers; Cardiovascular Diseases; Diagnosis, Differential; Dyspnea; Exercise Test; Exercise Tolerance; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Oxygen Consumption; Peptide Fragments

Recognizing heart disease is relevant to pulmonologists because many patients suspected to have dyspnea of pulmonary origin harbor heart disease.. To investigate the role of N-terminal pro-brain natriuretric peptide (NT-proBNP) in identifying heart disease and cardiac causes of dyspnea among patients referred for evaluation by a pulmonologist.. 697 consecutive outpatients (aged 57.5 +/- 16.4 years) with chronic dyspnea prospectively underwent a diagnostic work-up for heart and lung diseases.. The prevalence of patients with heart disease was 25.3%. The cardiac findings were placed into 6 groups which were associated with an increase in NT-proBNP in the following order: (1) left ventricular hypertrophy [regression coefficient (beta) = 0.33, p = 0.03]; (2) exercise-induced myocardial ischemia (beta = 0.73, p = 0.02);(3) valvular or congenital heart disease or pericardial effusion (beta = 0.93, p < 0.0001); (4) pulmonary hypertension (beta = 1.14, p < 0.0001); (5) atrial fibrillation or left bundle branch block (beta = 1.22, p < 0.0001), and (6) left ventricular systolic dysfunction (beta = 1.94, p < 0.0001). Using predefined cut-off values of 93 pg/ml (men) and 144 pg/ml (women), sensitivity was 0.75 and specificity was 0.79 for identifying heart disease. The negative predictive value was 0.90. If heart disease had to be considered as a cause of the dyspnea, sensitivity and the negative predictive value went up to 0.90 and 0.97, respectively.. NT-proBNP performs well as a test for ruling out cardiac dyspnea. It is also useful as a rule-in test for heart disease, which enables the pulmonologist to appropriately select candidates for in-depth evaluation by cardiology.

Topics: Adult; Aged; Biomarkers; Dyspnea; Female; Heart Diseases; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Peptide Fragments; Prospective Studies; Pulmonary Medicine

Macrophage inhibitory cytokine-1 (MIC-1) has recently been associated with markers of heart function.. This study sought to verify the relationship between markers of heart function (New York Heart Association classification (NYHA)): left ventricle ejection fraction (LVEF), N terminal prohormone of natriuretic peptide B type (NT-proBNP) and MIC-1. Furthermore, the assessment of the usefulness of these markers for differential diagnosis of the myocardial form of dyspnea was explored.. 124 patients (65 women and 59 men) were examined for dyspnea without signs of acute coronary syndrome. All patients underwent echocardiography (calculation of left ventricle ejection fraction-LVEF), and serum NT-proBNP, proguanylin as well as MIC-1 were determined. 21 healthy individuals were defined as the control group.. Patients were divided into two groups: A--individuals with non-cardiogenic form of dyspnea, n=77 and B--individuals with cardiogenic ethiology of dyspnea, n=47. Significant differences between MIC-1 values in individuals with cardiogenic dyspnea (median 2189.6 ng/L) and non-cardiogenic dyspnea (median 232.1 ng/L) were shown. MIC-1 correlated with age, proguanylin, NT-proBNP and negatively with LVEF (P<0.05). The median values of MIC-1 were closely associated with the NYHA classification (P<0.05). Division of the group under study according to the cause of dyspnea revealed a significant difference in MIC-1 (P<0.01). The cut-off of MIC-1>444.5 ng/L showed 100% sensitivity and 89.3% specificity for diagnosing cardiogenic dyspnea. After adjustment for age, gender and NT-proBNP, MIC-1 levels were significantly associated with the cardiogenic type of dyspnea (P<0.05). We also tested the difference in MIC-1 level among the subgroup with the cardiac form of dyspnea (10 individuals suffered from hypertension and 37 patients had no sign of hypertension). Individuals with and without hypertension had no significant difference in MIC-1 level.. MIC-1 is a new diagnostic marker in the differential diagnosis of dyspnea.

Topics: Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Biomarkers; Chi-Square Distribution; Cross-Sectional Studies; Diagnosis, Differential; Dyspnea; Echocardiography; Female; Growth Differentiation Factor 15; Heart Diseases; Heart Function Tests; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Peptide Fragments; Pilot Projects; ROC Curve

Topics: Biomarkers; Dyspnea; Heart Diseases; Humans; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Peptide Fragments; Pulmonary Medicine

Topics: Diabetic Nephropathies; Dyspnea; Female; Humans; Hypertension; Lung; Lymphatic Vessels; Middle Aged; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Pulmonary Edema; Radiography, Thoracic

The objective was to determine the incremental benefit of a shortness-of-breath (SOB) point-of-care biomarker panel on the diagnostic accuracy of emergency department (ED) patients presenting with dyspnea.. Adult ED patients at 10 U.S. EDs with SOB were included. The physician's estimates of the pretest clinical probability of heart failure (HF), acute myocardial infarction (MI), and pulmonary embolism (PE) were recorded using deciles (0%-100%). Blood samples were analyzed using a SOB point-of-care biomarker panel (troponin I, myoglobin, creatinine kinase-myocardial band isoenzyme [CK-MB], D-dimer, and B-type natriuretic peptide [BNP]). Thirty-day follow-up for MI, HF, and PE was performed. Data were analyzed using logistic regression and receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve analysis.. Of 301 patients, the mean (+/-standard deviation [SD]) age was 61 (+/-18) years; 56% were female, 58% were white, and 38% were African American. Diagnoses included MI (n = 54), HF (n = 91), and PE (n = 16) in a total of 129 (43%) of the patients. High pretest clinical certainty (>or=80%) identified 60 of these 129 (46.5%) cases. The SOB point-of-care biomarker panel identified 66 additional cases of MI (n = 24), HF (n = 31), and PE (n = 11). The overall adjusted sensitivity for any diagnosis was increased from 65% to 70% with the addition of the SOB point-of-care biomarker panel (difference = 5%, 95% CI = -1.1% to 11%) while specificity was increased from 82% to 83% (difference = 1%, 95% CI = -4% to 7%). The model containing pretest probability and the results of the SOB panel had an area under the curve (AUC) of 83.4% (95% CI = 78.4% to 88.5%), which was not significantly better than the AUC of 80.4% (95% CI = 75.1% to 85.7%) for clinical probability alone.. The addition of the SOB panel of markers did not improve the AUC for diagnosing the combined set of clinical conditions. Using the disease-specific SOB biomarkers increased the sensitivity on a disease-by-disease basis; however, specificity was reduced.

Topics: Biomarkers; Creatine Kinase, MB Form; Diagnosis, Differential; Dyspnea; Emergency Service, Hospital; Female; Fibrin Fibrinogen Degradation Products; Heart Failure; Humans; Logistic Models; Male; Middle Aged; Multivariate Analysis; Myocardial Infarction; Myoglobin; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Prospective Studies; Pulmonary Embolism; Sensitivity and Specificity; Troponin I

B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) and its inactive counterpart NT-proBNP can help to identify or rule out heart failure in patients presenting with acute dyspnoea. It is not well known whether measurement of these peptides can be omitted in certain patient groups.. We conducted a prospective observational study of 221 patients presenting with acute dyspnoea at the emergency department. The attending physicians estimated the probability of heart failure by clinical judgement. NT-proBNP was measured, but not reported. An independent panel made a final diagnosis of all available data including NT-proBNP level and judged whether and how NT-proBNP would have altered patient management.. NT-proBNP levels were highest in patients with heart failure, alone or in combination with pulmonary failure. Additive value of NT-proBNP was present in 40 of 221 (18%) of the patients, and it mostly indicated that a more intensive treatment for heart failure would have been needed. Clinical judgement was an independent predictor of additive value of NT-proBNP with a maximum at a clinical probability of heart failure of 36%.. NT-proBNP measurement has additive value in a substantial number of patients presenting with acute dyspnoea, but can possibly be omitted in patients with a clinical probability of heart failure of >70%.

Topics: Acute Disease; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Biomarkers; Dyspnea; Emergency Medical Services; Female; Heart Failure; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Peptide Fragments; Predictive Value of Tests; Prospective Studies

Circulating plasma N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) concentration facilitates emergency diagnosis of congestive heart failure (CHF) in people. Its utility to discriminate between dyspneic cats with CHF vs. primary respiratory disease requires further assessment. Our objectives were to determine if NT-proBNP (1) differentiates dyspneic cats with CHF vs. primary respiratory disease; (2) increases with renal insufficiency; (3) correlates with left atrial dimension, radiographic cardiomegaly, and estimated left ventricular filling pressure (E/E(a)).. NT-proBNP was measured in 167 dyspneic cats (66 primary respiratory disease, 101 CHF) to evaluate (1) relationship with clinical parameters; (2) ability to distinguish CHF from primary respiratory disease; (3) optimal cut-off values using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis.. NT-proBNP (1) was higher (median and inter-quartile [25th-75th] percentile) in CHF (754 pmol/L; 437, 1035 pmol/L) vs. primary respiratory disease (76.5 pmol/L; 24, 180 pmol/L) cohorts (P<0.001); (2) positively correlated in CHF cats with increased inter-ventricular septal end-diastolic thickness (rho=0.266; P=0.007) and LV free wall thickness (rho=0.218; P=0.027), but not with radiographic heart size, left atrial size, left ventricular dimensions, E/E(a) ratio, BUN, creatinine, or thyroxine; (3) distinguished dyspneic CHF cats from primary respiratory disease at 265 pmol/L cut-off value with 90.2% sensitivity, 87.9% specificity, 92% positive predictive value, and 85.3% negative predictive value (area under ROC curve, 0.94).. NT-proBNP accurately discriminated CHF from respiratory disease causes of dyspnea.

Topics: Animals; Biomarkers; Case-Control Studies; Cat Diseases; Cats; Diagnosis, Differential; Dyspnea; Female; Heart Failure; Male; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Peptide Fragments; Predictive Value of Tests; Prospective Studies; Renal Insufficiency; Respiration Disorders; ROC Curve

To determine the diagnostic accuracy of the combination of quantitative capnometry (QC), N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), and clinical assessment in differentiating heart failure (HF)-related acute dyspnea from pulmonary-related acute dyspnea in a pre-hospital setting.. This prospective study was performed in the Center for Emergency Medicine Maribor, Slovenia, January 2005-June 2007. Two groups of patients with acute dyspnea apnea were compared: HF-related acute dyspnea group (n = 238) vs pulmonary-related acute dyspnea (asthma/COPD) group (n = 203). The primary outcome was the comparison of combination of QC, NT-proBNP, and clinical assessment vs NT-proBNP alone or NT-proBNP in combination with clinical assessment, in differentiating HF-related acute dyspnea from pulmonary-related acute dyspnea (asthma/COPD) in pre-hospital emergency setting, using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC). The secondary outcomes end points were identification of independent predictors for final diagnosis of acute dyspnea (caused by acute HF or pulmonary diseases), and determination of NT-proBNP levels, as well as capnometry, in the subgroup of patients with a previous history of HF and in the subgroup of patients with a previous history of pulmonary disease.. In differentiating between cardiac and respiratory causes of acute dyspnea in pre-hospital emergency setting, NT-proBNP in combination with PetCO2 and clinical assessment (AUROC, 0.97; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.90-0.99) was superior to combination of NT-proBNP and clinical assessment (AUROC, 0.94; 95% CI, 0.88-0.96; P = 0.006) or NT-proBNP alone (AUROC, 0.90; 95% CI, 0.85-0.94; P = 0.005). The values of NT-proBNP> or = 2000 pg/mL and PetCO2 < or = 4 kPa were strong independent predictors for acute HF. In the group of acute HF dyspneic patients, subgroup of patients with previous COPD/asthma had significantly higher PetCO2 (3.8 +/- 1.2 vs 5.8 +/- 1.3 kPa, P = 0.009). In the group of COPD/asthma dyspneic patients, NT-proBNP was significantly higher in the subgroup of patients with previous HF (1453.3 +/- 552.3 vs 741.5 +/- 435.5 pg/mL, P = 0.010).. In differentiating between cardiac and respiratory causes of acute dyspnea in pre-hospital emergency setting, NT-proBNP in combination with capnometry and clinical assessment was superior to NT-proBNP alone or NT-proBNP in combination with clinical assessment.

Topics: Acute Disease; Analysis of Variance; Capnography; Cohort Studies; Confidence Intervals; Diagnosis, Differential; Dyspnea; Emergencies; Emergency Medical Services; Female; Heart Failure; Humans; Lung Diseases; Male; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Odds Ratio; Peptide Fragments; Physical Examination; Probability; Prospective Studies; Risk Assessment; Sensitivity and Specificity; Total Quality Management

Previous evaluations of natriuretic peptide (NP) levels in patients with acute dyspnoea presenting to the emergency department (ED) have selected only a minority of patients for echocardiography. We aimed to evaluate the association between NPs and more subtle echocardiographic findings and to assess the potential for NPs to provide additional prognostic information beyond that provided by echocardiography in 'all-comers' with acute dyspnoea.. Prospective echocardiograms were performed on 338/412 patients presenting to the ED with acute dyspnoea. B-type natriuretic peptide and NT-proBNP were measured on presentation. Patients were followed-up for 1 year. Decompensated heart failure was diagnosed in 37% of patients and 13% died. The diagnostic accuracy (c-statistic) of BNP and NT-proBNP for identifying LVEF or= 50%. Natriuretic peptides, but not LV mass or diastolic parameters, independently predicted mortality at 1 year in all patients and in those with an LVEF >or= 50%.. In an acute dyspnoea population with 'all-comers' undergoing echocardiography, NPs correlate strongly with structural abnormalities and identify those with preserved LVEF at highest risk for death. Careful interpretation of elevated NP values is needed in the presence of preserved systolic function.

Topics: Acute Disease; Biomarkers; Blood Pressure; Cohort Studies; Diastole; Dyspnea; Emergency Service, Hospital; Female; Heart Failure; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Multivariate Analysis; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Peptide Fragments; Prospective Studies; ROC Curve; Statistics, Nonparametric; Systole; Ultrasonography

Patients presenting with acute dyspnea are often a diagnostic dilemma. A bedside tool that accurately and rapidly identifies increased left ventricular (LV) filling pressure would be helpful. We evaluated acoustic electrocardiography for this purpose.. We pooled 3 cohorts of patients for this analysis. Inclusion criteria required acoustic electrocardiography and echocardiography within 4 hours of each other. Increased LV filling pressure was defined as a pseudonormal or restrictive filling pattern on echocardiography. Area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) assessed multivariable model accuracy.. The median age of the 324 patients was 61 years (range, 19-90 years), 67% were male, and 82% had a history of heart failure. The final multivariable model included mean LV systolic time, S(3) score, maximum negative area of the P wave, and the QTc interval. The AUC was 0.83 (95% confidence interval, 0.78-0.88). Although B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) was an independent predictor of estimated increased filling pressure when considered alone (odds ratio = 1.002, 95% confidence interval, 1.000-1.003, P = .002), when added to the acoustic model, it did not improve overall model accuracy. In the subset of patients with indeterminate BNP levels (100-500 pg/mL), the acoustic model was more accurate than BNP (AUC = 0.82 vs 0.71).. Bedside acoustic electrocardiography predicted echocardiographic correlates of increased pressures with high accuracy. For patients with an indeterminate BNP level (100-500 pg/mL), the acoustic electrocardiography model was superior to BNP. Prospective model validation is warranted.

Topics: Acute Disease; Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Cohort Studies; Dyspnea; Echocardiography, Doppler; Electrocardiography; Emergencies; Female; Heart Failure; Humans; Logistic Models; Male; Middle Aged; Multivariate Analysis; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Point-of-Care Systems; Sensitivity and Specificity; Ventricular Function, Left

The identification of patients at highest risk for adverse outcome who are presenting with acute dyspnea to the emergency department remains a challenge. This study investigates the prognostic value of the newly described midregional fragment of the pro-Adrenomedullin molecule (MR-proADM) alone and combined to B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) or N-terminal proBNP (NT-proBNP) in patients with acute dyspnea.. We conducted a prospective, observational cohort study in the emergency department of a University Hospital and enrolled 287 unselected, consecutive patients (48% women, median age 77 (range 68 to 83) years) with acute dyspnea.. MR-proADM levels were elevated in non-survivors (n = 77) compared to survivors (median 1.9 (1.2 to 3.2) nmol/L vs. 1.1 (0.8 to 1.6) nmol/L; P < 0.001). The areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) to predict 30-day mortality were 0.81 (95% CI 0.73 to 0.90), 0.76 (95% CI 0.67 to 0.84) and 0.63 (95% CI 0.53 to 0.74) for MR-proADM, NT-proBNP and BNP, respectively (MRproADM vs. NTproBNP P = 0.38; MRproADM vs. BNP P = 0.009). For one-year mortality the AUC were 0.75 (95% CI 0.69 to 0.81), 0.75 (95% CI 0.68 to 0.81), 0.69 (95% CI 0.62 to 0.76) for MR-proADM, NT-proBNP and BNP, respectively without any significant difference. Using multivariate linear regression analysis, MR-proADM strongly predicted one-year all-cause mortality independently of NT-proBNP and BNP levels (OR = 10.46 (1.36 to 80.50), P = 0.02 and OR = 24.86 (3.87 to 159.80) P = 0.001, respectively). Using quartile approaches, Kaplan-Meier curve analyses demonstrated a stepwise increase in one-year all-cause mortality with increasing plasma levels (P < 0.0001). Combined levels of MR-proADM and NT-proBNP did risk stratify acute dyspneic patients into a low (90% one-year survival rate), intermediate (72 to 82% one-year survival rate) or high risk group (52% one-year survival rate).. MR-proADM alone or combined to NT-proBNP has a potential to assist clinicians in risk stratifying patients presenting with acute dyspnea regardless of the underlying disease.

Topics: Acute Disease; Adrenomedullin; Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Cohort Studies; Dyspnea; Female; Humans; Limit of Detection; Male; Middle Aged; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Risk Assessment

Topics: Cost-Benefit Analysis; Diagnosis, Differential; Dyspnea; Emergency Service, Hospital; Heart Failure; Humans; Internal Medicine; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Peptide Fragments; Predictive Value of Tests; Prognosis; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic

Topics: Cardiology; Diagnosis, Differential; Dyspnea; Emergency Service, Hospital; Heart Failure; Humans; Internal Medicine; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Peptide Fragments; Predictive Value of Tests; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic

Topics: Dyspnea; Emergency Service, Hospital; Heart Failure; Humans; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Outcome Assessment, Health Care

Topics: Dyspnea; Emergency Service, Hospital; Heart Failure; Humans; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Outcome Assessment, Health Care

Topics: Dyspnea; Emergency Service, Hospital; Heart Failure; Humans; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Outcome Assessment, Health Care

Topics: Dyspnea; Emergency Service, Hospital; Heart Failure; Humans; Length of Stay; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Peptide Fragments; Predictive Value of Tests; Prognosis

Topics: Biomarkers; Dyspnea; Heart Failure; Humans; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain

Hypertension may affect the diagnostic performance of B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP). The objective of the present study was to assess the impact of a history of hypertension or blood pressure elevation on admission on the diagnostic performance of BNP in the diagnosis of heart failure (HF) in patients with acute dyspnea. BNP levels were measured using a rapid point-of-care device in 1,586 patients with acute dyspnea. In patients with HF, BNP levels did not differ between those with and without histories of hypertension. Conversely, in patients without HF, a history of hypertension was associated with higher median BNP levels (38 pg/ml [interquartile range 13 to 119] vs 21 pg/ml [interquartile range 7 to 64], p <0.001). The areas under the receiver-operating characteristic curves were 0.88 and 0.93 for those with and without histories of hypertension, respectively (p <0.001). Blood pressure elevation on admission did not affect the diagnostic accuracy of BNP (areas under the curve 0.90 in the 2 groups). In conclusion, although a history of hypertension is associated with higher BNP levels in patients with acute dyspnea without HF, the impact on the overall diagnostic performance of BNP is modest. Accordingly, BNP performs well as an indicator of HF in patients presenting in emergency departments regardless of a history of hypertension or elevated blood pressure on admission.

Topics: Acute Disease; Aged; Biomarkers; Blood Pressure Determination; Cohort Studies; Confidence Intervals; Dyspnea; Emergency Service, Hospital; Female; Heart Failure; Humans; Hypertension; Male; Middle Aged; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Predictive Value of Tests; Probability; ROC Curve; Sensitivity and Specificity; Severity of Illness Index

We sought to create a model that adjusts B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) for specific covariates to better distinguish cardiac from non-cardiac dyspnoea.. HEARD-IT was a multicentre, prospective study of the diagnostic utility of acoustic cardiography in the emergency department. Dyspnoeic patients more than 40 years were eligible. Two cardiologists independently adjudicated the HF outcome. Using logistic regression, a model adjusting BNP for pertinent covariates was developed (n = 740). The mean age was 66 +/- 13 years. Age, gender, ethnicity, body mass index, blood urea nitrogen, and creatinine affected BNP levels independently of HF. The model adjusting BNP for these covariates improved the area under receiver operator characteristic curve for HF compared with BNP alone (0.948, 95% CI 0.934-0.963 vs. 0.937, 95% CI 0.920-0.954; P = 0.004). Net reclassification improvement, a novel metric of model performance, was 3.5% for those without HF (P = 0.05) compared with conventional, unadjusted BNP cut-offs. Thirteen of 116 (11%) patients without HF, but with unadjusted BNP values > or =100 pg/mL, were correctly reclassified as not having HF with the adjusted BNP model.. Adjusting BNP for important covariates may improve its ability to distinguish cardiac from non-cardiac dyspnoea.

Topics: Aged; Algorithms; Area Under Curve; Biomarkers; Diagnosis, Differential; Dyspnea; Female; Heart Failure; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Prospective Studies; Reference Values; Sensitivity and Specificity

Uric acid was shown to predict outcome in patients with stable chronic heart failure. Its impact in patients admitted in the Emergency Department with acute dyspnea, however, remains unknown.. We prospectively investigated the diagnostic and prognostic value of uric acid in 743 unselected patients presenting to the Emergency Department with acute dyspnea.. Uric acid at admission was higher in patients with acute decompensated heart failure (51% of the cohort) as compared with patients with noncardiac causes of dyspnea (median, 447 micromol/L vs 340 micromol/L, P <.001). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for the accuracy to detect acute decompensated heart failure was inferior for uric acid (0.70) than for B-type natriuretic peptide (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve 0.91, P <.001). Patients in the highest uric acid tertile more often required admission to the hospital (92% vs 74% in the first tertile, P <.001) and had higher in-hospital mortality (13% vs 4% in the first tertile, P <.001). Cumulative 24-month mortality rates were 28% in the first, 31% in the second, and 50% in the third tertile (P <.001). After adjustment in multivariable Cox proportional hazard analysis, uric acid predicted 24-month mortality independently of B-type natriuretic peptide (P=.003).. Our study first shows that uric acid, measured at Emergency Department admission or hospital discharge, is a powerful predictor of long-term outcome in dyspneic patients.

Topics: Acute Disease; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Biomarkers; Diagnosis, Differential; Dyspnea; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Heart Failure; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Prognosis; Prospective Studies; ROC Curve; Severity of Illness Index; Uric Acid

Natriuretic peptides (NPs), particularly B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) and N-terminal pro BNP (NT-proBNP), are widely used as markers of cardiac wall stress and heart failure (HF) in daily clinical practice. The measurement of NPs became a part of national and international cardiovascular guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of HF. NP measurement improves diagnosis and management and helps to predict outcome in patients presenting with acute dyspnea in the Emergency Department. Additionally, NPs are of special interest for anesthesiologists. This includes improved management of Intensive Care Unit patients with respiratory failure and preoperative risk assessment. This paper reviews and highlights the use of NPs in clinical practice focusing on issues that may be of particular interest to anesthesiologists.

Topics: Acute Disease; Anesthesiology; Biomarkers; Dyspnea; Humans; Intensive Care Units; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain

Dyspnea is a common symptom, and a heart failure is one of the most important preferred diagnoses of dyspnea. But it is difficult to undergo ECG, US, or other examination to diagnose a heart failure at the patient home, especially in the case of such examination was needed quickly or frequently. Rapidtip BNP and Rapidpia were invented in order to measure BNP rapidly at the patient home, or in the physician's car.

Topics: Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Dyspnea; Female; Home Care Services; Humans; Immunoassay; Male; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Time Factors

Amino-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) is useful for the triage of patients with dyspnea. Our aim was to determine whether NT-proBNP levels could predict in-hospital outcome in breathless elderly patients.. At admission, NT-proBNP plasma concentrations were determined in 324 dyspneic patients aged 75 years and older. The association between NT-proBNP values and in-hospital mortality was assessed.. Median NT-proBNP concentrations were not different in deceased patients (n = 43, 13%) compared to that of survivors (n = 281, 87%) (4354 vs 2499 pg/mL, respectively; P = .06). To predict in-hospital mortality, the optimum threshold of NT-proBNP was 3855 pg/mL, as defined by the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, with a nonsignificant area under the ROC curve of 0.59. Mortality was significantly higher in patients (n = 139) with NT-proBNP levels 3855 pg/mL or higher (17.9% vs 9.7%, P = .045). After multivariate analysis, NT-proBNP level 3855 pg/mL or higher at admission was predictive of mortality (odds ratio, 2.41; 95% confidence interval, 1.02-5.68; P = .04).. NT-proBNP higher than 3855 pg/mL is associated with in-hospital mortality in patients aged 75 years and older admitted for dyspnea.

Topics: Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Dyspnea; Emergency Service, Hospital; Female; France; Heart Failure; Hospital Mortality; Humans; Length of Stay; Male; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Peptide Fragments; Predictive Value of Tests; Prognosis; Respiratory Insufficiency; ROC Curve; Troponin I

To evaluate the accuracy of B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) and amino-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) for the diagnosis of congestive heart failure (CHF) in dyspneic patients aged >or=85 years admitted to the Emergency Department (ED), and to define threshold values in this oldest-old population.. This study involved 210 oldest-old patients, and 360 patients aged from 65 to 84 years (<85 years), admitted to the ED for dyspnea.. Median BNP and NT-proBNP levels were significantly higher in CHF oldest-old patients (p<0.001). BNP and NT-proBNP threshold values were higher in oldest-old patients (290 and 2800 pg/mL, respectively) compared to that of patients <85 years (270 and 1700 pg/mL, respectively). In a multivariate analysis, both BNP and NT-proBNP were the strongest variables associated with CHF in oldest-old patients. Neither renal function nor gender had impact on the diagnostic utility of the two tests.. Both BNP and NT-proBNP could potentially be reliable biomarkers for the diagnosis of CHF in oldest-old patients admitted with acute dyspnea to the ED.

Topics: Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Biomarkers; Dyspnea; Female; Heart Failure; Humans; Male; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Peptide Fragments; Sensitivity and Specificity

To investigate the diagnostic value of N-terminal probrainnatriuretic peptide in patients with dyspnea.. One hundred and six patients with dyspnea were divided into two groups: cardiac dyspnea group (62 cases) and non-cardiac dyspnea group(44 cases). Moreover, according to the results of echocardiography, the cases in cardiac dyspnea group were divided into three subgroups: diastolic heart failure (25 cases), systolic heart failure (22 cases), as well as diastolic and systolic heart failure (15 cases). It was also classified according to NYHA heart function classification: NYHA III (16 cases), NYHA III (25 cases), NYHA IV (21 cases). All patients underwent NT-proBNP assay.. The NT-proBNP level in cardiac dyspnea group was significantly higher than that in non-cardiac dyspnea group [(2597.43 +/- 2390.44) pg/mL vs (72.91 +/- 48.41) pg/mL, P < 0.001]. In cardiac dyspnea group, the NT-proBNP level in the cases with diastolic heart failure, systolic heart failure, as well as diastolic and systolic heart failure were (810.16 +/- 672.03) pg/mL, (1903.04 +/- 1829.22) pg/mL, and (7598.50 +/- 4781.82) pg/mL respectively, which was significant different in these three subgroups (P < 0.05). The significant difference was also observed in different NYHA class CNYHA II (862.76 +/- 818. 46) pg/mL, NYHA III (2444.75 +/- 556.61) pg/mL, NYHA IV (7574.60 +/- 3721.39) pg/mL, P < 0.05). The concentration of NT-proBNP had a negative correlation with LVEF (r = -0. 812).. Measurement of NT- proBNP is helpful to diagnose heart failure and to differentiate the patients with dyspnea.

Topics: Aged; Diagnosis, Differential; Dyspnea; Female; Heart Failure; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Peptide Fragments; Predictive Value of Tests; Protein Precursors

Dyspnea is a common emergency department (ED) complaint, and it may be associated with significant mortality risk. We studied 599 dyspneic subjects enrolled in an ED. At 1 year, the role of inflammatory markers (including C-reactive protein [CRP]) and amino-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) as independent predictors of mortality was assessed. By 1 year, 91 subjects (15.2%) had died. Among patients who died, the median CRP concentration at admission was significantly higher than in survivors: 47.2 mg/L (449.5 nmol/L; interquartile range [IQR], 10.2-101.9 mg/L [97.1-970.5 nmol/L]) vs 7.25 mg/L (69.5 nmol/L; IQR, 2.2-29.6 mg/L [21.0-281.9 nmol/L]; P < .001). For 1-year mortality, CRP had an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.76 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.69-0.80; P < .001). In multivariable analysis, a CRP concentration greater than 14 mg/L was a strong predictor of mortality at 1 year (hazard ratio, 2.47; 95% CI, 1.51-4.02; P < .001). In multivariable models, CRP and NT-proBNP demonstrated independent and additive prognostic value. Among dyspneic patients, CRP levels are significantly associated with mortality at 1 year and show additive value to natriuretic peptide testing for prognosis.

Topics: Aged; Biomarkers; C-Reactive Protein; Dyspnea; Humans; Inflammation; Middle Aged; Multivariate Analysis; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Peptide Fragments; Prognosis; Risk

Acute dyspnea poses a diagnostic challenge for physicians, and the current methods in differentiating cardiac from non-cardiac causes have been limited to date. Recently, the brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) rapid test has been validated in the emergency room. Nevertheless, the early accumulation of fluid in the interstitial space in the body and in the lungs, which characterizes patients with ADHF, is well estimated by BIA. We investigate whether bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) can serve as a noninvasive diagnostic tool in the differential diagnosis of acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) in the emergency department (ED).. A total of 292 patients presenting with acute dyspnea to the ED were evaluated by using a conventional diagnostic strategy and rapid BNP measures. Segmental (Seg) and whole-body (WB) BIA resistance (Rz) and reactance (Xc) on entry were immediately detected. After hospital discharge, an expert team classified enrolled patients into ADHF and non-ADHF. A total of 58.9% of patients had ADHF, whereas 41.1% were non-ADHF. ADHF patients showed significantly (P < .001) higher BNP values (591.8 +/- 501 versus 69.5 +/- 42 pg/mL), a significant (P < .001) reduction of Seg (35.5 + 8.2 versus 66.4 + 10.5) and WB (402.3 + 55.5 versus 513.2 + 41.8) Rz (Ohm), and a significant correlation (P < .0001) between BNP and Seg (r = -0,62) and WB (r = -0.63) bioelectrical Rz was also identified. Multiple regression analysis revealed that whole body and segmental BIA were strong predictors of ADHF alone or in combination with BNP.. Our data suggest that Seg and WB BIA are a useful, simple, rapid, and noninvasive diagnostic adjunct in the early diagnosis of dyspnea from ADHF.

Topics: Aged; Algorithms; Diagnosis, Differential; Dyspnea; Electric Impedance; Female; Heart Failure; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; ROC Curve; Sensitivity and Specificity

The study aim was to perform a comprehensive evaluation of the association between N-terminal pro B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) and the severity of heart valve diseases in a typical clinical population presenting with acute dyspnea or peripheral edema.. Among 401 eligible patients, 210 demonstrated evaluable complete echocardiographic examinations. Plasma levels of NT-proBNP were measured after the initial clinical evaluation.. Patients with a prior valve replacement had higher plasma levels of NT-proBNP (median 3,366 pg/ml; n = 10) compared to all other patients (median 931 pg/ml; n = 200) (p < 0.05). In univariable analyses, NT-proBNP levels correlated with multiple valve diseases (r = 0.5; p < 0.001) and the severities of specific heart valve diseases, including aortic valve stenosis (AS) and regurgitation (AR), tricuspid (TR) and mitral valve regurgitation (MR) (p < 0.001). Within multivariable linear regression models, multiple heart valve diseases (Beta = 0.21; T = 3.56; p = 0.0001) and specifically valve regurgitations (AR (Beta = 0.16; T = 2.54; p = 0.012), MR (Beta = 0.36; T = 5.55; p = 0.0001), TR (Beta = 0.17; T = 2.55; p = 0.012)) were associated with increasing plasma levels of NT-proBNP. Patients with NT-proBNP plasma levels > 1,100 pg/ml showed the highest risk for future clinical events (odds ratio (OR) 4.86; p = 0.02), followed by patients with TR (OR 3.17; p = 0.03) and AS (OR 3.49; p = 0.06).. In addition to clinical assessment and echocardiographic evaluation, the measurement of plasma NT-proBNP levels may serve as a valuable additional indicator of the severity of heart valve disease in individual patients.

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Biomarkers; Dyspnea; Echocardiography; Echocardiography, Doppler, Color; Echocardiography, Transesophageal; Edema, Cardiac; Female; Heart Failure; Heart Valve Diseases; Heart Valve Prosthesis Implantation; Hemodynamics; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Multivariate Analysis; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Peptide Fragments; Postoperative Complications; Prognosis; Recurrence; Severity of Illness Index; Young Adult

Risk stratification for patients with acute dyspnoea is a challenging task. No quantitative tool for mortality prediction among patients with acute dyspnoea is available.. 595 dyspnoeic subjects were enrolled in an emergency department. Clinical and biochemical factors independently predictive of death by 1 year were used to develop a mortality risk prediction tool.. Seven factors comprised the final tool: age (x0.3), heart rate (x0.2), blood urea nitrogen (x0.3), New York Heart Association class (x5), amino-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) >or=986 pg/ml (18 points), systolic blood pressure <100 mm Hg (11 points) and presence of a murmur (11 points). A continuous rise in mortality was seen from 1.7% in the lowest score quintile (n = 118; score or=85.5; p<0.001 for trend). Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis of the score's accuracy produced an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.82 (95% CI 0.78 to 0.85) with similar AUCs in subjects with acutely destabilised heart failure (AUC = 0.73, 95% CI 0.67 to 0.79) and those without (AUC = 0.83, 95% CI 0.77 to 0.85, p for the comparison = NS). The score was validated in a separate population of dyspnoeic patients (AUC = 0.73, 95% CI 0.64 to 0.82; p<0.001) and was incorporated into a computer program suitable for near-patient calculation.. A new risk stratification tool for acutely dyspnoeic patients has been derived and validated.

Topics: Acute Disease; Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Biomarkers; Diagnosis, Computer-Assisted; Dyspnea; Emergency Service, Hospital; Epidemiologic Methods; Female; Heart Failure; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Peptide Fragments; Point-of-Care Systems; Prognosis

Epidemiological studies suggest that "diastolic heart failure" (DHF) is common and has a prognosis similar to that of systolic heart failure (SHF). We wanted to assess whether patients with breathlessness who were being treated for DHF had objective evidence of cardiac impairment and exercise limitation.. Consecutive patients with a clinical diagnosis of chronic heart failure completed a standardised 6-minute walk test (6-MWT) and underwent an echocardiographic examination to determine the presence of major structural heart disease (MSHD). N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) was measured to determine degree of cardiac pathology.. 568 patients were identified with SHF (75.7% males) and 104 with DHF (54.7% males). They were compared with 400 healthy controls (matched with DHF group for age, sex and body mass index (BMI)). Controls (median (interquartile range); 43 (20-62) pmol/l)) and DHF patients (27 (13-67) pmol/l) had significantly lower NT-proBNP levels compared to SHF patients (178 (82-422) pmol/l). There was no difference in NT-proBNP levels between controls and DHF patients (p = 0.348). There was no correlation between BMI and NT-proBNP in either DHF (r(2) = 0.03; p = 0.287) or SHF (r(2) = 0.02; p = 0.346) patients. Both SHF and DHF patients reported similar degrees of breathlessness. 6-MWT distance (p = 0.973) was similar between SHF and DHF patients. DHF patients had a higher BMI (p<0.0001).. Patients being treated for a clinical diagnosis of DHF have the same self-reported symptoms and 6-MWT performance as patients with SHF, yet have normal NT-proBNP levels. Their perception of their symptoms is out of proportion to their evidence of cardiac pathology.

Topics: Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Attitude to Health; Biomarkers; Body Mass Index; Dyspnea; Female; Heart Failure, Diastolic; Heart Failure, Systolic; Humans; Male; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Peptide Fragments; Perception; Ultrasonography; Ventricular Dysfunction, Left

Acute dyspnoea as a presenting symptom is a frequent diagnostic challenge for physicians. The main differential diagnosis is between dyspnoea of cardiac and non-cardiac origin. Natriuretic peptides have been shown to be useful in this setting. Ultrasound lung comets (ULCs) are a simple, echographic method which can be used to assess pulmonary congestion.. To evaluate the accuracy of ULCs for predicting dyspnoea of cardiac origin compared to natriuretic peptides.. We evaluated 149 patients admitted with acute dyspnoea. Chest sonography and NT-proBNP assessments were performed a maximum of 4 h apart and independently analyzed. ULCs were evaluated via cardiac probes placed on the anterior and lateral chest. Two independent physicians, blinded to ULCs and NT-proBNP findings, reviewed all the medical records to establish the aetiologic diagnosis of dyspnoea.. Cardiogenic dyspnoea was confirmed in 122 patients and ruled-out in 27 patients. The number of ULCs was significantly correlated to NT-proBNP values (r=.69, p<.0001). Receiver operating characteristic analysis, showed an area under the curve of .893 for ULCs and .978 (p=.001) for NT-proBNP, in predicting the cardiac origin of dyspnoea.. In patients admitted with acute dyspnoea, pulmonary congestion, sonographically imaged as ULCs, is significantly correlated to NT-proBNP values. The accuracy of ULCs in predicting the cardiac origin of dyspnoea is high.

Topics: Acute Disease; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Biomarkers; Diagnosis, Differential; Dyspnea; Echocardiography; Female; Humans; Lung; Male; Middle Aged; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Peptide Fragments; Prospective Studies; Reference Standards; Research Design; ROC Curve; Single-Blind Method

B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) is a cardiac neurohormone secreted from the cardiac ventricles in response to pressure overload.. To evaluate the optimal cutoff point of plasma BNP in diagnosing congestive heart failure (CHF).. We conducted a prospective study of 195 patients who were hospitalised with dyspnoea. Pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (PCWP) was measured with a Swan-Ganz catheterisation and plasma BNP level was obtained by a rapid immunofluorescence assay in all patients. PCWP >12 mmHg was chosen as the golden standard for left ventricular dysfunction in this study. The subjects were divided into two groups by the criteria, one group with dyspnoea caused by CHF (n=134) and the other caused by lung diseases (n=61).. (1) BNP cutoff point of 100 pg/ml had a sensitivity of 94.34%, a specificity of 92.13% and an accuracy of 93.33% for differentiating CHF from pulmonary dyspnoea. (2) By multiple logistic-regression analysis, measurements of BNP added significantly independent predictive power to other clinical variables in models predicting which patients had CHF.. A value of 100 pg/ml or more for a rapid BNP assay may be the most accurate independent predictor of the presence or absence of CHF.

Topics: Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Biomarkers; Diagnosis, Differential; Dyspnea; Female; Heart Failure; Humans; Lung Diseases; Male; Middle Aged; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Prospective Studies; Pulmonary Wedge Pressure

A 42-year-old woman with limited cutaneous systemic sclerosis presented with rapid-onset dyspnea on exertion, which had developed over the previous 8 weeks. She had not experienced any dyspnea before this period. Transthoracic Doppler echocardiography performed 6 months before presentation demonstrated an estimated right ventricular systolic pressure of 32 mmHg. Lung function tests also performed at that time revealed a decreased diffusion capacity for carbon monoxide of 54% and normal lung volumes, and high-resolution CT scan of the lungs was normal.. Physical investigation, CBC, analysis of C-reactive protein and pro-brain natriuretic peptide, transthoracic Doppler echocardiography, six-minute walk test, lung function tests including diffusion capacity for carbon monoxide, right heart catheter, high-resolution CT scan, and ventilation/perfusion scan.. Pulmonary arterial hypertension associated with limited cutaneous systemic sclerosis.. Treatment with oral anticoagulation therapy and the endothelin-receptor antagonist bosentan. Monitoring of adverse effects of bosentan therapy was performed using liver function tests.

Topics: Adult; Antihypertensive Agents; Bosentan; Dyspnea; Echocardiography; Exercise Test; Female; Humans; Hypertension, Pulmonary; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Respiratory Function Tests; Scleroderma, Systemic; Sulfonamides

Topics: Biomarkers; Cardiovascular Diseases; Dyspnea; Health Status; Humans; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Peptide Fragments; Risk Factors; Sensitivity and Specificity; Time Factors; Triage

Acute dyspnea is common in the emergency department (ED) and is associated with mortality. Biomarkers may help stratify risk in this setting.. Among 577 dyspneic subjects we identified 5 candidate biomarkers with prognostic value: amino terminal B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), C-reactive protein (CRP), the interleukin family member ST2, hemoglobin and blood urea nitrogen (BUN); these were assessed using both receiver operating characteristic curve and Cox proportional hazards analyses. Results were validated in a population of dyspneic patients from a distinct cohort.. At 1 y follow up, 93 (16.1%) patients had died. Independent predictive ability was established in an age-adjusted Cox model containing all markers: NT-proBNP (HR=1.89); CRP (HR=1.95); ST2 (HR=7.17); hemoglobin (HR=1.68); BUN (HR=2.06) (all P<.05). Following categorical assessment based on number of abnormal markers, the 1-y risk of death increased in a monotonic fashion with mortality rates of 0%, 2.0%, 7.8%, 22.3%, 29.3%, and 57.6% respectively; similar results were seen in the validation set.. Simultaneous assessment of pathophysiologically diverse markers in acute dyspnea provides powerful, independent and incremental prognostic information.

Topics: Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Biomarkers; Blood Urea Nitrogen; C-Reactive Protein; Cohort Studies; Dyspnea; Emergency Service, Hospital; Female; Humans; Interleukin-1 Receptor-Like 1 Protein; Male; Middle Aged; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Peptide Fragments; Prognosis; Receptors, Cell Surface

Dyspnea is a common complaint in the emergency department (ED) and may be a diagnostic challenge. We hypothesized that diagnostic uncertainty in this setting is associated with adverse outcomes, and amino-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) testing would improve diagnostic accuracy and reduce diagnostic uncertainty.. A total of 592 dyspneic patients were evaluated from the ProBNP Investigation of Dyspnea in the Emergency Department (PRIDE) study. Managing physicians were asked to provide estimates from 0% to 100%of the likelihood of acutely destabilized heart failure (ADHF). A certainty estimate of either 20% or lower or 80% or higher was classified as clinical certainty, while estimates between 21% and 79% were defined as clinical uncertainty. Associations between clinical uncertainty,hospital length of stay, morbidity, and mortality were examined. The diagnostic value of clinical judgment vs NT-proBNP measurement was compared across categories of clinical certainty.. Clinical uncertainty was present in 185 patients (31%), 103 (56%) of whom had ADHF. Patients judged with clinical uncertainty had longer hospital length of stay and increased morbidity and mortality,especially those with ADHF. Receiver operating characteristic analysis of clinical judgment yielded an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.88 in the clinical certainty group and 0.76 in the uncertainty group (P<.001); NT-proBNP testing alone in these same groups had AUCs of 0.96 and 0.91, respectively. The combination of clinical judgment with NT-proBNP testing yielded improvements in AUC.. Among dyspneic patients in the ED, clinical uncertainty is associated with increased morbidity and mortality, especially in those with ADHF.The addition of NT-proBNP testing to clinical judgment may reduce diagnostic uncertainty in this setting.

Topics: Aged; Dyspnea; Emergency Service, Hospital; Female; Heart Failure; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Peptide Fragments

Amino-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) testing is useful for diagnosis or exclusion of heart failure (HF) in dyspneic patients. Atrial fibrillation (AF) may cause dyspnea in the absence of acute HF and may also affect plasma levels of NT-proBNP.. We prospectively enrolled 599 patients presenting with dyspnea to the emergency department and obtained a blood sample for NT-proBNP measurement. The diagnosis of AF was identified via presentation electrocardiogram. A final diagnosis of HF was determined by blinded study physicians using all available hospital records for each subject through 60 days of follow-up. We assessed the association between the presence of AF and level of NT-proBNP in subsets of patients with and without HF.. Of 599 dyspneic patients, 75 (13%) were in AF at presentation; these patients had significantly higher median NT-proBNP levels when compared with those without AF (2934 vs 294 pg/mL, P < .0001). Among patients with acute HF, AF was present in 28%; NT-proBNP levels were lower in those with AF versus those without (3488 vs 4492 pg/mL, P < .001), but AF was not independently associated with NT-proBNP after multivariable adjustment. In patients without acute HF, median NT-proBNP concentrations were significantly higher in those with AF than in those without (932 vs 121 pg/mL, P = .02); in these subjects, AF was the strongest predictor of an NT-proBNP concentration in a range consistent with acute HF (odds ratio 9.94, 95% CI 2.97-33.3, P < .001).. Atrial fibrillation is associated with higher NT-proBNP concentrations in dyspneic patients, particularly in those without acute HF.

Topics: Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Atrial Fibrillation; Dyspnea; Female; Heart Failure; Humans; Linear Models; Logistic Models; Male; Middle Aged; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Peptide Fragments; Risk Factors

Amino (N)-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) testing is useful for diagnostic and prognostic evaluation in patients with dyspnea. An inverse relationship between body mass index (BMI); (calculated as weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared) and NT-proBNP concentrations has been described.. One thousand one hundred three patients presenting to the emergency department with acute dyspnea underwent analysis. Patients were classified into the following 3 BMI categories: lean (<25.0), overweight (25.0-29.9), and obese (>/=30.0).. The NT-proBNP concentrations in the overweight and obese groups were significantly lower than in the lean patients, regardless of the presence of acute heart failure (P<.001). The positive likelihood ratio for an NT-proBNP-based diagnosis of acute heart failure was 5.3 for a BMI lower than 25.0, 13.3 for a BMI of 25.0 to 29.9, and 7.5 for a BMI of 30.0 or higher. A cut point of 300 ng/L had very low negative likelihood ratios in all 3 BMI categories (0.02, 0.03, and 0.08, respectively). Among decedents, the NT-proBNP concentrations were lower in the overweight and obese patients compared with the lean subjects (P<.001). Nonetheless, a single cut point of 986 ng/L strongly predicted 1-year mortality across the 3 BMI strata, regardless of the presence of acute heart failure (hazard ratios, 2.22, 3.06, and 3.69 for BMIs of <25.0, 25.0-29.9, and >/=30.0, respectively; all P<.004); the risk associated with a high NT-proBNP concentration was detected early and was sustained to a year after baseline in all 3 BMI strata (all P<.001).. In patients with and without acute heart failure, the NT-proBNP concentrations are relatively lower in overweight and obese patients with acute dyspnea. Despite this, the NT-proBNP concentration retains its diagnostic and prognostic capacity across all BMI categories.

Topics: Acute Disease; Aged; Biomarkers; Body Mass Index; Diagnosis, Differential; Dyspnea; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Heart Failure; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Obesity; Peptide Fragments; Prognosis; Protein Precursors; Risk Factors

Blood pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (pro-BNP) level increases in case of myocardial ischemia and myocardial volume or pressure overload. The aim of this study is to measure changes in blood pro-BNP level during the course of panic attack with symptoms of chest pain and/or dyspnea.. Patients who were admitted to the emergency room with panic attack have been regarded as the study group. Blood pro-BNP level has been measured during follow-up of the patients upon admission and 2h later.. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure and pulse rate were significantly decreased (p<0.0001) during follow-up of the patients (ages between 18 and 43 years; mean 26+/-6.13 years). Paradoxically, blood pro-BNP level of patients was significantly increased during the same period (52.86+/-59.73 versus 50.97+/-57.42 U/L; p<0.0001).. Blood pro-BNP level has increased among patients who have complained chest pain and/or dyspnea as symptoms of panic attack. It is thought that chest pain and dyspnea in the course of panic attack may not be purely psychological.

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Chest Pain; Dyspnea; Humans; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Panic Disorder

Thirty-seven consecutive patients with acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) admitted to emergency departments for acute dyspnea were investigated. Ten patients with acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and 10 patients with hypertension crisis were also included as controls. For each patient, a plasma amino-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NTproBNP) concentration measurement was performed at admission, 4, 12, and 24 hours later, and on the day of discharge. In patients with ADHF, the observation of a progressive reduction to a complete relief of symptoms of heart failure was accompanied by a reduction of 58% of NTproBNP plasma levels on the day of discharge. Amelioration of symptoms was accompanied by improvement of physiologic parameters and New York Heart Association functional class. In the control population (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and hypertension crisis patients), no significant variation of NTproBNP levels in comparison with those at admission was found at each time point. In conclusion, a plasma profile obtained with sequential measurements indicates that a significant decrease in NTproBNP levels is associated with the clinical improvement of patients with ADHF at the time of discharge.

Topics: Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Blood Pressure; Case-Control Studies; Dyspnea; Female; Heart Failure; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Peptide Fragments; Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive

Heart failure (HF) is a progressive disorder associated with frequent morbidity and mortality. An American Heart Association/American College of Cardiology staging classification of HF has been developed to emphasize early detection and prevention. The prevalence of HF stages and their association with mortality are unknown. We sought to estimate HF stage prevalence in the community and to measure the association of HF stages with mortality.. A population-based, cross-sectional, random sample of 2029 Olmsted County, Minnesota, residents aged > or = 45 years was identified. Participants were classified by medical record review, symptom questionnaire, physical examination, and echocardiogram as follows: stage 0, healthy; stage A, HF risk factors; stage B, asymptomatic cardiac structural or functional abnormalities; stage C, HF symptoms; and stage D, severe HF. In the cohort, 32% were stage 0, 22% stage A, 34% stage B, 12% stage C, and 0.2% stage D. Mean B-type natriuretic peptide concentrations (in pg/mL) increased by stages: stage 0=26, stage A=32, stage B=53, stage C=137, and stage D=353. Survival at 5 years was 99% in stage 0, 97% in stage A, 96% in stage B, 75% in stage C, and 20% in stage D.. The present study provides prevalence estimates and prognostic validation for HF staging in a community cohort. Of note, 56% of adults > or = 45 years of age were classified as being in stage A (risk factors) or B (asymptomatic ventricular dysfunction). HF staging underscores the magnitude of the population at risk for progression to overt HF.

Topics: Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Cohort Studies; Cross-Sectional Studies; Disease Progression; Dyspnea; Fatigue; Female; Heart Failure; Humans; Hypertrophy, Left Ventricular; Male; Middle Aged; Minnesota; Myocardial Infarction; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Prevalence; Prognosis; Proportional Hazards Models; Prospective Studies; Sampling Studies; Severity of Illness Index; Survival Analysis; Ultrasonography

Diastolic heart failure affects approximately 40%-50% of patients presenting with signs and symptoms of heart failure. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels and functional capacity in patients admitted with dyspnea and diagnosed with isolated diastolic dysfunction. Fifty-four patients (mean age, 57.4 +/- 8.5 years) with class-2 dyspnea with isolated diastolic dysfunction were enrolled. Serum levels of BNP were measured, and peak oxygen consumption (peak VO(2)), anaerobic threshold (AT), and metabolic equivalent (MET) values were determined with a cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET). There was a negative correlation between BNP levels and exercise duration (P < 0.05, r = -0.304), AT (P < 0.05, r = -0.380), and number of MET (P < 0.05, r = -0.322) determined by CPET. When patients were divided into 2 groups according to BNP levels; BNP < or = 50 pg/mL (n = 40) versus BNP > 50 pg/mL (n = 14) and analyzed, those with BNP levels > 50 pg/mL had lower peak VO(2) (P = 0.05) and anaerobic threshold (P = 0.01) compared with patients with BNP < or = 50 pg/mL. The results suggest that BNP levels provide an indication about the functional capacity determined by CPET in patients admitted with dyspnea and isolated diastolic dysfunction.

Topics: Anaerobic Threshold; Biomarkers; Diastole; Disease Progression; Dyspnea; Echocardiography; Electrocardiography; Exercise Test; Female; Fluorescent Antibody Technique; Follow-Up Studies; Heart Ventricles; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Myocardial Contraction; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Oxygen Consumption; Prognosis; Retrospective Studies; Severity of Illness Index; Ventricular Dysfunction, Left

The aim of our study was to establish weather N-terminal fragment of brain-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) is useful in the differential diagnosis of dyspnea in elderly patients, and whether its determination has a prognostic value in heart failure (HF).. 79 patients admitted with acute dyspnea at the emergency department were included in our study. The mean age (standard deviation) was 77.56 (8.71) years. 67% had a diagnosis of HF based on clinical and echocardiagraphic criteria. A follow-up of 18 months was performed after discharge.. Higher levels of NT-proBNP were found in patients with HF (6,833.54 pg/ml) than in patients with other causes of dyspnea (1,801.99 pg/ml) (p < 0.0001). A cut-off point of NT-proBNP > 730 pg/ml was related to higher rates of readmission due to HF over the next 18 months.. NT-proBNP is a useful biomarker in the differential diagnosis of dyspnea in the elderly population. Its determination has a prognostic roll, stratifying the risk of readmission in HF patients.

Topics: Acute Disease; Aged; Biomarkers; Diagnosis, Differential; Dyspnea; Electrocardiography; Female; Heart Failure; Humans; Male; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Peptide Fragments; Prognosis; Risk Factors

To determine the optimal cut-off values of B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) for the diagnosis of congestive heart failure (CHF) in 1040 Korean patients with dyspnoea visiting emergency departments.. BNP values were measured for 662 patients without CHF to examine whether significant relationships existed between the BNP values and age, gender or underlying disease. In 378 patients with CHF, a similar analysis was performed in addition to the examination of the relationship between the mean BNP values and CHF severity.. The optimal threshold for the detection of heart failure was a BNP concentration of 296.5 pg/mL, regardless of age, sex and underlying disease among the Korean study population. In the non-CHF patients, women showed significantly higher mean BNP values than did men. Further, in these patients, the mean BNP values of men with underlying disease (hypertension, angina pectoris, chronic renal failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) and those with at least two underlying diseases, one of which was hypertension, was higher than those without underlying disease, whereas no difference was observed between women with and without underlying disease. Based on the New York Heart Association classification, echocardiography findings and mortality rate of the CHF patients, the BNP value was found to be related to both the severity of heart failure and its prognosis.. The BNP concentration used for the diagnosis of CHF in Korean people is considerably higher than the normal cut-off value of 100 pg/mL. In the non-CHF patients, the BNP values of women were influenced less by underlying disease. This suggests that the factors that influence BNP values in women are different from those in men.

Topics: Adult; Age Distribution; Aged; Angina Pectoris; Biomarkers; Comorbidity; Diabetes Mellitus; Dyspnea; Emergency Service, Hospital; Female; Heart Failure; Humans; Hypertension; Korea; Male; Middle Aged; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive; Reference Values; Sensitivity and Specificity; Sex Distribution; Survival Analysis

The incremental role of bedside tissue Doppler echocardiography and B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) over the clinical judgment has been recently reported in the emergency diagnosis of congestive heart failure with a normal left ventricular ejection fraction (HFNEF). However, how well does this diagnostic strategy be applicable in the setting of atrial fibrillation is unknown.. To investigate the usefulness of bedside tissue Doppler echocardiography and BNP in the emergency diagnosis of HFNEF in elderly patients with permanent, nonvalvular atrial fibrillation.. Forty-one consecutive elderly patients with an ejection fraction > or =50% (mean age 84 years; 22 with HFNEF and 19 with noncardiac cause), hospitalized for acute dyspnea at rest, were prospectively enrolled; bedside septal E/Ea and BNP were obtained at admission.. By multivariable logistic regression analysis including the clinical judgment of heart failure, E/Ea and BNP, E/Ea (P = 0.014) and BNP (P = 0.018) provided independent diagnostic information. Optimal cutoffs were 13 for E/Ea (area under the ROC curve of 0.846, P < 0.0001; sensitivity 81.8%, specificity 89.5%) and 253 pg/ml for BNP (area under the ROC curve of 0.928, P < 0.0001; sensitivity 86.4%, specificity 89.5%). The concordance between the clinical judgment and BNP concentration at the cutoff of 253 pg/ml correctly classified 24 of 25 patients; E/Ea at the cutoff of 13 correctly classified 14 of the 16 patients with discrepancy.. Bedside tissue Doppler echocardiography and BNP provide useful additional diagnostic information over the clinical judgment for the emergency diagnosis of HFNEF in elderly patients with permanent, nonvalvular atrial fibrillation.

Topics: Acute Disease; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Analysis of Variance; Area Under Curve; Atrial Fibrillation; Biomarkers; Confounding Factors, Epidemiologic; Diagnosis, Differential; Dyspnea; Echocardiography, Doppler; Female; Heart Failure; Humans; Logistic Models; Male; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Point-of-Care Systems; Prospective Studies; Research Design; Sensitivity and Specificity; Stroke Volume; Ventricular Function, Left

The aim of the present study was to investigate the analytical and diagnostic utility of B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) and the N-terminus of this prohormone, N-terminal pro-BNP (NT-pro-BNP) testing in the emergency department to identify acute congestive heart failure (CHF).. A blood sample taken from patients presenting to the emergency department with acute dyspnoea (n=80) was analyzed for natriuretic peptides using three different assays [Triage BNP (Biosite), Centaur BNP (Bayer) and Elecsys NT-pro-BNP (Roche)]. A cardiologist and a pulmonologist, blinded to the actual natriuretic peptide levels, reviewed all test results (including echocardiography, etc.) retrospectively and made a diagnosis of dyspnoea due to CHF or not.. Analytical testing showed good correlation and coefficients of variation of less than 10% for all three assays. Cardiac-related dyspnoea was found in 40 patients (50%). NT-proBNP and BNP values were significantly elevated in these patients. For identifying patients with CHF, BNP and NT-proBNP scored equally well (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.78, 0.77 and 0.78 for the Biosite, Roche and Bayer assays, respectively).. In general, the different assays tested for BNP and NT-pro-BNP correlate very well in patients with suspected CHF and may aid in the risk stratification process in emergency departments. However, the value must always be interpreted in conjunction with other clinical information. It should also be considered that renal impairment can affect the results.

Topics: Area Under Curve; Clinical Laboratory Techniques; Dyspnea; Emergency Medical Services; Heart Failure; Humans; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Natriuretic Peptides; Peptide Fragments; Reagent Kits, Diagnostic

Concomitant occurrence of kidney disease (KD) and heart failure (HF) is common and associated with poor outcomes. Natriuretic peptide studies have typically excluded many individuals with KD. We compared the accuracy of B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) and N-terminal proBNP (NT-proBNP) for diagnosing decompensated HF and predicting mortality across the spectrum of renal function.. BNP and NT-proBNP were prospectively measured in a cohort of 831 dyspnea patients. KD was defined as an estimated glomerular filtration rate <60 mL . min(-1) . (1.73 m(2))(-1). The accuracy and predictive value of each test for diagnosing decompensated HF and predicting all-cause 1-year mortality were assessed by ROC area under the curve (AUC) and multivariate regression analysis.. Among the 831 dyspnea patients, 393 (47%) had KD. The diagnostic accuracies of BNP and NT-proBNP in detecting decompensated HF were similar to each other in patients without KD (AUC 0.75 vs 0.74, respectively; P = 0.60) and in patients with KD (AUC 0.68 vs 0.66; P = 0.10). One-year mortality rates were 36.3% and 19.0% in those with and without KD, respectively (P <0.001). Progressively higher BNP and NT-proBNP concentrations remained predictive of increased mortality in KD patients. Compared with the lowest quartile, quartile 4 of BNP had an adjusted hazards ratio (HR) of 2.6 (95% CI 1.4-4.8; P = 0.004 for trend) and NT-proBNP quartile 4 had an HR of 4.5 (95% CI 2.0-10.2; P <0.001 for trend). Only NT-proBNP remained a predictor of death after adjustment for clinical confounders and the other natriuretic peptide marker.. NT-proBNP and BNP are equivalent predictors of decompensated HF across a spectrum of renal function, but NT-proBNP is a superior predictor of mortality.

Topics: Aged; Dyspnea; Female; Glomerular Filtration Rate; Heart Failure; Humans; Kidney Diseases; Logistic Models; Male; Multivariate Analysis; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Peptide Fragments; Predictive Value of Tests; Prospective Studies; Protein Precursors; Reference Values; ROC Curve

Topics: Biomarkers; Comorbidity; Diagnostic Tests, Routine; Drug Interactions; Dyspnea; Evidence-Based Medicine; False Negative Reactions; False Positive Reactions; Female; Heart Failure; Humans; Male; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Peptide Fragments; Predictive Value of Tests; Reference Values; Reproducibility of Results; Risk Assessment; ROC Curve; Troponin T

B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) is an established biomarker for the differentiation of acute dyspnoea in the emergency department. However, evidence for BNP testing in outpatients is less strong. BNP is not a global test to detect cardiac abnormalities and is only helpful in a few clearly defined clinical settings. Similarly to its use in emergency department patients, BNP is useful in outpatients presenting with dyspnoea to estimate the likelihood of heart failure as the cause of dyspnoea. However, BNP does not provide any reliable information on the underlying cardiac pathology, and in virtually all cases additional examinations are required (primarily echocardiography). In addition, BNP is helpful for risk stratification in patients with heart failure, coronary artery disease and pulmonary artery hypertension.

Topics: Adult; Aged; Ambulatory Care; Cardiovascular Diseases; Coronary Disease; Diagnosis, Differential; Dyspnea; Female; Heart Failure; Humans; Hypertension; Male; Middle Aged; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Peptide Fragments; Predictive Value of Tests; Prognosis; Ventricular Dysfunction, Left

Noninvasive left ventricular (LV) pressure estimation in obese patients has not been well described. Simultaneous B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) and echocardiographic Doppler examinations were performed in patients with dyspnea undergoing cardiac catheterization. Patients were divided into body mass index (BMI) >35 (markedly obese), 31 to 35 (obese), and < or =30 kg/m2 (nonobese). BNP levels and mitral early diastolic/tissue Doppler annular velocity (E/Ea) were compared with invasively measured LV end-diastolic and pre-atrial (pre-A) pressures. Seventy-two patients were studied. Except for BMI, LV mass index, and LV diastolic dimension, there were no significant differences in baseline, echocardiographic Doppler, or hemodynamic characteristics among the groups. However, BNP was significantly lower in markedly obese compared with obese and nonobese patients (116 +/- 187 vs 241 +/- 674 and 277 +/- 352 pg/ml, respectively; p = 0.03). BNP did not correlate with LV pre-A pressure in markedly obese patients (R = 0.13, p = 0.47), whereas BNP significantly correlated with this variable in the obese (R = 0.64) and nonobese (R = 0.58) groups. Mitral E/Ea significantly correlated with LV pre-A and LV end-diastolic pressures in all BMI groups. In markedly obese patients with dyspnea, BNP did not correlate with invasively measured LV filling pressure, whereas this correlated in obese and nonobese patients. However, mitral E/Ea significantly correlated with LV filling pressures in all BMI groups. In conclusion, BNP is not recommended for LV filling pressure estimation in ambulatory patients with dyspnea with BMI >35 kg/m2.

Topics: Adult; Aged; Body Mass Index; Cardiac Catheterization; Dyspnea; Echocardiography, Doppler; Female; Heart Ventricles; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Obesity; Prospective Studies; Ventricular Pressure

This study was designed to determine whether measurement of plasma pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (proBNP) could be used in discriminating between cardiac and pulmonary dyspnea in the general population.. Natriuretic peptides are useful markers in ruling out acute cardiac dyspnea in the emergency department, but their diagnostic significance in evaluating chronic dyspnea in the general population is unknown.. Within the Copenhagen City Heart Study, a large, community-based population study, dyspnea was evaluated by spirometry, oxygen saturation, echocardiography, and plasma proBNP.. Of 2,929 participants, 959 reported dyspnea. The plasma proBNP concentration was higher in the group with dyspnea (mean 17.8 pmol/l; 95% confidence interval [CI] 16.3 to 19.4 pmol/l) than in the group without (10.6 pmol/l; 95% CI 10.0 to 11.4 pmol/l; p < 0.001). In the group with dyspnea, left ventricular hypertrophy and/or systolic dysfunction was associated with a 2.6-fold increase in plasma proBNP concentration (p < 0.001), whereas pulmonary dysfunction was not associated with increased plasma proBNP (p = 0.66). Using multivariable regression analysis, a model to estimate the expected concentration of plasma proBNP based on age and gender was established for dyspneic subjects: an actual plasma proBNP concentration below half of the expected value ruled out left ventricular systolic and diastolic dysfunction (sensitivity 100%, 95% CI 100% to 100%; specificity 15%, 95% CI 12% to 17%).. In the general population with dyspnea, plasma proBNP concentrations are increased in left ventricular dilatation, hypertrophy, systolic dysfunction, or diastolic dysfunction, but are unaffected by pulmonary dysfunction.

Topics: Age Distribution; Biomarkers; Causality; Cohort Studies; Comorbidity; Denmark; Diagnosis, Differential; Dyspnea; Female; Heart Diseases; Humans; Longitudinal Studies; Lung Diseases; Male; Middle Aged; Multivariate Analysis; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Peptide Fragments; Sensitivity and Specificity; Sex Distribution

Topics: Diagnosis, Differential; Dyspnea; Family Practice; Heart Failure; Humans; Lung Diseases; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Sensitivity and Specificity

No method integrating amino-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) testing with clinical assessment for the evaluation of patients with suspected acute heart failure (HF) has been described.. Amino-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide results and clinical factors from 599 patients with dyspnea were analyzed. The beta coefficients of the 8 independent predictors of HF were used to assign a weighted integeric score for predictor. The sum of these integers provided a diagnostic HF "score" for each patient. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis determined the optimal cut point for the diagnosis of acute HF. The performance of the score was evaluated in the development cohort and subsequently in a patient population from a separate clinical trial of patients with dyspnea conducted in Christchurch, New Zealand.. Eight factors comprised the score: elevated NT-proBNP (4 points), interstitial edema on chest x-ray (2 points), orthopnea (2 points), absence of fever (2 points), loop diuretic use, age > 75 years, rales, and absence of cough (all 1 point). Median scores in patients with acute HF were higher than those without acute HF (9 vs 3 points, P < .001). At a cut point of > or = 6 points, the score had a sensitivity of 96% and a specificity of 84% for the diagnosis of acute HF (P < .001). The score improved diagnostic accuracy over NT-proBNP testing alone and retained discriminative capacity in patients in whom clinical uncertainty was present. Lastly, the accuracy of the score was validated in the external data set of patients with suspected acute HF.. We report a simple and accurate scoring system combining NT-proBNP testing and clinical assessment for the diagnosis or exclusion of acute HF in patients with dyspnea.

Topics: Acute Disease; Aged; Diagnostic Techniques, Cardiovascular; Dyspnea; Emergencies; Heart Failure; Humans; Middle Aged; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Peptide Fragments; Protein Precursors; Reproducibility of Results

Topics: Diagnosis, Differential; Dyspnea; Echocardiography; Family Practice; Heart Failure; Heart Murmurs; Humans; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Netherlands; United Kingdom

The relationship between renal insufficiency and amino-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) levels remains unclear. We examined this relationship in the context of patients who presented to the emergency department of an urban tertiary care medical center with dyspnea. Even in the presence of renal insufficiency, NT-proBNP remained a valuable tool for the diagnosis of acute congestive heart failure and it provides important prognostic information.. We sought to examine the interaction between renal function and amino-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) levels.. The effects of renal insufficiency on NT-proBNP among patients with and without acute congestive heart failure (CHF) are controversial. We examined the effects of kidney disease on NT-proBNP-based CHF diagnosis and prognosis.. A total of 599 dyspneic patients with glomerular filtration rates (GFRs) as low as 14.8 ml/min were analyzed. We used multivariate logistic regression to examine covariates associated with NT-proBNP results and linear regression analysis to analyze associations between NT-proBNP and GFR. Receiver-operating characteristic analysis determined the sensitivity and specificity of NT-proBNP for CHF diagnosis. We also assessed 60-day mortality rates as a function of NT-proBNP concentration.. Glomerular filtration rates ranged from 15 ml/min/1.73 m2 to 252 ml/min/1.73 m2. Renal insufficiency was associated with risk factors for CHF, and patients with renal insufficiency were more likely to have CHF (all p < 0.003). Worse renal function was accompanied by cardiac structural and functional abnormalities on echocardiography. We found that NT-proBNP and GFR were inversely and independently related (p < 0.001) and that NT-proBNP values of > 450 pg/ml for patients ages <50 years and >900 pg/ml for patients > or =50 years had a sensitivity of 85% and a specificity of 88% for diagnosing acute CHF among subjects with GFR > or =60 ml/min/1.73 m2. Using a cut point of 1,200 pg/ml for subjects with GFR <60 ml/min/1.73 m2, we found sensitivity and specificity to be 89% and 72%, respectively. We found that NT-proBNP was the strongest overall independent risk factor for 60-day mortality (hazard ratio 1.57; 95% confidence interval 1.2 to 2.0; p = 0.0004) and remained so even in those with GFR <60 ml/min/1.73 m2 (hazard ratio 1.61; 95% confidence interval 1.14 to 2.26; p = 0.006).. The use of NT-proBNP testing is valuable for the evaluation of the dyspneic patient with suspected CHF, irrespective of renal function.

Topics: Aged; Biomarkers; Creatinine; Dyspnea; Echocardiography; Female; Glomerular Filtration Rate; Heart Failure; Humans; Kidney; Male; Middle Aged; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Peptide Fragments; Protein Precursors; Renal Insufficiency; ROC Curve; Sensitivity and Specificity

Topics: Acute Disease; Aged; Dyspnea; Heart; Humans; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Radiography; Research Design; Ventricular Dysfunction, Left

B-type natriuretic peptide is known to correlate with hemodynamic state, presence and severity of congestive heart failure, and prognosis. Although low-range B-type natriuretic peptide less than 100 pg/mL has a high negative predictive value (90%), and high-range B-type natriuretic peptide greater than 500 pg/mL has a high positive predictive value (87%), there remains some ambiguity in the interpretation of results in the medium range (100-500 pg/mL). We hypothesized that taking into account the history of congestive heart failure along with other clinical variables would be helpful in this range of B-type natriuretic peptide levels.. The Breathing Not Properly Multicenter Study was an international, 7-center, prospective study including 1475 patients with a mean age of 63 years (57% were male, and 54% were female); 35% of patients with a history of congestive heart failure were enrolled, and a final diagnosis of congestive heart failure was made in 46%. The index criteria was defined as positive if any 2 index findings (ie, history of coronary artery disease, lower extremity edema, pulmonary edema, cephalization of the pulmonary arteries, and cardiomegaly) were present.. The interval likelihood ratios (LR) for low, medium, and high B-type natriuretic peptide ranges are 0.13, 1.85, and 8.1, respectively. For medium B-type natriuretic peptide levels a positive history of congestive heart failure makes the diagnosis of congestive heart failure more probable with a cumulative LR of 4.3. Also in this range a positive index criterion was strongly indicative of congestive heart failure even in the absence of a history of congestive heart failure (LR 3.3). Where there are both a positive history of congestive heart failure and a positive index criteria for the medium B-type natriuretic peptide group, the cumulative LR (10.2) is similar to that of a high B-type natriuretic peptide level (8.1).. Even in the medium range (100-500 pg/mL), when using the history of congestive heart failure and index criteria, B-type natriuretic peptide can be a powerful diagnostic tool in the hands of clinicians in the emergency department.

Topics: Aged; Biomarkers; Dyspnea; Emergency Service, Hospital; Female; Heart Failure; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Predictive Value of Tests; Recurrence; ROC Curve; Sensitivity and Specificity

Topics: Aged; Atrial Fibrillation; Biomarkers; Diagnosis, Differential; Dyspnea; Emergency Medicine; Heart Failure; Humans; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Predictive Value of Tests

Amino-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) is useful for diagnosis and triage of patients with dyspnea, but its role for predicting outcomes in such patients remains undefined.. A total of 599 breathless patients treated in the emergency department were prospectively enrolled, and a sample of blood was obtained for NT-proBNP measurements. After 1 year, the vital status of each patient was ascertained, and the association between NT-proBNP values at presentation and mortality was assessed.. At 1 year, 91 patients (15.2%) had died. Median NT-proBNP concentrations at presentation among decedents were significantly higher than those of survivors (3277 vs 299 pg/mL; P<.001). The optimal NT-proBNP cut point for predicting 1-year mortality was 986 pg/mL. In a multivariable model, an NT-proBNP concentration greater than 986 pg/mL at presentation was the single strongest predictor of death at 1 year (hazard ratio [HR], 2.88; 95% confidence interval, 1.64-5.06; P<.001), independent of a diagnosis of heart failure. Other factors associated with death included age (by decade; HR, 1.20), heart rate (by decile; HR, 1.13), urea nitrogen level (by decile; HR, 1.20), systolic blood pressure less than 100 mm Hg (HR, 1.94), heart murmur (HR, 1.92), and New York Heart Association classification (HR, 1.38 for each increase in class). The NT-proBNP concentration alone had an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of 0.76 for predicting mortality; the other significant covariates combined had an AUC of 0.80. The final model for predicting death, combining NT-proBNP with other covariates associated with mortality, had a superior AUC of 0.82.. In addition to assisting in emergency department diagnosis and triage, NT-proBNP concentrations at presentation are strongly predictive of 1-year mortality in dyspneic patients.

Topics: Age Factors; Aged; Biomarkers; Blood Pressure; Blood Urea Nitrogen; Dyspnea; Emergency Service, Hospital; Female; Heart Failure; Heart Murmurs; Heart Rate; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Multivariate Analysis; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Peptide Fragments; Prospective Studies; ROC Curve; Stroke Volume; Systole; United States

B-type peptide assay (brain natriuretic peptide [BNP] and N-terminal prohormone brain natriuretic peptide [NT-proBNP]) is useful for the diagnosis of heart failure (HF), but few data are available on the use of these markers in elderly subjects. The aim of this study was to evaluate NT-proBNP assay for the diagnosis of acute left HF in patients older than 70 years hospitalized for acute dyspnea.. We prospectively enrolled 256 elderly patients with acute dyspnea. They were categorized by 2 cardiologists unaware of NT-proBNP values into a cardiac dyspnea subgroup (left HF) and a noncardiac dyspnea subgroup (all other causes).. Mean age was 81 +/- 7 years, and 52% of the patients were women. The diagnoses made in the emergency setting were incorrect or uncertain in 45% of cases. The median NT-proBNP value was higher (P < .0001) in patients with cardiac dyspnea (n = 142; 7906 pg/mL) than in patients with noncardiac dyspnea (n = 112; 1066 pg/mL). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.86 (95% CI 0.81-0.91). At a cutoff of 2000 pg/mL, NT-proBNP had a sensitivity of 86%, a specificity of 71%, and an overall accuracy of 80% for cardiac dyspnea. The use of 2 cutoffs (< 1200 and > 4500 pg/mL) resulted in an 8% error rate and a gray area englobing 32% of values.. NT-proBNP appears to be a sensitive and specific means of distinguishing pulmonary from cardiac causes of dyspnea in elderly patients. An optimal diagnostic strategy requires the use of 2 cutoffs and further investigations of patients with values in the gray area.

Topics: Acute Disease; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Biomarkers; Dyspnea; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; Female; Heart Failure; Humans; Male; Multivariate Analysis; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Peptide Fragments; Prospective Studies; Sensitivity and Specificity; Ventricular Function, Left

Whether N-terminal pro B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) is a useful screening tool for angiographic coronary artery disease in patients with angina is not known. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to assess the diagnostic test performance of NT-proBNP in detecting coronary atherosclerotic lesions, as assessed by coronary angiography.. We examined 1034 patients referred for diagnostic angiography because of symptoms or signs of coronary artery disease. The diagnostic value of NT-proBNP in predicting clinically significant coronary disease was assessed.. In a multiple logistic regression model, NT-proBNP above the upper normal limit (125 pg/mL) predicted clinically significant coronary disease at angiography independently of traditional cardiovascular risk factors and invasive measurements of left ventricular function (odds ratio 2.1, 95% CI 1.3-3.2, P = .001). The ability of NT-proBNP in detecting clinically significant coronary disease at angiography was modest, however, with sensitivity of 0.61, specificity 0.60, accuracy 61 (95% CI 58-64), positive likelihood ratio 1.5 (95% CI 1.3-1.8), negative likelihood ratio 0.7 (95% CI 0.6-0.8), and area under the ROC curve 0.61 (95% CI 0.58-0.64).. NT-proBNP is associated with clinically significant coronary disease at angiography, independently of left ventricular dysfunction. However, NT-proBNP is not a useful screening test for diagnosing significant angiographic lesions in patients with stable coronary disease.

Topics: Angina Pectoris; Biomarkers; Coronary Angiography; Coronary Artery Disease; Cross-Sectional Studies; Dyspnea; Female; Humans; Likelihood Functions; Logistic Models; Male; Middle Aged; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Peptide Fragments; ROC Curve; Sensitivity and Specificity; Stroke Volume; Ventricular Function, Left

Topics: Aged; Dyspnea; Emergency Service, Hospital; Heart Failure; Humans; Male; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Prognosis; Uncertainty

The aim of the present study was to assess the utility of amino-terminal pro-A-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proANP) measurements for the emergency diagnosis of acute destabilized heart failure (HF), using a novel sandwich immunoassay covering midregional epitopes (MR-proANP).. The retrospective analysis comprised 251 consecutive patients presenting to the emergency department of a tertiary care hospital with dyspnea as a chief complaint. The diagnosis of acute destabilized HF was based on the Framingham score for HF plus echocardiographic evidence of systolic or diastolic dysfunction. A commercially available immunoluminometric assay was used for measurement of MR-proANP plasma concentrations.. Median MR-proANP plasma concentrations were significantly higher in patients with dyspnea attributable to acute destabilized HF (338 pmol/L; n = 137) than in patients with dyspnea attributable to other reasons (98 pmol/L; n = 114; P <0.001). The area under the curve for MR-proANP was 0.876 (SE = 0.022; 95% confidence interval, 0.829-0.914), and the cutoff concentration with the highest diagnostic accuracy was 169 pmol/L (sensitivity, 89%; specificity, 76%; diagnostic accuracy, 83%). In the setting evaluated, diagnostic information obtained by MR-proANP measurements was similar to that obtained with B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) and amino-terminal proBNP (NT-proBNP) measurements.. MR-proANP measurements may be useful as an aid in the diagnosis of acute destabilized HF in short-of-breath patients presenting to an emergency department. The diagnostic value of MR-proANP appears to be comparable to that of BNP and NT-proBNP.

Topics: Acute Disease; Atrial Natriuretic Factor; Dyspnea; Heart Failure; Humans; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Peptide Fragments; Prospective Studies; Protein Precursors; ROC Curve

There are very few data describing the association of electrocardiogram-based unrecognized myocardial infarction (ECG-UMI) with nonanginal cardiopulmonary symptoms, echocardiographic abnormalities, and mortality in the community.. We studied 2042 Olmsted County residents, who were randomly selected and aged > or = 45 years, by a survey questionnaire for symptoms, echocardiogram for structural abnormalities, and a 5-year follow-up for all-cause mortality. Unrecognized myocardial infarctions (n = 81) were diagnosed if ECG-based myocardial infarction (MI) criteria were met without the history of a documented recognized MI.. In UMI versus no MI controls, the prevalence (%) of dyspnea on exertion (49 vs 29), orthopnea (6 vs 4), palpitations (20 vs 15), and history of fluid overload (6 vs 1) was significantly higher (P < .05). The associations of exertional dyspnea and history of fluid overload with UMI were independent of age, sex, and pulmonary disease but had a significant reduction in their magnitude after adjusting for global dysfunction (diastolic or systolic dysfunction). All the 4 symptoms were associated with increased risk of mortality (hazard ratios ranging from 2.3 to 9.1, P < .0001), which was meaningfully attenuated by adjusting for ECG-UMI status. Global ventricular dysfunction had a more significant impact on this association than regional ventricular dysfunction (wall motion abnormalities).. The increased risk of mortality associated with symptoms is at least in part mediated via ECG-UMI. Structural abnormalities of global dysfunction play a greater role in mediating this risk than regional dysfunction, challenging the current clinical practice of calling an ECG-based MI false positive in symptomatic adults in the absence of wall motion abnormalities.

Topics: Aged; Dyspnea; Electrocardiography; Female; Humans; Logistic Models; Male; Middle Aged; Multivariate Analysis; Myocardial Infarction; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Proportional Hazards Models; Stroke Volume; Ultrasonography; Ventricular Dysfunction, Left

The aim of the present study was to demonstrate the capability of B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) and amino terminal proBNP (NT-proBNP) as prognostic markers in patients with dyspnoea as a chief complaint.. BNP and NT-proBNP plasma concentrations were obtained from 251 short of breath patients presenting to the emergency department of a tertiary care hospital. Patients with acute coronary syndromes or trauma were excluded. The endpoint was defined as all-cause mortality, and the study participants were followed up for 365 days from the time they attended the emergency department.. Of the 251 patients, 62 died and 189 stayed alive during follow-up. In the present study, optimal cut off levels for the prediction of survival were 454 ng/L for BNP, and 2060 ng/L for NT-proBNP. Mortality was higher in patients with baseline BNP and NT-proBNP concentrations above these cut off levels (log rank p<0.001; hazard ratios, 0.325 and 0.357, respectively). In multivariate Cox proportional-hazards regression analyses, elevated BNP/NT-proBNP, low systolic blood pressure, and renal dysfunction were predictors of mortality even when the baseline diagnosis of acute destabilized heart failure was factored into the model.. Both BNP and NT-proBNP measures obtained from short of breath patients presenting to an emergency department may be predictive of one-year all-cause mortality independently of the baseline diagnosis of acute destabilized heart failure.

Topics: Acute Disease; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Biomarkers; Dyspnea; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Heart Failure; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Peptide Fragments; Survival Rate; Time Factors

Topics: Dyspnea; Electrocardiography; Female; Heart Diseases; Humans; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Peptide Fragments; Pre-Eclampsia; Predictive Value of Tests; Pregnancy; Reference Values

Type B natriuretic peptide (BNP) versus n-terminal type B natriuretic propeptide in the diagnosis of cardiac failure in the elderly over 75 population The value of BNP is well established in the diagnosis of cardiac failure in cases of dyspnoea in the emergency room in young and, more and more, in elderly subjects. However, there are few studies comparing the diagnostic value of BNP and of the n-terminal pro-BNP in patients over 75 years of age. The aim of this study was to compare the diagnostic value of BNP and NT-pro BNP in dyspnoea of the elderly patient. One hundred and three consecutive patients over 75 years of age admitted to the emergency unit for dyspnoea were included. A blood sample for measuring the BNP (Biosite) and the NT-proBNP (Roche Diagnostic) was taken in the admission unit in addition to the standard blood workup. The final reference diagnosis was established by two independent cardiologists. Of the 103 patients, 61 were women and the average age was 84.9 +/- 6.2 years. The final diagnosis was cardiac failure in 49 patients (48%), pulmonary embolism in 6 patients, an acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive airways disease in 36 patients and an acute bronchitis in 30 patients. In 9 cases, the dyspnoea was considered to result from mixed cardiac and pulmonary disease. Renal function was assessed by calculating the creatinine clearance by Cockcroft and Gault's formula. The average value of the creatinine clearance was 41.7 +/- 16.4 ml/min indicating that mild renal failure was relatively common. The diagnostic value, assessed by the area under the ROC curve, was similar for the BNP (0.79; CI: 0.70-0.88) and NT-proBNP (0.80; CI: 0.71-0.89). A BNP value of 300 pg/ml had the same sensitivity and specificity as an NT-proBNP of less than 1 500 pg/ml. A BNP of less than 200 pg/ml and an NT-proBNP of less than 1 000 pg/ml had excellent negative predictive values for excluding the diagnosis of cardiac failure. The authors conclude that the BNP and NT-proBNP are useful for the diagnosis of cardiac failure in acute dyspnoea of the elderly and seem to have a comparable diagnostic value.

Topics: Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Dyspnea; Female; Heart Failure; Humans; Male; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Peptide Fragments; Predictive Value of Tests; ROC Curve; Sensitivity and Specificity

B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) is valuable in diagnosing heart failure (HF), but its utility in obese patients is unknown. Studies have suggested a cut-point of BNP > or = 100 pg/mL for the diagnosis of HF; however, there is an inverse relation between BNP levels and body mass index. We evaluated differential cut-points for BNP in diagnosing acute HF across body mass index levels to determine whether alternative cut-points can improve diagnosis.. The Breathing Not Properly Multinational Study was a 7-center, prospective study of 1586 patients who presented to the Emergency Department with acute dyspnea. B-type natriuretic peptide was measured on arrival. Height and weight data were available for 1368 participants. The clinical diagnosis of HF was adjudicated by 2 independent cardiologists who were blinded to BNP results.. Heart failure was the final diagnosis in 46.1%. Mean BNP levels (pg/mL) in lean, overweight/obese, and severely/morbidly obese patients were 643, 462, and 247 for patients with acute HF, and 52, 35, and 25 in those without HF, respectively (P < .05 for all comparisons except 35 vs 25). B-type natriuretic peptide cut-points to maintain 90% sensitivity for a HF diagnosis were 170 pg/mL for lean subjects, 110 pg/mL for overweight/obese subjects, and 54 pg/mL in severely/morbidly obese patients.. Body mass index influences the selection of cut-points for BNP in diagnosing acute HF. A lower cut-point (BNP > or = 54 pg/mL) should be used in severely obese patients to preserve sensitivity. A higher cut-point in lean patients (BNP > or = 170 pg/mL) could be used to increase specificity.

Topics: Acute Disease; Aged; Body Mass Index; Cohort Studies; Dyspnea; Female; Heart Failure; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Multicenter Studies as Topic; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Obesity; Sensitivity and Specificity; Severity of Illness Index; Single-Blind Method

Topics: Biomarkers; Diagnosis, Differential; Dyspnea; Heart Failure; Humans; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Severity of Illness Index

Previous studies have shown that in patients presenting to the emergency department (ED) with heart failure, there is a disconnect between the perceived severity of congestive heart failure (CHF) by physicians and the severity as determined by B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels. Whether ethnicity plays a role in this discrepancy is unknown.. The Rapid Emergency Department Heart Failure Outpatient Trial (REDHOT) was a 10-center trial of 464 patients seen in the ED with acute dyspnea and BNP level higher than 100 pg/mL on arrival. Physicians were blinded to BNP levels. Patients were followed for 90 days after discharge. A total of 151 patients identified themselves as white (32.5%) and 294 as black (63.4%). Of these, 90% were hospitalized. African Americans were more likely to be perceived as New York Heart Association class I or II than whites (P = .01). Blacks who were discharged from the ED had higher median BNP levels than whites who were discharged (1293 vs. 533, P = .004). The median BNP of blacks who were discharged was actually higher than the median BNP of blacks who were admitted (1293 vs. 769, P = .04); the same did not hold true for whites. BNP was predictive of 90-day outcome in both blacks and whites; however, perceived severity of CHF, race, and ED disposition did not contribute to the prediction of events.. In patients presenting to the ED with heart failure, the disconnect between perceived severity of CHF and severity as determined by BNP levels is most pronounced in African Americans.

Topics: Aged; Black or African American; Decision Making; Dyspnea; Emergency Service, Hospital; Female; Heart Failure; Hospitalization; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Predictive Value of Tests; Severity of Illness Index; Treatment Outcome

Emergency department (ED) patients with undifferentiated dyspnea are a diagnostic dilemma. We hypothesized that electronic detection of an S3 would be more accurate in determining decompensated heart failure than physician auscultation, and that combining electronic heart sounds with B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) would provide additional decision making information to the emergency physician, especially in the BNP indeterminate range (100-500 pg/mL).. We collected demographic, clinical, and laboratory data in a convenience sample of ED patients presenting with signs or symptoms of acute decompensated heart failure between September 2003 and June 2004. The electronic presence of an S3 or S4 was determined using the Audicor system, a validated device that algorithmically detects S3 and S4 heart sounds. Two independent reviewers determined the presence or absence of acute decompensated heart failure (primary HF) based on chart review, while blinded to BNP and Audicor results. Test characteristics were determined with 95% confidence intervals. Of 422 enrolled patients, 343 had complete data and were included in the final analysis. Median age was 61 years, 54% were female, and 48% were white. The sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive value, and diagnostic accuracy of an electronic S3 for primary HF were 34% (26% to 43%), 93% (89% to 96%), 66% (57% to 74%), 7% (4% to 11%), and 70% (65% to 75%) and for physician auscultation were 16% (11% to 24%), 97% (93% to 99%), 84% (76% to 89%), 3% (2% to 7%), and 66% (61% to 71%). The addition of an Audicor S3 to intermediate BNP levels improved the positive LR from 1.3 to 2.9; the positive predictive value from 53% to 80%.. An S3 is highly specific for primary HF and it is ideally suited for use in combination with BNP to improve diagnostic accuracy in ED patients with dyspnea of unclear etiology.

Topics: Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Decision Making; Dyspnea; Electrocardiography; Emergency Service, Hospital; Female; Heart Failure; Heart Sounds; Humans; Likelihood Functions; Male; Middle Aged; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Sensitivity and Specificity

Topics: Biomarkers; Dyspnea; Heart Failure; Humans; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Prognosis; Severity of Illness Index

Recent studies have shown that brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) and N-terminal proBNP (NT-proBNP) are useful in the diagnosis of heart failure in patients presenting with dyspnea. However, the cutoff values used with these markers vary according to patient characteristics and dyspnea severity. The aim of this study was to investigate the diagnostic accuracy of using the plasma NT-proBNP level for identifying heart failure in a heterogeneous population of patients with dyspnea.. A multicentre study involving 247 consecutive patients with recent-onset dyspnea was carried out at 12 Spanish hospitals. Patients previously diagnosed with heart failure or any other condition known to cause dyspnea were excluded.. Of the 247 patients, 161 (65%) had heart failure. The remaining 86 (35%) presented with dyspnea of non-cardiac origin. Plasma NT-proBNP levels were higher in patients with heart failure (5600 [7988] pg/mL vs 1182 [4406] pg/mL; P=.0001), and increased as functional status deteriorated (P=.036). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.87 (0.02) (95% CI, 0.81-0.91) for the optimum cutoff value of 1335 pg/mL. The sensitivity of this cutoff value for diagnosing heart failure was 77% (95% CI, 70%-83%), the specificity was 92% (95% CI, 84%-97%), the positive predictive value was 94%, and the negative predictive value was 68%.. The plasma NT-proBNP concentration provides an accurate means of diagnosing heart failure. However, the negative predictive value found in this study was somewhat lower than the values found in previous studies involving more homogeneous patient populations.

Topics: Aged; Dyspnea; Female; Heart Failure; Humans; Male; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Peptide Fragments; Protein Precursors; Spain

We evaluate results from amino-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) testing with or without those of clinical judgment for the evaluation of dyspneic patients with previous chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or asthma.. As a secondary analysis of previously collected observational data from a convenience sample of 599 breathless patients, 216 patients with previous chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or asthma who presented to the emergency department were analyzed according to results of NT-proBNP, clinical impression, and their final diagnosis. Test performance of NT-proBNP in these patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or asthma was examined for the group as a whole, as well as in patients with and without previous heart failure. NT-proBNP results were compared to clinician-estimated likelihood for heart failure using receiver operating curves and as a function of NT-proBNP plus clinical evaluation. The final diagnosis was determined by 2 independent cardiologists blinded to NT-proBNP using all available data from the 60-day follow-up period.. Overall, 55 patients (25%) had acute heart failure; the median value of NT-proBNP was higher in these patients compared with those without acute heart failure (2,238 vs 178 pg/mL); use of cut points of 450 pg/mL for patients younger than 50 years and 900 pg/mL for patients 50 years or older yielded a sensitivity of 87% (95% confidence interval [CI] 72% to 93%) and a specificity of 84% (95% CI 76% to 88%). In patients without previous heart failure (n=164), median NT-proBNP levels were also higher in patients with heart failure of new onset compared with those with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or asthma exacerbation (1561 versus 168 pg/mL). High clinical suspicion for acute heart failure (probability >80%) detected only 23% of patients with new-onset heart failure, whereas 82% of these patients had elevated NT-proBNP levels. In patients who had both previous acute heart failure and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or asthma (n=52), median NT-proBNP levels were significantly higher in those with acute heart failure (4,435 pg/mL) than patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or asthma exacerbation (536 pg/mL). In patients with acute-on-chronic heart failure, NT-proBNP levels were elevated in 91%, whereas clinical impression considered only 39% of cases as high likelihood for acute heart failure.. NT-proBNP may be a useful adjunct to standard clinical evaluation of dyspneic patients with previous obstructive airway disease.

Topics: Acute Disease; Aged; Asthma; Biomarkers; Diagnosis, Differential; Dyspnea; Female; Heart Failure; Humans; Logistic Models; Male; Middle Aged; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Peptide Fragments; Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive; Retrospective Studies; ROC Curve; Sensitivity and Specificity

Topics: Aged; Biomarkers; Dyspnea; Heart Failure; Humans; Information Dissemination; Lung Diseases, Obstructive; Marketing; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Peptide Fragments; Periodicals as Topic

Some research has shown that B-type brain natriuretic peptide (BNF) is helpful in differentiating cardiac from pulmonary etiologies of dyspnea in adults. This study was designed to investigate whether BNP concentration could be similarly applied in children presenting with dyspnea.. Blood samples were collected from 65 children presenting with dyspnea, due to congestive heart failure (CHF, n=24), pneumonia (n=23) or pneumonia together with CHF (n=18). The samples from 15 healthy children were used as the controls. There were no significant differences in age among the four groups. Serum BNP levels were measured using ELISA.. Serum BNP levels in the CHF group (141.55 +/- 75.99 pg/mL) were significantly higher than those in the Pneumonia group (26.00 +/- 14.57 pg/mL; P < 0.01), and the Pneumonia together with CHF group (113.73 +/- 87.05 pg/mL; P < 0.05), as well as the Control group (19.31 +/- 10.30 pg/mL; P < 0.01). The patients with pneumonia together with CHF had significantly higher serum BNP levels than those of the Pneumonia and the Control groups (P < 0.01). There were no significant differences in BNP levels between the Pneumonia and the Control groups. The area under the receive operator characteristic (ROC) curve, which demonstrated the diagnostic utility of BNP in differentiating CHF from pneumonia, was 0.978 (P < 0.01). At a cut-off of 49 pg/mL, BNP had a sensitivity of 87.5% and a specificity of 95.8% for differentiating CHF from pneumonia. In the 18 patients who were diagnosed with pneumonia together with CHF, 11 had BNP levels above 49 pg/mL. The mean levels of BNP of the 11 patients were significantly higher than those of the patients with pneumonia (172.08 +/- 56.47 pg/mL vs 25.00 +/- 14.57 pg/mL; P < 0.01) but were significantly decreased after treatment (26.12 +/- 15.71 pg/mL; P < 0.01).. BNP level is of value in differentiating cardiac from pulmonary causes of dyspnea in children. BNP level is also helpful in assessing whether or not severe pneumonia couples with heart failure in children.

Topics: Child, Preschool; Dyspnea; Female; Heart Failure; Humans; Infant; Male; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Pneumonia; ROC Curve

The increase in B-natiuretic peptide (BNP) is well correlated with cardiovascular symptoms in adults. Its use in children is recent and only partially evaluated. The authors undertook a prospective study of BNP concentrations and its kinetics in 54 children with an average age of 15 months (5 days to 11 years) admitted as paediatric emergencies. The symptoms were dyspnoea (60%), shock (15%), suspicion of Kawasaki disease (15%) and other (10%). Twenty children had BNP levels of more than 100 pg/ml related to decompensation of known congenital heart disease in 7 patients (average BNP 462 +/- 323 pg/ml), due to neonatal coarctation in 2 patients (BNP > 3000 pg/ml), due to cardiomyopathy in 6 patients (BNP= 2576 +/- 1215 pg/ml), due to an arrhythmia in 1 patient (BNP= 3754 pg/ml) and to Kawasaki disease in 4 patients (BNP= 521 +/- 448 pg/ml). Thirty-four children had BNP values of less than 100 pg/ml; 29 had no cardiac disease and 5 had known congenital heart disease with other symptoms. Measuring BNP is quick and economical and is a valuable aid in the diagnosis of cardiac dysfunction in symptomatic children in the emergency room. High BNP values seem to be correlated with the severity of the cardiac disease. Low BNP values seem to have a good negative predictive value in children without underlying cardiac disease. The interpretation of intermediary values, especially when there is previous cardiac disease, is more difficult in view of the absence of known threshold values for different haemodynamic situations. Further studies are required to determine the value of this test for the follow-up and setting up of prognostic values in children with congenital heart disease.

Topics: Aortic Coarctation; Arrhythmias, Cardiac; Biomarkers; Cardiac Output, Low; Cardiomyopathies; Child; Child, Preschool; Dyspnea; Emergency Service, Hospital; Heart Defects, Congenital; Humans; Infant; Infant, Newborn; Mucocutaneous Lymph Node Syndrome; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Predictive Value of Tests; Prospective Studies; Shock

Acute heart failure leads to high mortality and morbidity rates. The symptom of acute dyspnoea is non-specific and the diagnostic tools of acute heart failure are still not satisfactory. Tissue Doppler echocardiography is accurate in evaluating cardiac function; however, its efficacy in diagnosing patients with acute dyspnoea in emergency departments remains unclear.. Patients with acute dyspnoea were included prospectively while visiting the emergency department. Tissue Doppler echocardiography was carried out and the ratios of peak early diastolic transmitral blood flow velocity (E) to the peak early diastolic tissue velocity over mitral annulus (Ea) were recorded. The sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of tissue Doppler parameters and the receiver-operating characteristic curves for diagnosing acute heart failure were also evaluated.. A total of 92 patients were enrolled. The ratio E:Ea was found to be a good diagnostic test to estimate the diagnostic performances of tissue Doppler echocardiography using receiver-operating characteristic curves in cases of acute heart failure in patients with preserved left ventricular systolic function (mean (SD) area under the curve = 0.875 (0.049); p<0.001; cut-off value = 11) and with left ventricular systolic dysfunction (mean (SD) area under the curve = 0.903 (0.061); p = 0.003; cut-off value = 16). E:Ea was an independent predictor of acute heart failure in multiple logistic regressions. For patients with a B-type natriuretic peptide level between 100 and 500 pg/ml, E:Ea provided an accuracy of 90.9% (p = 0.015) for diagnosing acute heart failure.. Tissue Doppler echocardiography is accurate in diagnosing patients with acute heart failure in emergency departments. It can be a useful supplementary diagnostic tool for patients with inconclusive blood B-type natriuretic peptide level.

Topics: Acute Disease; Dyspnea; Echocardiography, Doppler; Female; Heart Failure; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Prospective Studies; Regression Analysis; Sensitivity and Specificity

Amino-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) is useful for the diagnosis and exclusion of congestive heart failure (HF). Little is known about the effect of race on NT-proBNP concentrations. Also, NT-proBNP levels may be higher in apparently well women, but the effect of gender on NT-proBNP concentrations in dyspneic patients is not known.. NT-proBNP (Elecsys proBNP, Roche, Indianapolis, IN) was measured in 599 dyspneic patients in a prospective study. Of these, 44 were African American; 295 were female. NT-proBNP levels were examined according to race and gender in patients with and without acute HF using analysis of covariance. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves assessed NT-proBNP by race and gender. Cutpoints for diagnosis (450, 900, and 1800 pg/mL for ages < 50, 50 to 75, and > 75 years) and exclusion (300 pg/mL) were examined in African-American and female subjects. There was no difference in the rates of acute HF between African-American and non-African-American (30% versus 35%, P = .44) or male and female (35% versus 35%, P = .86) subjects. In subjects with HF, there was no difference in median NT-proBNP concentrations between African American and non-African American (6196 versus 3597 pg/mL, P = .37). In subjects without HF, unadjusted NT-proBNP levels were lower in African-American subjects than in non-African-American subjects (68 versus 148 pg/mL, P < .03); however, when adjusted for factors known to influence NT-proBNP concentrations (age, prior HF, creatinine clearance, atrial fibrillation, and body mass index), race no longer significantly affected NT-proBNP concentrations. There was no statistical difference in median NT-proBNP concentrations between male and female subjects with (4686 versus 3622 pg/mL, P = .53) or without HF (116 pg/mL versus 150 pg/mL, P = .62). Among African Americans, NT-proBNP had an area under the ROC for acute HF of 0.96 (P < .0001), and at optimal cutpoints, had a sensitivity of 100% and a specificity of 90%. Among females, NT-proBNP had an area under the ROC for acute HF of 0.95 (P < .0001), and had a sensitivity of 89% and a specificity of 88%; 300 pg/mL had negative predictive value of 100% in African Americans and females.. NT-proBNP is useful for the diagnosis and exclusion of acute HF in dyspneic subjects, irrespective of race or gender.

Topics: Adult; Aged; Black or African American; Diagnosis, Differential; Dyspnea; Emergency Medical Services; Emergency Service, Hospital; Female; Heart Failure; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Peptide Fragments; Predictive Value of Tests; Sex Characteristics

D-dimer concentration can be used to exclude a diagnosis of acute pulmonary embolism. However, clinicians frequently order unnecessary supplemental testing in patients with low concentrations of D-dimer. Elevations in natriuretic peptides have also been described in the setting of pulmonary embolism.. We investigated the integrative role of D-dimer with amino-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide for the evaluation of patients with and without acute pulmonary embolism.. Patients were selected for analysis from a previous study in which levels of D-dimer and amino-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide were measured. The presence of pulmonary embolism was determined by computed tomographic angiography.. The median levels of D-dimer were significantly higher in patients with acute pulmonary embolism. Similarly, the median levels of amino-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide were higher in patients with pulmonary embolism.. The Roche Tina-quant D-Dimer immunoturbidimetric assay provides a high negative predictive value and can be used to exclude acute pulmonary embolism in patients with dyspnea. Measurement of amino-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide in addition to D-dimer improves specificity for acute pulmonary embolism without sacrificing negative predictive value. A combination of both markers may offer reassurance for excluding acute pulmonary embolism, and thus avoid redundant, expensive confirmatory tests.

Topics: Acute Disease; Biomarkers; Diagnosis, Differential; Dyspnea; Fibrin Fibrinogen Degradation Products; Humans; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Peptide Fragments; Pulmonary Embolism; Reference Values; Tomography, X-Ray Computed

The cost-effectiveness of N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-pro-BNP) in dyspneic patients in emergency departments (EDs) is unknown. The objective of this study was to assess the cost-effectiveness of NT-pro-BNP testing for the evaluation and initial management of patients with dyspnea in the ED setting. A decision model was developed to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of diagnostic assessment and patient management guided by NT-pro-BNP, compared with standard clinical assessment. The model includes the diagnostic accuracy of the 2 strategies for congestive heart failure and resulting events at 60-day follow-up. Clinical data were obtained from a prospective blinded study of 599 patients presenting to the ED with dyspnea. Costs were based on the Massachusetts General Hospital cost accounting database. The model predicted serious adverse events during follow-up (i.e., urgent care visits, repeat ED presentations, rehospitalizations) and direct medical costs for echocardiograms and hospitalizations. NT-pro-BNP-guided assessment was associated with a 1.6% relative reduction of serious adverse event risk and a 9.4% reduction in costs, translating into savings of $474 per patient, compared with standard clinical assessment. In a sensitivity analysis considering mortality, NT-pro-BNP testing was associated with a 1.0% relative reduction in post-discharge mortality. The optimal use of NT-pro-BNP guidance could reduce the use of echocardiography by up to 58%, prevent 13% of initial hospitalizations, and reduce hospital days by 12%. In conclusion, on the basis of this model, the use of NT-pro-BNP in the diagnostic assessment and subsequent management of patients with dyspnea in the ED setting could lead to improved patient care while providing substantial cost savings to the health care system.

Topics: Biomarkers; Cost-Benefit Analysis; Decision Support Techniques; Dyspnea; Echocardiography; Emergency Service, Hospital; Heart Failure; Hospitalization; Humans; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Peptide Fragments; Protein Precursors

Based on the hypothesis that it reflects left ventricular (LV) diastolic pressures, B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) is largely utilized as first-line diagnostic complement in the emergency diagnosis of congestive heart failure (HF). The incremental diagnostic value of tissue Doppler echocardiography, a reliable noninvasive estimate of LV filling pressures, has been reported in patients with preserved LV ejection fraction and discrepancy between BNP levels and the clinical judgment, however, its clinical validity in such patients in the presence of BNP concentrations in the midrange, which may reflect intermediate, nondiagnostic levels of LV filling pressures, is unknown.. 34 patients without history of HF, presenting with acute dyspnea at rest, BNP levels of 100-400 pg/ml and normal LV ejection fraction were prospectively enrolled (17 with congestive HF and 17 with noncardiac cause). Tissue Doppler echocardiography was performed within 3 hours after admission.. Unlike BNP (P = 0.78), Boston criteria (P = 0.0129), radiographic pulmonary edema (P = 0.0036) and average E/Ea ratio (P = 0.0032) were predictive of congestive HF by logistic regression analysis. In this clinical setting, radiographic pulmonary edema had a positive predictive value of 80% in the diagnosis of congestive HF. In patients without evidence of radiographic pulmonary edema, average E/Ea > 10 was a powerful predictor of congestive HF (area under the ROC curve of 0.886, P < 0.001, sensitivity 100% and specificity 78.6%).. By better reflecting LV filling pressures, bedside tissue Doppler echocardiography accurately differentiates congestive HF from noncardiac cause in dyspneic patients with intermediate, nondiagnostic BNP levels and normal LV ejection fraction.

Topics: Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Biomarkers; Case-Control Studies; Dyspnea; Echocardiography, Doppler; Female; Heart Failure; Humans; Logistic Models; Male; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Predictive Value of Tests; Prospective Studies; Pulmonary Edema; Reproducibility of Results; Research Design; ROC Curve; Stroke Volume; Ventricular Pressure

This study sought to explore the role of new biomarkers in heart failure (HF).. We investigated the utility of novel serum markers alone or together with natriuretic peptide testing for diagnosis and short-term prognosis estimation in subjects with acute HF.. Plasma levels of amino-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), apelin, and galectin-3 were measured in 599 patients presenting with dyspnea at the emergency department, of which 209 (35%) had acute HF.. The NT-proBNP was superior to either apelin or galectin-3 for diagnosis of acute HF, although galectin-3 levels were significantly higher in subjects with HF compared with those without. Receiver operating characteristic analysis for mortality prediction showed that, for 60-day prognosis, galectin-3 had the greatest area under the curve (AUC) at 0.74 (p = 0.0001), whereas NT-proBNP and apelin had an AUC of 0.67 (p = 0.009) and 0.54 (p = 0.33). In a multivariate logistic regression analysis, an elevated level of galectin-3 was the best independent predictor of 60-day mortality (odds ratio 10.3, p < 0.01) or the combination of death/recurrent HF within 60 days (odds ratio 14.3, p < 0.001). The Kaplan-Meier analyses showed that the combination of an elevated galectin-3 with NT-proBNP was a better predictor of mortality than either of the 2 markers alone.. Our data show potential utility of galectin-3 as a useful marker for evaluation of patients with suspected or proven acute HF, whereas apelin measurement was not useful for these indications. Moreover, the combination of galectin-3 with NT-proBNP was the best predictor for prognosis in subjects with acute HF.

Topics: Acute Disease; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Apelin; Biomarkers; Dyspnea; Female; Galectin 3; Heart Failure; Humans; Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins; Male; Middle Aged; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Osmolar Concentration; Peptide Fragments; Prognosis; Survival Analysis; Time Factors

There is a substantial need for a diagnostic tool to aid in the early diagnosis of heart failure and in the recognition of those at risk for its development, as well as in guidance of therapy. Testing for amino-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) has been recognized to have utility in the diagnosis, prognosis and management of heart failure. In addition, numerous other applications for NT-proBNP testing are now recognized, such as evaluation of patients with heart disease in the absence of heart failure, as well as the diagnostic and prognostic evaluation of patients with acute coronary syndromes or pulmonary thromboembolism.

Topics: Algorithms; Biomarkers; Dyspnea; Heart Failure; Humans; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Peptide Fragments; Prognosis

Most quantitative diagnostic tests do not perfectly differentiate between persons with and without a given disease. We present a simple method to construct a 3-zone partition for quantitative tests results, including positive and negative zones and a gray zone between, and we describe its use in the diagnosis of heart failure by brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) measurement in acute dyspneic patients.. We conducted a prospective cohort study of 699 consecutive patients with acute dyspnea who were treated at the emergency department of 3 participating hospitals. Heart failure (acute or decompensated) was assessed independently at discharge by cardiologists blind to the results of BNP measurements.. The discriminatory performance of BNP was insufficient to provide a single cutoff value that could be used to correctly diagnose heart failure in clinical practice. Also, the discriminatory performance differed between patients with and without a history of chronic heart failure. The gray zone of inconclusive results was 167-472 ng/L for those without and 0-334 ng/L for those with such a history. Diagnosis of the current episode of heart failure by BNP results and history of heart failure was not enhanced by data from any other sources, including electrocardiography.. The gray zone approach applied to the diagnosis of heart failure by BNP might allow sensible cutoff values to be determined for clinical practice according to relevant subgroups of patients. The gray zone approach might be usefully applied to many other quantitative tests and clinical diagnostic or screening problems.

Topics: Acute Disease; Aged; Dyspnea; Female; Heart Failure; Humans; Likelihood Functions; Logistic Models; Male; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Prospective Studies; Reference Values

Topics: Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Biomarkers; Diagnosis, Differential; Diagnostic Errors; Dyspnea; Electrocardiography; Female; Heart Failure; Humans; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Pulmonary Embolism

The aim of this study was to assess the impact of a history of heart failure (HF) on emergency department (ED) B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) testing and impact of feedback of BNP level to ED physicians.. Admission BNP was measured in 143 patients (mean age 79 +/- 10 years) presenting to the ED with dyspnea. Emergency department physicians scored probability of HF as cause of dyspnea and categorized cause of dyspnea. An independent cardiologist determined cause of dyspnea after chart review. In 83 patients, ED physicians rescored and reclassified patients after BNP measurement and evaluated test utility.. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for BNP diagnosis of HF cause of dyspnea was significantly worse in patients with history of HF than those without (0.74 vs 0.94, P < .01) and in those with left ventricular ejection fraction <50% (0.64 vs 0.87, P < .05). A BNP cut point of 100 pg/mL had 100% sensitivity but only 41% specificity for diagnosing acute HF, whereas a cut point of 400 pg/mL had 87% sensitivity and 76% specificity. Emergency department physicians rated BNP useful in 64% of patients, and diagnostic uncertainty was reduced from 53% to 25% (P < .001).. B-type natriuretic peptide test performance for diagnosis of dyspnea cause is significantly reduced in patients with a history of HF and must be taken into consideration in the evaluation of such patients in the ED.

Topics: Acute Disease; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Dyspnea; Emergency Service, Hospital; Female; Heart Failure; Humans; Male; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain

We report the case of a 35-year-old man with constrictive pericarditis who had a B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) level of 129 pg/dl despite a left ventricular end diastolic pressure of 35 mmHg. We discuss a possible explanation for the relatively low BNP level given this patient's markedly elevated intracavitary pressures in the setting of constrictive pericarditis.

Topics: Adult; Ascites; Biomarkers; Cardiomyopathy, Restrictive; Dyspnea; Edema; Humans; Male; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Pericarditis, Constrictive; Ventricular Dysfunction, Left

Topics: Acute Disease; Aged; Cost-Benefit Analysis; Diagnosis, Differential; Dyspnea; Emergency Service, Hospital; Female; Fluoroimmunoassay; Humans; Length of Stay; Male; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Prospective Studies; Single-Blind Method

N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) and BNP measurement could have a significant role in differentiating dyspnea between cardiac or pulmonary origin in the emergency room. The development of new and different commercial assays for these B-type natriuretic peptides offers the possibility of improving and simplifying their measurements but this could be defaulted due to the differences in methodology and the lack of assay standardization. We compared four available methods of measuring NT-proBNP and BNP and evaluated their usefulness in diagnosing the causes of breathlessness in the emergency room. The correlation of BNP with different assays was strong with r>0.98 (P<0.0001). Comparison studies between NT-proBNP and BNP procedures were in good agreement with r>0.87. The area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve (ROC) for BNP or NT-proBNP for detecting any cardiac dysfunction was higher than 0.96 (95% CI). A BNP value of 116 pg/mL measurement with the Access BNP assay (Beckman Coulter Inc., Fullerton, CA), a BNP value of 79 pg/mL with Advia Centaur BNP assay (Bayer Diagnostics, Tarrytown, NY), and an NT-proBNP level of 817 pg/mL in Elecsys NT-proBNP assay (Roche Diagnostic, Mannheim, Germany), showed both high sensitivity (>92%) and high specificity (>93%). We have found that NT-proBNP and BNP present similar diagnostic accuracies for the differential diagnosis of dyspnea.

Topics: Aged; Blood Chemical Analysis; Case-Control Studies; Diagnosis, Differential; Dyspnea; Emergency Medical Services; Female; Heart Failure; Humans; Immunoassay; Male; Middle Aged; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Peptide Fragments; Prospective Studies; Respiratory Tract Diseases; Sensitivity and Specificity

Measurement of the serum B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) level and more recently its precursor, N-terminal proBNP (NT-proBNP), has been advocated to facilitate the diagnosis of heart failure in the emergency department (ED). We sought to determine the potential impact of adding NT-proBNP testing to the routine evaluation of emergency patients with acute dyspnea.. This prospective cohort study enrolled a convenience sample of acutely dyspneic patients at a tertiary care ED. We excluded trauma patients and those under 30 years of age. Patients underwent standard evaluation, including radiography when indicated. At the point of final diagnosis and blinded to the NT-proBNP result, physicians documented the likelihood that heart failure accounted for the patient's acute dyspnea on a 7-point Likert scale, the data from which was subsequently collapsed to 3 categories for analysis purposes. The primary outcome was the agreement between clinical impression and the NT-proBNP assay classified using manufacturer-recommended, age-specific cut-offs. Newly proposed cut-offs from a recent study were also evaluated.. One hundred and twenty-nine patients making 139 ED visits were enrolled (median age 76 years; 59% admitted). The serum NT-proBNP assay was positive in 119 (86%, 95% confidence interval [CI] 80%-91%) cases, including 75% (43/57, 95% CI 62%-86%) of the cases that the treating physician felt were not caused by heart failure, and 86% (25/29, 95% CI 68%-96%) where the treating physician was unsure. The median NT-proBNP concentration was higher in patients clinically believed to have heart failure rather than pneumonia or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; however, the ranges of these values overlapped extensively (median 4361 pg/mL; interquartile range [IQR] 2386-10877 v. 1651 pg/mL; IQR 370-4745, respectively).. There is high discordance between the clinical impression of treating physicians and NT-proBNP concentrations, notably in patients who are believed not to have heart failure. Although the reference standard of ED diagnosis is imperfect, the broad overlap in NT-proBNP concentrations suggests poor specificity in this target patient population. The introduction of routine ED NT-proBNP testing using the current cut-offs would be expected to result in substantial indirect costs from further diagnostic testing. It remains unclear whether the introduction of this diagnostic test would have a positive impact on clinically relevant patient outcomes.

Topics: Acute Disease; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Biomarkers; Dyspnea; Emergency Service, Hospital; Female; Heart Failure; Humans; Likelihood Functions; Lung Diseases; Male; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Ontario; Peptide Fragments; Prospective Studies

Topics: Acute Disease; Biomarkers; Dyspnea; Emergency Service, Hospital; Heart Failure; Humans; Lung Diseases; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Peptide Fragments

To compare head to head the diagnostic accuracy of B type natriuretic peptide (BNP) and the amino terminal fragment of its precursor hormone (NT-proBNP) for congestive heart failure (CHF) in an emergency setting.. 251 consecutive patients presenting to the emergency department with dyspnoea as a chief complaint were prospectively studied. Patients with acute coronary syndromes were excluded. The diagnosis of CHF was based on the Framingham score for CHF plus echocardiographic evidence of systolic or diastolic dysfunction. Blood concentrations of BNP and NT-proBNP were measured by two commercially available assays (Abbott and Roche methods). The diagnostic accuracies of BNP and NT-proBNP were assessed by receiver operating characteristic curve analysis.. Areas under the curve for BNP and NT-proBNP in patients with dyspnoea caused by CHF (n = 137) and in patients with dyspnoea attributable to other reasons (n = 114) did not differ significantly (area under the curve 0.916 v 0.903, p = 0.277, statistical power 94%). Cut off concentrations with the highest diagnostic accuracy were 295 ng/l for BNP (sensitivity 80%, specificity 86%, diagnostic accuracy 83%) and 825 ng/l for NT-proBNP (sensitivity 87%, specificity 81%, diagnostic accuracy 84%). Evaluation of discordant false classifications at these cut off concentrations showed no advantage for either BNP nor NT-proBNP in the biochemical diagnosis of CHF (17 misclassifications by BNP and 14 by NT-proBNP, p = 0.720). In the population studied, age, sex, and renal function had no impact on the diagnostic utility of both tests when compared by logistic regression models.. BNP and NT-proBNP may be equally useful as an aid in the diagnosis of CHF in short of breath patients presenting to the emergency department.

Topics: Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Area Under Curve; Biomarkers; Dyspnea; Emergencies; Female; Heart Failure; Humans; Male; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Nerve Tissue Proteins; Peptide Fragments; Prospective Studies; Sensitivity and Specificity; Stroke Volume

To investigate differential diagnoses value of ultra-rapid bedside measurement of brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) in patients with dyspnea.. Plasma BNP concentration were measured with immunofluorescence assay in 103 patients with dyspnea. Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (PCWP) were determined by echocardiography and Swan-Ganz catheter in these patients on the same time, respectively.. (1) Plasma BNP levels in the patients with heart failure were higher than those in the non-heart failure patients [(716 +/- 86 vs 46 +/- 7) ng/L, P < 0.01]. (2) The sensitivity, specificity and negative predictive values of Plasma BNP levels > or = 100 pg/ml for predicting heart failure were 95.2% (60/63), 93.0% (40/43) and 97.1% (100/103), respectively. (3) Plasma BNP levels were positively related to PCWP, and negatively related to LVEF (r = -0.56, both P < 0.01).. Bedside BNP assay is sensitive and specific for diagnosing heart failure, and is useful in evaluating dyspnea in emergency care.

Topics: Aged; Diagnosis, Differential; Dyspnea; Female; Heart Failure; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Point-of-Care Systems; Sensitivity and Specificity

The N-terminal fragment of pro Brain Natriuretic Peptide (NT-pro BNP) is a neuro-hormone synthesized in the cardiac ventricles in response to increased wall tension. The purpose of this study was to assess the correlation between the NT-pro BNP levels and the New York Heart Association function class (NYHA Fc) of dyspnea and echocardiographic findings for the patients who visited our cardiology departments.. From October, 2002 to April, 2003, serum NT-pro BNP levels were measured in 348 patients who visited the Samsung Medical Center and the Jong Koo Lee Heart Clinic.. The NT-pro BNP levels were increased with the progression of NYHA Fc of dyspnea (p < 0.001 by ANOVA), the increase in the systolic left ventricular internal dimension (p < 0.05), and the decrease in the ejection fraction (p < 0.01). For the NYHA Fc I patients, the NT-pro BNP levels were positively correlated with age (0 < 0.001) and left atrial size (p < 0.001). For the patients with ischemic heart disease, the NT-pro BNP levels were also positively correlated with the NYHA Fc (p < 0.001 by ANOVA). The NT-pro BNP levels were increased with the increase in the systolic (p < 0.001) and diastolic pressure (p = 0.017), the left ventricular internal dimension as well as the decrease in the ejection fraction (p < 0.001). The area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve for the NT-pro BNP levels was 0.994 (95% confidence interval, 0.979-0.999), and the most reliable cut-off level for the NT-pro BNP was 293.6 pg/mL.. The NT-pro BNP levels were positively correlated with the NYHA Fc of dyspnea and the systolic dysfunction for the patients who visited our cardiology departments. A 300 pg/mL value for the NT-pro BNP cut-off point appears to be a sensitive level to differentiate dyspnea originating from an ailing heart or not for the patients who visited our cardiology departments.

Topics: Dyspnea; Female; Heart Failure; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Nerve Tissue Proteins; Peptide Fragments; Prospective Studies; Severity of Illness Index; Stroke Volume; Systole; Ventricular Dysfunction, Left

B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) is an established tool for the diagnosis of acute congestive heart failure in patients presenting with dyspnea. Some patients have moderately elevated BNP levels (ie, 100 to 500 pg/mL) in the absence of acute congestive heart failure. The objective of the current study was to identify independent predictors of elevated BNP concentrations in the absence of congestive heart failure.. We studied 781 patients without acute congestive heart failure and BNP levels 0 to 500 pg/mL drawn from a cohort of 1,586 patients with acute dyspnea who had BNP levels measured on emergency department arrival. Two cardiologists blinded to BNP results reviewed all clinical data and categorized patients according to whether they had acute congestive heart failure or not.. Independent predictors of elevated BNP levels (ie, >100 pg/mL) were a medical history of atrial fibrillation, radiographic cardiomegaly, decreased blood hemoglobin concentration, decreased body mass index, and increased age.. Knowledge of these commonly obtained variables should aid clinicians in the interpretation of moderately elevated BNP results in patients presenting with acute dyspnea in the emergency department.

Topics: Aged; Arrhythmias, Cardiac; Biomarkers; Chronic Disease; Comorbidity; Dyspnea; Female; Heart Failure; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Multivariate Analysis; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Predictive Value of Tests; Pulmonary Embolism; Respiration Disorders; Retrospective Studies

Limited data exist regarding the impact of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) on N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) and B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels in patients with acute congestive heart failure (CHF).. LVEF data were analyzed for 153 subjects with acute CHF. LVEF > or =50% was defined as non-systolic CHF (NS-CHF); LVEF >50% was defined as systolic CHF (S-CHF). 76 subjects (49.7%) had NS-CHF. Median NT-proBNP and BNP levels were significantly higher among patients with S-CHF (6196 pg/mL, 592 pg/mL, respectively) compared with those patients with NS-CHF (2849 pg/mL, 259 pg/mL, respectively). With optimal cut-points, a false-negative rate of 7% was observed for both assays among patients with S-CHF. Among patients with NS-CHF, BNP had a significantly higher false-negative rate (20%) than did NT-proBNP (9%; P < .001 for difference). NT-proBNP, but not BNP, significantly correlated with CHF symptom severity among patients with NS-CHF.. Levels of both NT-proBNP and BNP are significantly lower in patients with NS-CHF; however, in contrast to NT-proBNP, BNP may be falsely negative in up to 20% of patients with NS-CHF and does not correlate with symptom severity in NS-CHF. NT-proBNP appears superior to BNP for the evaluation of suspected acute CHF in patients with preserved LVEF.

Topics: Aged; Biomarkers; Cohort Studies; Dyspnea; Emergency Service, Hospital; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Heart Failure; Humans; Male; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Peptide Fragments; Predictive Value of Tests; Prognosis; Prospective Studies; ROC Curve; Stroke Volume

Transfusion-associated circulatory overload (TACO) occurs when the transfusion rate or volume exceeds the capacity of a compromised cardiovascular system. Characteristic symptoms and signs associated with TACO are neither sensitive nor specific. B-natriuretic peptide (BNP) is a 32-amino-acid polypeptide secreted from the cardiac ventricles in response to ventricular volume expansion and pressure overload. This study was performed to explore the usage of BNP in the differential diagnosis of TACO.. Pre- and posttransfusion BNP levels were determined in 21 patients with suspected TACO and 19 control patients. The BNP was considered significant if the posttransfusion-to-pretransfusion ratio was at least 1.5 and the posttransfusion BNP level was at least 100 pg per mL.. The BNP test has a sensitivity and specificity of 81 and 89 percent, respectively, in diagnosis of TACO. It has a positive predictive value of 89 percent, a negative predictive value of 81 percent, and an accuracy of 87 percent. In logistic regression analysis, BNP was found to have significant predictive power independent of other clinical variables in models predicting which patients had TACO.. Our study suggests that in patients who present symptoms suggestive of TACO, BNP can be a useful adjunct marker in confirming volume overload as the cause of acute dyspnea and symptoms related to cardiovascular compromise.

Topics: Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Biomarkers; Cardiovascular Diseases; Case-Control Studies; Diagnosis, Differential; Dyspnea; Female; Heart Failure; Humans; Hypertension; Immunoassay; Incidence; Male; Middle Aged; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Predictive Value of Tests; Respiratory Distress Syndrome; Risk Factors; Sensitivity and Specificity; Tachycardia; Transfusion Reaction

Obesity is associated with lower B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels in healthy individuals and patients with chronic congestive heart failure (CHF). Neither the mechanism of natriuretic peptide suppression in the obese patient nor whether obesity affects natriuretic peptide levels among patients with acute CHF is known.. The associations of amino-terminal pro-BNP (NT-proBNP), BNP, and body mass index (BMI) were examined in 204 subjects with acute CHF. Multivariable regression analyses were performed to identify factors independently related to NT-proBNP and BNP levels.. Across clinical strata of normal (<25 kg/m2), overweight (25-29.9 kg/m2), and obese (> or =30 kg/m2) patients, median NT-proBNP and BNP levels decreased with increasing BMI (both P values < .001). In multivariable analyses adjusting for covariates known to affect BNP levels, the inverse relationship between BMI and both NT-proBNP and BNP remained ( P < .05 for both). Using a cut point of 900 pg/mL, NT-proBNP was falsely negative in up to 10% of CHF cases in overweight patients (25-29.9 kg/m2) and 15% in obese patients (> or =30 kg/m2). Using the standard cut point of 100 pg/mL, BNP testing was falsely negative in 20% of CHF cases in both overweight and obese patients. The assays for NT-proBNP and BNP exhibited similar overall sensitivity for the diagnosis of CHF.. When adjusted for relevant covariates, compared with normal counterparts, overweight and obese patients with acute CHF have lower circulating NT-proBNP and BNP levels, suggesting a BMI-related defect in natriuretic peptide secretion. NT-proBNP fell below the diagnostic cutoff for CHF less often than BNP in overweight and obese individuals; however, when used as a diagnostic tool to identify CHF in such patients, both markers may have reduced sensitivity.

Topics: Acute Disease; Aged; Biomarkers; Body Mass Index; Comorbidity; Creatinine; Diabetes Complications; Dyspnea; Female; Heart Failure; Humans; Hypertension; Male; Middle Aged; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Obesity; Overweight; Peptide Fragments; Sensitivity and Specificity; Troponin T

Renal dysfunction influences the optimum brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) threshold for a diagnosis of cardiac-related dyspnoea, but this has not been demonstrated for N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP). We studied the influence of renal function on NT proBNP and BNP concentrations in dyspnoeic patients admitted by night to the Emergency Department (ED).. NT-proBNP, BNP, and creatinine levels were measured in blood samples collected routinely from 381 patients; estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was calculated.. Cardiac-related dyspnoea was found in 115 patients (30.2%). NT-proBNP and BNP values were elevated in patients with cardiac-related dyspnoea (6823+/-6569 vs. 2716+/-4838 pg/ml, and 642+/-329 vs. 243+/-267 pg/ml, p<0.0001, respectively). Log-transformed NT-proBNP and BNP values were correlated to eGFR values. Mean NT-proBNP and BNP values stratified by ED diagnosis increased in line with eGFR categories, but in each category both peptide concentrations remained elevated in cardiac-related dyspnoea when compared with non-cardiac-related dyspnoea (p<0.05). NT-proBNP (and BNP) cut-off points rose as a function of eGFR categories: from 1360 (and 290) pg/ml in patients with eGFR 60-89 ml/min/1.73 m2, to 6550 (and 515) pg/ml in patients with eGFR 15-29 ml/min/1.73 m2.. Renal function influences the optimal cut-off points of NT-proBNP and BNP for the diagnosis of cardiac-related dyspnoea.

Topics: Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Dyspnea; Emergency Medicine; Humans; Kidney; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Peptide Fragments

Echocardiography and B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) are diagnostic tests for congestive heart failure (CHF), but an emergency diagnosis can be difficult.. To assess the diagnostic performance of BNP testing and echocardiographic assessment of left ventricular systolic function, separately and combined, for the identification of CHF in patients with acute dyspnea.. Prospective, multinational, multicenter study.. Patients presenting to emergency departments in seven hospitals between June 1999 and December 2000.. A total of 1,586 patients with acute dyspnea.. Echocardiographic determination of ejection fraction (EF) and point-of care BNP measurement for the diagnosis of CHF.. Seven hundred nine of the 1,586 patients underwent echocardiography; 492 patients (69.4%) had a final diagnosis of CHF. Patients with CHF were older (68.5 years vs 61.6 years, p < 0.0001), had a lower EF (39.5% vs 56.1%, p < 0.0001), and a higher BNP (683 pg/mL vs 129 pg/mL, p < 0.0001) than patients without CHF. Area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve for the diagnosis of CHF was significantly higher for BNP (0.89) than for EF (0.78; area under the ROC curve difference, 0.12; p < 0.0001). The sensitivity of BNP > or = 100 pg/mL for the diagnosis of CHF was 89%, and specificity was 73%. Values for EF < or = 50% had a sensitivity of 70% and a specificity of 77%. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that, in combination with clinical, ECG, and chest radiograph data, BNP > or = 100 pg/mL and EF < or = 50% remained independent predictors of CHF (odds ratios, 32.1 and 6.2, respectively). The proportions of patients who were correctly classified were 67% for BNP alone, 55% for EF alone, 82% for the two variables together, and 97.3% when clinical, ECG, and chest radiograph data were added.. BNP measurement was superior to two-dimensional echocardiographic determination of EF in identifying CHF, regardless of the threshold value. The two methods combined have marked additive diagnostic value.

Topics: Acute Disease; Aged; Biomarkers; Dyspnea; Echocardiography, Doppler; Emergency Service, Hospital; Female; Heart Failure; Humans; Logistic Models; Male; Middle Aged; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Prospective Studies; ROC Curve; Sensitivity and Specificity; Stroke Volume

The combination of elevated amino-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide levels and wide QRS duration was highly sensitive and specific for the prediction of impaired left ventricular systolic function among a group of patients presenting with dyspnea to the emergency department. This strategy can be used to predict depressed function and target more formal evaluation with echocardiography in patients with dyspnea.

Topics: Age Factors; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Biomarkers; Cohort Studies; Dyspnea; Electrocardiography; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Nerve Tissue Proteins; Peptide Fragments; Predictive Value of Tests; Probability; Risk Assessment; Sensitivity and Specificity; Severity of Illness Index; Sex Factors; Survival Analysis; Ventricular Dysfunction, Left

This study was designed to assess the diagnostic performance of B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) in the diagnosis of acute congestive heart failure (CHF) in patients with permanent/paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF) presenting with acute dyspnea.. It is unknown to what extent AF affects the diagnostic performance of BNP in patients presenting with acute dyspnea.. We studied 1,431 patients drawn from a cohort of patients (n = 1,586) with acute dyspnea who had BNP levels measured on arrival. Patients were prospectively classified according to the presence or absence of permanent/paroxysmal AF.. In total, 292 patients had permanent/paroxysmal AF. In patients without HF, permanent/paroxysmal AF was associated with significantly higher BNP levels (p = 0.001). Conversely, in patients with HF, BNP levels did not differ significantly between patients with and without AF (p = 0.533). A BNP cutoff value of 100 pg/ml had a specificity of 40% and 79% for the diagnosis of acute HF in patients with and without AF, respectively. The areas under the receiver-operating characteristic curves were 0.84 (95% confidence interval 0.78 to 0.89) and 0.91 (95% confidence interval 0.89 to 0.93) for patients with and without AF, respectively.. In patients without, but not in those with HF, the presence of AF is associated with higher circulating BNP levels, suggesting that a higher diagnostic threshold should be used in patients with AF.

Topics: Acute Disease; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Atrial Fibrillation; Cohort Studies; Dyspnea; Female; Heart Failure; Humans; Male; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Prognosis; Prospective Studies; Sensitivity and Specificity

The purpose of this study was to verify the usefulness of NT-proBNP in the differential diagnosis of dyspnea in a population of patients presenting in the ER with breathlessness.. In samples from 122 patients presenting in the ER with acute-severe dyspnea and from 25 subjects enrolled as a "comparison group" (NORM), NT-proBNP levels were measured. Patients have been classified on the basis of discharge diagnosis: pulmonary disease (PD, n = 23), pulmonary concomitant to cardiac disease (MIXED, n = 17), pulmonary embolism (EMB, n = 8), cardiac disease (CARD, n = 56), acute myocardial infarction (AMI, n = 11) and other disease (OTHER, n = 7).. A significant difference in NT-proBNP values (P

Topics: Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Diagnosis, Differential; Dyspnea; Female; Heart Diseases; Heart Failure; Humans; Lung Diseases; Male; Middle Aged; Myocardial Infarction; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Peptide Fragments; Pulmonary Embolism

Myosin light chains-1 (MLC-1) have been recently associated with the markers of heart function (NYHA, LVEF, NT-proBNP). Verification of the relationship between markers of heart function (New York Heart Association classification (NYHA), left ventricle ejection fraction determination (LVEF), N terminal prohormone of natriuretic peptide B type BNP (NT-proBNP) and concentrations of myosin light chains-1 (MLC-1) was assessed. Patients examined for dyspnea without signs of acute coronary syndrome. All patients underwent echocardiography (calculation of left ventricle ejection fraction--LVEF) and in the serum of all subjects NT-proBNP (ELEIA) and MLC-1 (ELISA) were determined. In the 38 patients (21 men, 17 women), mean age of 58 years (+/-12 years as 1 SD), a significant negative correlation was found between NT-proBNP and LVEF (r = - 0.47; p = 0.02, Spearman). The median levels of NT pro-BNP were closely associated with NYHA classification (type II--584 ng/l, type III--2792 ng/l, type IV--6400 ng/l; p < 0.05). Individuals with clinical NYHA IV differed significantly in median MLC-1 concentrations from persons with clinical NYHA classification II and III (type II--5.7 ng/l, type III--8.9 ng/l, type IV--17 ng/l; p < 0.05). A significant negative correlation between MLC-1 and LVEF (-0.35; p < 0.03) and significant positive correlations between MLC-1 and NT-proBNP (0.42; p < 0.012) were found. In conclusion MLC-1 cannot be used as a diagnostic marker in differential diagnosis of dyspnea.

Topics: Biomarkers; Diagnosis, Differential; Dyspnea; Female; Heart Failure; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Myosin Light Chains; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Peptide Fragments; ROC Curve; Sensitivity and Specificity; Stroke Volume

The differentiation of congestive heart failure from pulmonary cause of dyspnea is of extreme importance in patients presenting with acute shortness of breath. It seems that the use of B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) can speed up the diagnostic process significantly.. 79 patients (46 men - 58.2%, average 71.9, range 43-92; 33 women - 41.8%, average 75.5, range 51-93). In each of them we measured BNP concentrations by means of rapid fluorescent immunoassay.. We divided the patients according to BNP results into two groups: BNP positive and BNP negative. There were 28 BNP negative patients -35.40% (13 men, 15 women). BNP positive patients (51) were divided into NYHA I-IV groups in accordance with BNP results.. The rapid, highly sensitive and specific measurement of BNP concentrations in the patients with dyspnea can significantly help to differentiate the cardiac and pulmonary causes of dyspnea (Tab. 1, Fig. 1, Ref. 24).

Topics: Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Biomarkers; Diagnosis, Differential; Dyspnea; Female; Heart Failure; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Sensitivity and Specificity

Topics: Drug Approval; Dyspnea; Heart Failure; Humans; Natriuretic Agents; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; United States; United States Food and Drug Administration

Topics: Diuretics; Dyspnea; Evidence-Based Medicine; Heart Failure; Humans; Natriuretic Agents; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Vasodilator Agents

Measurement of N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NTproBNP) helps in diagnosing heart failure (HF). The test's usefulness may be greatest in patients with severe dyspnea of uncertain origin. However, NTproBNP has not been evaluated specifically in this setting.. This prospective emergency department study included 70 patients with shortness of breath at rest as their chief complaint. In the attending physician's opinion, both HF and a non-cardiac cause were equally probable. Blinded NTproBNP measurement was carried out in blood samples collected on admission. Patients were monitored and their final diagnoses were based on clinical findings, therapeutic responses, and cardiac and noncardiac tests performed during hospitalization.. The NTproBNP level was higher in the 49 patients (70%) with a final diagnosis of HF (P = .006); the area under the ROC curve was 0.72 (0.60-0.82). The optimum diagnostic cut-off value was 900 pg/mL, which had an accuracy of 87%, a sensitivity of 98%, and a negative predictive value of 92%. The NTproBNP level was significantly higher in the 6 patients (9%) who died during hospitalization (P = .009); the area under the ROC curve was 0.87 (0.76-0.93) and the optimum cut-off value for predicting death was 5500 pg/mL, which had an accuracy of 77%, a sensitivity of 100%, and a positive likelihood ratio of 4.2.. In patients with severe dyspnea and an uncertain diagnosis of HF, an NTproBNP level < 900 pg/mL helps exclude the presence of HF, whereas a NTproBNP level > 5500 pg/mL identifies patients at an increased risk of death.

Topics: Aged; Dyspnea; Emergency Treatment; Female; Heart Failure; Humans; Male; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Prospective Studies; Sensitivity and Specificity; Severity of Illness Index

While anemia is a significant risk factor for poor outcomes in patients with heart failure (HF), it is not in defined guidelines for HF assessment. B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) is a marker for diagnosis and management of patients with HF. We determined the incidence of anemia in patients with HF and the relationship between BNP and hemoglobin (Hgb) levels in patients with and without HF. Results from the Breathing Not Properly Multinational Trial consisted of 1,586 patients presenting to the emergency department (ED) with dyspnea. Because renal insufficiency is a confounding variable for BNP, patients with a creatinine of >or=2.0 mg/dL were excluded. The remaining data were evaluated from 620 non-HF patients (337 M, 283 F) and 547 HF patients (299 M, 248 F). The New York Heart Association (NYHA) HF classification and ejection fraction by echocardiography were assessed for HF patients. Blood was tested for Hgb, BNP, and creatinine. Using World Health Organization criteria for anemia, we observed that HF patients in NYHA class III or IV had lower mean Hgb levels (12.5 g/dL, P < 0.05) and a higher incidence of anemia (48.2%, P < 0.05) than did HF patients in class I or II (13.4 g/dL and 33.9%, respectively). There was no correlation between Hgb and log BNP for females without HF or the aggregate of all HF patients. In contrast, a significant inverse correlation was observed for males without HF (P < 0.001). Although there were differences in the BMI, age, and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) versus Hgb observed in this group, the log BNP correlation remained significant after multivariate analysis. A significant inverse correlation for log BNP and Hgb were also observed for diastolic (EF >or= 50) HF (P < 0.05) that was also not accounted for by the BMI, age, or eGFR. The presence of anemia is associated with worsening HF at ED presentation. For males without HF and diastolic HF patients of both genders, a low Hgb may be a confounding variable toward increasing BNP. Among systolic HF patients, the presence of a low hemoglobin concentration is not a factor in the interpretation of BNP results.

Topics: Anemia; Case-Control Studies; Diastole; Dyspnea; Electrocardiography; Female; Glomerular Filtration Rate; Heart Failure; Hemoglobins; Humans; Incidence; Male; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Sex Factors; Systole

Current study confirms and extends recent observations concerning the diagnostic usefulness of B type natriuretic peptide. It discriminates well between dyspnea of cardiac and non-cardiac origin in the unselected population. Echocardiography represents useful diagnostic tool for assessment of systolic and diastolic ventricular function. In diastolic heart failure the elasticity of left chamber decreases due to the increase of the filling pressure. B type natriuretic peptide predominantly derived from the atrial tissue in patients with chronic heart failure. In the literature contradictory data has been found about serum B type natriuretic peptide level and diastolic dysfunction in cases with good left ventricular function. Authors reviewed 35-34 unselected patients with chronic systolic and isolated diastolic dysfunction. The serum B type natriuretic peptide level increased significantly in all the systolic heart failure patients, while, in patients with isolated diastolic heart failure the values were increased only cases with increased atrial value (calculated to the body surface).

Topics: Adult; Aged; Biomarkers; Diagnosis, Differential; Diastole; Dyspnea; Female; Heart Failure; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Stroke Volume; Systole

Pulmonary arterial hypertension complicated by decompensated cor pulmonale is a challenging clinical problem with few effective therapeutic options. B-type natriuretic peptide is a pluripotent hormone that promotes diuresis and natriuresis, vasodilates systemic and pulmonary vessels, and reduces circulating levels of endothelin and aldosterone. It may represent a possible therapeutic strategy for decompensated cor pulmonale in the same manner that it is used to treat decompensated left heart failure. The authors report their experience with B-type natriuretic peptide as adjunctive therapy for pulmonary arterial hypertension complicated by decompensated cor pulmonale. A detailed case report is presented followed by the evaluation of a series of 11 cases occurring in eight patients from December 2002 through April 2004.

Topics: Adult; Aged; Blood Pressure; Body Weight; Cardiac Output; Clinical Nursing Research; Disease Progression; Drug Monitoring; Dyspnea; Echocardiography, Transesophageal; Female; Heart Failure; Humans; Hypertension, Pulmonary; Infusions, Intravenous; Male; Middle Aged; Natriuretic Agents; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Pulmonary Heart Disease; Pulmonary Wedge Pressure; Severity of Illness Index; Treatment Outcome

Increased plasma concentrations of pro-atrial natriuretic peptide (proANP) and pro-brain natriuretic peptide (proBNP) are features of left ventricular impairment. However, concentrations of proANP and proBNP in patients with isolated terminal parenchymal lung disease are not known. Therefore, we measured the plasma concentrations of natriuretic precursor peptides in patients with terminal parenchymal lung disease who had normal left ventricular function and who were referred for evaluation for lung transplantation.. We measured plasma N-terminal proANP and proBNP in patients undergoing right heart catheterization (n = 50) and related results to hemodynamic variables obtained during catheterization.. Plasma proBNP concentrations were unaffected in patients with terminal parenchymal lung disease and normal left ventricular function (median, 2.5 pmol/liter; range, 0-22; upper reference limit, 15 pmol/liter). In contrast, patients with primary pulmonary hypertension displayed more than a 40-fold increase in plasma proBNP concentrations (median, 107 pmol/liter vs 2.5 pmol/liter, p < 0.0001). Plasma N-terminal proANP increased moderately (median, 664 pmol/liter; range, 36-1620; upper reference limit, 600 pmol/liter) but correlated to plasma proBNP concentrations (r = 0.47, p < 0.0001). Finally, regional vascular proBNP concentrations revealed the heart as the secretory site.. Our findings strongly support the contention that natriuretic peptide measurements are efficient markers for cardiovascular causes of dyspnea. Moreover, our results eliminate natriuretic peptides as markers of moderate pulmonary hypertension in patients with terminal parenchymal lung disease.

Topics: Adult; Cardiovascular Diseases; Dyspnea; Female; Humans; Lung Diseases; Male; Middle Aged; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Nerve Tissue Proteins; Peptide Fragments; Radioimmunoassay

Topics: Biomarkers; Cardiovascular Diseases; Dyspnea; Female; Heart Failure; Humans; Male; Mortality; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Prognosis; Risk

To evaluate the utility of NT-proBNP in the emergency diagnosis and in-hospital monitoring of patients with acute dyspnoea and ventricular dysfunction.. Misdiagnosis of heart failure (HF) is common in the urgent care setting using clinical diagnostic tests. Reports show that BNP is useful to diagnose HF in patients with acute dyspnoea.. Prospective study of 100 patients attending the Emergency Department (ED) for acute dyspnoea. Final diagnosis was determined on the basis of ED data sheets, echocardiography and pulmonary function tests. NT-proBNP levels were obtained on admission, at 24 h and at day 7.. Patients with ventricular dysfunction were sub-classified into decompensated HF and masked HF, defined as HF with concomitant signs of pulmonary disease. Decompensated and masked HF patients had significantly higher NT-proBNP values than patients with non-cardiac dyspnoea (normal ventricular function) (920+/-140 and 978+/-363 vs. 50+/-15 pmol/L; P<0.001 and P<0.01, respectively). The mean area under the ROC curve for NT-proBNP was 0.957 (95% CI, 0.918 to 0.996, P<0.001). In multiple logistic-regression analysis NT-proBNP>115 pmol/l was the strongest independent predictor of ventricular dysfunction (odds ratio 45.4; 95% CI: 4.5-452.3). At day 7, a significant and similar reduction in NT-proBNP was observed in the two groups of patients with ventricular dysfunction (P<0.001 vs. admission values), but complete clinical resolution was less frequent in masked HF patients (P<0.05 vs. decompensated HF).. NT-proBNP is a new candidate marker for the detection and exclusion of ventricular dysfunction in patients attending the ED for acute dyspnoea. NT-proBNP may also serve to monitor outcome during hospitalization.

Topics: Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Biomarkers; Critical Care; Dyspnea; Emergency Service, Hospital; Female; Hospitalization; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Monitoring, Physiologic; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Nerve Tissue Proteins; Peptide Fragments; Predictive Value of Tests; Sensitivity and Specificity; Troponin T; Ventricular Dysfunction

To compare chest radiographic findings and circulating B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels as an adjunct to clinical findings in the diagnosis of heart failure in patients presenting with acute dyspnea.. The diagnostic performance of radiographic evidence of cardiomegaly/redistribution and BNP levels > or =100 pg/mL as indicators of heart failure were assessed in 880 patients presenting with acute dyspnea to the emergency departments of five U.S. and two European teaching hospitals. BNP levels were determined by a rapid, point-of-care device. Two blinded cardiologists reviewed all clinical data and categorized patients as to whether they had acute heart failure (n = 447) or not (n = 433).. Three-factor analyses showed that BNP levels > or =100 pg/mL contributed significantly to the prediction of heart failure over each of the radiographic indicators. In a multivariate logistic regression analysis, both BNP levels > or =100 pg/mL (odds ratio [OR] = 12.3; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 7.4 to 20.4) and radiographic findings of cardiomegaly (OR = 2.3; 95% CI: 1.4 to 3.7), cephalization (OR = 6.4; 95% CI: 3.3 to 12.5), and interstitial edema (OR = 7.0; 95% CI: 2.9 to 17.0) added significant, predictive information above historical and clinical predictors of heart failure.. In patients presenting to the emergency department with acute dyspnea, BNP levels and chest radiographs provide complementary diagnostic information that may be useful in the early evaluation of heart failure.

Topics: Acute Disease; Biomarkers; Cardiomegaly; Dyspnea; Factor Analysis, Statistical; Female; Heart Failure; Humans; Logistic Models; Male; Middle Aged; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Radiography, Thoracic; Sensitivity and Specificity

Topics: Acute Disease; Biomarkers; Dyspnea; Heart Failure; Humans; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Pleural Effusion; Research Design; Sensitivity and Specificity

B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) measurements are useful for diagnosing congestive heart failure (CHF) in patients presenting to the Emergency Department with acute dyspnoe. Whether the diagnostic accuracy of BNP is affected by the age and gender of the patients remains unknown.. To evaluate the accuracy of BNP testing for diagnosing CHF in an unselected group of patients admitted to the emergency department of a Norwegian teaching hospital with a principal complaint of shortness of breath and to assess whether the diagnostic accuracy of the test differs according to age and gender.. BNP levels in plasma were determined by a point-of-care device upon arrival in 155 patients presenting with acute dyspnoe. The diagnostic 'gold' standard for CHF was adjudicated by two independent cardiologists who were blinded to the BNP data.. By univariate logistic regression analysis, BNP was strongly related to a diagnosis of CHF. In a multivariate model BNP provided additional prognostic information to patient age and gender, radiographic evidence of pulmonary congestion and cardiomegaly, and the presence of pulmonary rales and jugular vein distention by physical examination. There was no significant interaction between age and BNP or between gender and BNP with regard to the accuracy of diagnosing CHF. The area under the receiver-operating characteristics-curve was 0.86 (95% confidence interval 0.78-0.93) in women and 0.90 (0.82-0.97) in men. The area under the curves were 0.82 (0.73-0.92) and 0.88 (0.80-0.97) for patients (both genders) aged > or = 76 and <76 years, respectively.. Point-of-care BNP measurement in the emergency department discriminates well between patients with dyspnoe of cardiac and non-cardiac origin regardless of age and gender.

Topics: Acute Disease; Age Factors; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Dyspnea; Female; Fluoroimmunoassay; Heart Failure; Humans; Male; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Point-of-Care Systems; Reproducibility of Results; Sensitivity and Specificity; Sex Factors; Time Factors

Evaluation of N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) to confirm or disprove heart failure in community patients complaining of dyspnoea.. General practitioners referred 345 consecutive patients complaining of dyspnoea to our hospital-based clinic, where a diagnosis was established based on a combined programme for heart and lung diseases including echocardiography. The level of NT-proBNP in plasma was also measured. The mean (S.D.) concentration of NT-proBNP in patients with heart failure was significantly higher, 189 (270) pmol/l in patients with heart failure (n=81), than in patients with non-cardiac dyspnoea (n=264), 17 (38) pmol/l (P<0.001). In patients > or = 50 years NT-proBNP <11 pmol/l for men and <17 pmol/l for women excluded heart failure with a negative predictive value of 97% while the positive predictive value was 53%, the sensitivity 95% and the specificity 68%. Areas under receiver operator characteristic curves for men and women were 0.93 and 0.90, respectively.. In a relevant setting of primary care patients complaining of dyspnoea, NT-proBNP seems promising for disproval of heart failure, and this test may reduce the need for echocardiographic screening with 50%. However, the discrimination levels of NT-proBNP found in this study may need prospective confirmation, before the test can be generally recommended.

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Diagnosis, Differential; Dyspnea; Female; Heart Failure; Humans; Lung Diseases; Male; Middle Aged; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Nerve Tissue Proteins; Peptide Fragments; Predictive Value of Tests; ROC Curve

Diagnosis of acute left ventricular failure (LVF) is often difficult in the prehospital setting. Brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) is a marker of LVF. The object of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of BNP measurement during the prehospital management of patients with dyspnoea.. Prospective feasibility study, in the Paris Emergency Medical Service (SAMU).. All patients, aged 50 years and over, presenting with acute dyspnoea were included in the study, unless the dyspnoea was of circumstantial origin. Bedside BNP assays were conducted in parallel with the usual clinical management. For each patient, three diagnoses (cardiac, respiratory or uncertain) were established: firstly, according to the usual clinical criteria (diagnosis 1); secondly (diagnosis 2) according to the result of BNP measurement. When the diagnoses 1 and 2 were not in agreement, patients were entered into a category labeled "diagnostic correction".. Fifty-two patients were included in the study. Twenty-one patients had clinically obvious LVF (diagnosis 1' = cardiac). For seven other patients, the clinical variables suggested a respiratory cause (diagnosis 1 = respiratory). For 24 patients dyspnoea was due to a non-identified cause (diagnosis 1 = uncertain). BNP levels were measured in 51 out of 52 patients (one failure). Only nine patients had a BNP level lower than the threshold value of 100 pg ml(-1). In 71% the diagnosis 1 was corrected after BNP estimation. Only two of 27 patients with marked bronchospasm had a BNP level lower than 100 pg ml(-1).. Estimation of BNP is both feasible and easy in prehospital care, and can confirm the cardiac origins of atypical acute dyspnoea. In elderly patients LVF appears to be clinically underestimated. BNP assay may produce improvements in prehospital management of patients with dyspnoea.

Topics: Acute Disease; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Diagnosis, Differential; Dyspnea; Emergency Medical Services; Feasibility Studies; Female; Heart Diseases; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Prospective Studies; Respiration Disorders

The prognostic value of natriuretic peptides in aortic stenosis (AS) remains unknown.. B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP), N-terminal BNP (NtBNP), and N-terminal atrial natriuretic peptide (NtANP) were determined in 130 patients with severe AS (mean age, 70+/-12 years; mean gradient, 64+/-21 mm Hg; valve area, 0.64+/-0.15 cm2) who were followed up for 377+/-150 days. Natriuretic peptides increased with NYHA class and with decreasing ejection fraction (EF). Even asymptomatic patients frequently had elevated neurohormones. Asymptomatic patients who developed symptoms during follow-up had higher BNP and NtBNP levels at entry compared with those remaining asymptomatic (median for NtBNP, 131 pmol/L [interquartile range, 50 to 202 pmol/L] versus 31 pmol/L [range, 19 to 56 pmol/L]; P<0.001). Symptom-free survival at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months for patients with NtBNP <80 versus > or =80 pmol/L was 100%, 88+/-7%, 88+/-7%, and 69+/-13% compared with 92+/-8%, 58+/-14%, 35+/-15%, and 18+/-15%, respectively (P<0.001). Seventy-nine patients eventually underwent surgery because of symptoms. Considering preoperative neurohormone levels, age, NYHA class, aortic valve area, EF, and presence of coronary artery disease, we found that neurohormones, EF, and NYHA class predicted survival; neurohormones predicted postoperative symptomatic status; and neurohormones and preoperative EF predicted postoperative EF. However, by multivariate analysis, NtBNP was the only independent predictor of outcome.. In severe AS, natriuretic peptides provide important prognostic information beyond clinical and echocardiographic evaluation. NtBNP independently predicts symptom-free survival, and preoperative NtBNP independently predicts postoperative outcome with regard to survival, symptomatic status, and left ventricular function. Thus, neurohormones may gain particular importance for timing of surgery in asymptomatic severe AS.

Topics: Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Aortic Valve Stenosis; Atrial Natriuretic Factor; Biomarkers; Disease Progression; Disease-Free Survival; Dyspnea; Female; Heart Failure; Heart Valve Prosthesis Implantation; Humans; Life Tables; Male; Middle Aged; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Nerve Tissue Proteins; Peptide Fragments; Prognosis; Prospective Studies; Protein Precursors; Severity of Illness Index; Single-Blind Method; Stroke Volume; Treatment Outcome; Ultrasonography

Topics: Dyspnea; Heart Failure; Humans; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Nerve Tissue Proteins; Peptide Fragments; Prognosis; Risk Factors

Topics: Biomarkers; Dyspnea; Echocardiography; Heart Failure; Humans; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Stroke Volume

Topics: Diagnostic Tests, Routine; Dyspnea; False Negative Reactions; False Positive Reactions; Heart Failure; Humans; Mass Screening; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Predictive Value of Tests; Reproducibility of Results; Sensitivity and Specificity

Topics: Bayes Theorem; Diagnostic Tests, Routine; Dyspnea; Heart Failure; Humans; Likelihood Functions; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Odds Ratio; Predictive Value of Tests; Sensitivity and Specificity

Topics: Biomarkers; Critical Care; Diagnosis, Differential; Dyspnea; Heart Failure; Humans; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Prognosis; Sensitivity and Specificity; Shock; Survival Analysis

Diastolic heart failure (DHF) is characterized by dyspnea due to increased left ventricular (LV) filling pressures during stress. We sought the relationship of exercise-induced increases in B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) to LV filling pressures and parameters of cardiovascular performance in suspected DHF.. Twenty-six treated hypertensive patients with suspected DHF (exertional dyspnea, LV ejection fraction >50%, and diastolic dysfunction) underwent maximal exercise echocardiography using the Bruce protocol. BNP, transmitral Doppler, and tissue Doppler for systolic (Sa) and early (Ea) and late (Aa) diastolic mitral annular velocities were obtained at rest and peak stress. LV filling pressures were estimated with E/Ea ratios.. Resting BNP correlated with resting pulse pressure (r=0.45, P=0.02). Maximal exercise performance (4.6 +/- 2.5min) was limited by dyspnea. Blood pressure increased with exercise (from 143 +/- 19/88 +/- 8 to 191 +/- 22/ 90 +/- 10 mm Hg); 13 patients (50%) had a hypertensive response. Peak exercise BNP correlated with peak transmitral E velocity (r = 0.41, P <.05) and peak heart rate (r = -0.40, P <.05). BNP increased with exercise (from 48 +/- 57 to 74 +/- 97 pg/mL, P =.007), and the increment of BNP with exercise was associated with maximal workload and peak exercise Sa, Ea, and Aa (P <.01 for all). Filling pressures, approximated by lateral E/Ea ratio, increased with exercise (7.7 +/- 2.0 to 10.0 +/- 4.8, P <.01). BNP was higher in patients with possibly elevated filling pressures at peak exercise (E/Ea >10) compared to those with normal pressures (123 +/- 124 vs 45 +/- 71 pg/mL, P =.027).. Augmentation of BNP with exercise in hypertensive patients with suspected DHF is associated with better exercise capacity, LV systolic and diastolic function, and left atrial function. Peak exercise BNP levels may identify exercise-induced elevation of filling pressures in DHF.

Topics: Atrial Function, Left; Diastole; Dyspnea; Echocardiography; Exercise; Exercise Tolerance; Heart Failure; Hemodynamics; Humans; Hypertension; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; ROC Curve; Stroke Volume; Ventricular Function, Left

To document the number of requests by clinicians for plasma brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) measurements and to define which groups of practitioners have made use of the assay over the 7 years since it became available for clinical use.. We reviewed the number and source of requests by clinicians for measurements of plasma BNP in the Christchurch area (from 1995--when the assay became available, until July 2002).. There was an exponential increase in requests for BNP measurements over the 7-year period (1995-2002). Of the 11,308 samples analysed, 47% came from hospital inpatients, 25.9% from patients in general practice, and 14% from hospital emergency departments.. There has been a rapidly increasing uptake of the assay for plasma BNP by both hospital and primary care clinicians in the Christchurch area.

Topics: Blood Chemical Analysis; Diagnosis, Differential; Dyspnea; Heart Failure; Humans; Medical Staff, Hospital; Myocardial Infarction; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; New Zealand; Physicians, Family; Practice Patterns, Physicians'; Ventricular Dysfunction, Left

Natriuretic peptides have proved useful in the diagnosis of heart failure in patients presenting to the emergency department with shortness of breath. Dyspnea and orthopnea in heart failure are clinical expressions of pulmonary capillary congestion and leakage, which may be assessed by the percentage of pulmonary hemosiderin-laden macrophages (HLM) in induced sputum. We found a significant difference in the percentage of HLM present in sputum among patients with acute heart failure, patients with noncardiac dyspnea with ventricular dysfunction, and patients without heart failure (p = 0.008). N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (N-BNP) concentrations were also different among these 3 patient groups (p = 0.006). N-BNP concentrations were positively associated with the percentage of HLM in patients with acute dyspnea (r = 0.6; p < 0.0001). N-BNP, in addition to being a ventricular dysfunction marker, may reflect the severity of pulmonary capillary congestion and leakage in patients with acute shortness of breath.

Topics: Acute Disease; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Capillaries; Dyspnea; Echocardiography; Heart Failure; Humans; Lung; Lung Diseases; Middle Aged; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Nerve Tissue Proteins; Peptide Fragments; Pilot Projects; Prospective Studies

Topics: Biomarkers; Decision Making; Dyspnea; Emergency Service, Hospital; Heart Failure; Humans; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Outpatients; Patient Admission; Patient Discharge; Treatment Outcome

We examined the analytical correlation N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) and brain natriuretic peptide (BNP).. Electrochemiluminescence and fluorescence immunoassays were used to measure NT-proBNP and BNP levels, respectively.. The analytical correlation was satisfactory using the equation: NT-proBNP = 8.56 x BNP + 91.7 and a correlation r = 0.85. The correlation was not influenced by age, gender and BMI of patients.. We conclude that NT-proBNP correlates with BNP.

Topics: Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Dyspnea; Electrochemistry; Female; Fluorescence; Humans; Immunoassay; Luminescent Measurements; Male; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Nerve Tissue Proteins; Peptide Fragments; Prognosis; Reproducibility of Results; Sensitivity and Specificity

Topics: Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Dyspnea; Emergencies; Follow-Up Studies; Heart Failure; Humans; Middle Aged; Multicenter Studies as Topic; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Probability; Prospective Studies; Risk Factors; Sensitivity and Specificity; Time Factors

Both B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) and renal function are prognostic indicators of survival in patients with congestive heart failure (CHF). However, relationships between BNP, renal function, and heart failure as an emergency diagnosis are unknown.. The Breathing Not Properly Multinational Study was a prospectively designed diagnostic test evaluation study conducted in seven centers. Of 1,586 participants who presented with acute dyspnea, 1,452 patients (91.6%) had both BNP level and baseline estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) available. Patients with an eGFR less than 15 mL/min/1.73 m2 and those on dialysis therapy were excluded. The final diagnosis was adjudicated by two independent cardiologists who were blinded to BNP results.. The final diagnosis was CHF in 715 patients (49.2%). Raw and log-log transformed correlations between BNP and eGFR values were r = -0.19 and r = -0.17 for those with CHF and r = -0.20 and r = -0.31 for those without CHF (both P < 0.0001 for r not equal 0). Mean BNP levels were 561.6 pg/mL (162.3 fmol/mL), 647.5 pg/mL (187.1 fmol/mL), 745.6 pg/mL (215.5 fmol/mL), and 850.7 pg/mL (245.8 fmol/mL) for those with CHF and 85.4 pg/mL (24.7 fmol/mL), 131.7 pg/mL (38.1 fmol/mL), 297.2 pg/mL (85.9 fmol/mL), and 285.0 pg/mL (82.3 fmol/mL) for those without CHF in eGFR categories of 90 or greater, 89 to 60, 59 to 30, and less than 30 mL/min/1.73 m2, respectively. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve and optimum cut points for BNP were 0.91 and 70.7 pg/mL (20.4 fmol/mL), 0.90 and 104.3 pg/mL (30.1 fmol/mL), 0.81 and 201.2 pg/mL (58.1 fmol/mL), and 0.86 and 225.0 pg/mL (65.0 fmol/mL) for the eGFR categories of 90 or greater, 89 to 60, 59 to 30, and less than 30 mL/min/1.73 m2, respectively.. Renal function correlates weakly with BNP and influences the optimal cut point for BNP, particularly in those with an eGFR less than 60 mL/min/1.73 m2.

Topics: Acute Disease; Aged; Atrial Natriuretic Factor; Cohort Studies; Dyspnea; Female; Glomerular Filtration Rate; Heart Failure; Humans; Kidney; Male; Middle Aged; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Predictive Value of Tests; Prognosis; Prospective Studies; Reference Standards; Survival

Topics: Atrial Natriuretic Factor; Biomarkers; Dyspnea; Heart Failure; Humans; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Predictive Value of Tests; Ventricular Dysfunction, Left

Topics: Biomarkers; Diagnosis, Differential; Dyspnea; Heart Diseases; Humans; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Nerve Tissue Proteins; Peptide Fragments; Protein Precursors; Ventricular Dysfunction, Left

Recently in the literature information is found on estimation of natriuretic peptides in the differential diagnosis of dyspnoea. Because in the Czech Republic since the beginning of 2002 routine estimation of NT-proBNP is available (analyzer Elecsys 2010), the objective of our work was to find out whether it is possible to use in the everyday practice of a district hospital estimation of NT-proBNP to differentiate dyspnoea with affection of the heart muscle from other types of dyspnoea.. A group of 33 patients from the medical department of the Sternberk hospital was examined who attended on account of dyspnoea and lacked signs of acute coronary syndrome. All probands were diagnosed on the basis of defined criteria; according to the final diagnosis the patients were divided into three groups: group "LV" was formed by dyspnoic patients with organic affection of the left ventricle and signs of congestion in the lesser circulation, group "non-LV" was formed by patients where no organic affection of the left ventricle was found but other heart disease was present. Group "non-C" was formed by patients where a cardiac cause of dyspnoea was ruled out. In all patients on admission NT-proBNP was assessed.. 33 probands were examined, 18 men and 15 women, mean age 74.5 years. 25 probands the dyspnoea was classified as dyspnoea with affection of one of the cardiac compartments [19 of them had signs of organic affection of the left ventricle (group "LV")]; in 6 probands no signs of organic left ventricular affection were found (group "Non-LV"). The remaining 8 patients had no signs of any disease of the heart muscle, valves, septa, endocardium and pericardium (group "Non-C). The baseline values of NTpro-BNP were closely associated with the NYHA classification (grade II--median 55.3 pmol/l (469 ng/l, grade III--median 399.3 pmol/l (3384 ng/l), grade IV--median 724.7 pmol/l (6294 ng/l), the differences were statistically significant, p < 0.05). The dyspnoic probands with concurrent affection of some cardiac compartment (groups "LV" and "Non-LV") had a NT-pro BNP concentration significantly higher than probands without affection of the heart (group "Non-C") (median 589.5 pmol (4996 ng/l as compared with 62.9 pmol/l (533 ng/l, p < 0.01). In the group of probands with heart disease probands with affections of the left ventricle (group "LV") had significantly higher NT-proBNP values than subjects without affection of the LV and without any heart disease (groups "Non-LV" and "Non-C") (median 670.6 pmol/l (5683 ng/l) as compared with 187.5 pmol/l (1589 ng/l), p < 0.01). In hospitalized probands after treatment along with improved cardiopulmonary compensation also a significant drop of NT pro-BNP occurred (median 303 pmol/l (3967.7 ng/l to 211 pmol/l (2561 ng/l), p < 0.05). When looking for associations between anamnestic, laboratory and clinical data we found that the value of NT-proBNP is associated with dyspnoea with cardiac affection (groups "LV" + "Non-LV", correlation coefficient 0.48), with the left ventricular ejection fraction (correlation coefficient 0.52) and the baseline NYHA classification (correlation coefficient 0.36). In the examined group we did not find an association between NT-proBNP and age, sex, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, the presence of atrial arrhythmias, aortal stenosis, or the width of the left atrium. When using as cut-off for NT-proBNP 59 pmol/l (500 ng/l), the sensitivity of NT-proBNP for dyspnoea with affection of the cardiac compartments was 92% and the specificity 67%.. Assessment of NT-proBNP is an important diagnostic acid in the differential diagnosis of dyspnoea.

Topics: Aged; Biomarkers; Diagnosis, Differential; Dyspnea; Female; Heart Diseases; Humans; Male; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Nerve Tissue Proteins; Peptide Fragments; Protein Precursors; ROC Curve; Ventricular Dysfunction, Left

Topics: Atrial Natriuretic Factor; Diagnosis, Differential; Dyspnea; Heart Failure; Humans; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Prognosis; Sensitivity and Specificity

This study sought to compare the utility of measurement of plasma brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) and N-terminal brain natriuretic peptide (N-BNP) in the diagnosis of heart failure (HF) in patients with acute dyspnea.. Plasma BNP is useful in differentiating HF from other causes of dyspnea in the emergency department. The N-terminal component of BNP has a longer half-life, and in HF increases in plasma N-BNP are proportionately greater.. We studied 205 patients (average age 70 +/- 14 years) presenting to the emergency department with acute dyspnea. Brain natriuretic peptide was analyzed using a point-of-care test and two locally developed radioimmunoassays. N-terminal BNP was measured using a locally developed radioimmunoassay and a commercially available assay. Final diagnosis of HF was adjudicated by two cardiologists.. Patients with HF (n = 70) had higher mean levels of both hormones by all assays (p < 0.001 for all). Results with all assays correlated closely (r values between 0.902 and 0.969). Subjects with left ventricular (LV) dysfunction or left-sided valvular disease but no HF had intermediate levels of BNP and N-BNP (lower than subjects with HF, and higher than subjects without HF with no LV dysfunction or left-sided valvular disease) (p < 0.01 for all). Using optimum cut-offs, specificity for the diagnosis of HF ranged between 70% and 89% (highest for the N-BNP assays). Sensitivity ranged between 80% and 94% (highest for the point-of-care BNP assay).. Measurement of BNP or N-BNP is useful in the diagnosis of HF in acute dyspnea. Commercially available assays compare favorably with well-validated laboratory assays. Differences in sensitivity and specificity may influence the assay choice in this setting.

Topics: Acute Disease; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Diagnostic Techniques, Cardiovascular; Dyspnea; Female; Heart Failure; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Radioimmunoassay

Topics: Acute Disease; Atrial Natriuretic Factor; Dyspnea; Heart Failure; Humans; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Prognosis

Topics: Diagnostic Errors; Dyspnea; Emergency Treatment; Escherichia coli Infections; Heart Failure; Humans; Muscle Weakness; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Pseudomonas Infections; Shock, Septic

The use of B-type natriuretic peptide to diagnose congestive heart failure is becoming more frequent and widespread. We report five patients recently seen at our hospital who were diagnosed with pulmonary embolism and noted to have elevated B-type natriuretic peptide levels. We caution that elevations of B-type natriuretic peptide may in some patients have the potential to mislead clinicians if the diagnosis of pulmonary embolism is not considered.

Topics: Adult; Aged; Biomarkers; Diagnosis, Differential; Dyspnea; Female; Heart Failure; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Pulmonary Embolism; Tomography, Spiral Computed

B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels increase in systolic heart failure (HF). However, the value of BNP in hypertensive patients with suspected diastolic HF (symptoms suggestive of HF but normal ejection fraction) and its relation to myocardial function in these patients is unclear. We prospectively studied 72 ambulatory hypertensive subjects (40 women, mean age 58 +/- 8 years) with exertional dyspnea and ejection fraction > or =50%. Diastolic function was evaluated with transmitral and pulmonary venous Doppler, mitral annular velocities (pulsed-wave tissue Doppler), and flow propagation velocity (color M-mode). Systolic function was assessed with strain and strain rate derived from color tissue Doppler imaging. BNP was related to myocardial function and the presence or absence of global diastolic dysfunction. By conventional Doppler criteria, 34 patients had normal left ventricular diastolic function and 38 had isolated diastolic dysfunction. BNP values were higher in patients with diastolic dysfunction (46 +/- 48 vs 20 +/- 20 pg/ml, p=0.004) and were related independently to blood pressure, systolic strain rate, left atrial function (p<0.01 for all), and age (p=0.015). Patients with diastolic dysfunction and pseudonormal filling had higher BNP levels compared with impaired relaxation (89 +/- 47 vs 35 +/- 42 pg/ml, p=0.001). However, 79% of patients with diastolic dysfunction had BNP levels within the normal range. We conclude that in ambulatory hypertensive patients with symptoms suggestive of mild HF and normal ejection fraction, BNP is related to atrial and ventricular systolic parameters, blood pressure, and age. Although elevated in the presence of diastolic dysfunction, the BNP level mostly is in the normal range and, therefore, has limited diagnostic value in stable patients with suspected diastolic HF.

Topics: Biomarkers; Diastole; Dyspnea; Echocardiography, Doppler; Female; Heart Failure; Humans; Hypertension; Male; Middle Aged; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Physical Exertion; Prospective Studies; ROC Curve; Systole; Ventricular Function, Left

B-type natriuretic peptide is released from the cardiac ventricles in response to increased wall tension.. We conducted a prospective study of 1586 patients who came to the emergency department with acute dyspnea and whose B-type natriuretic peptide was measured with a bedside assay. The clinical diagnosis of congestive heart failure was adjudicated by two independent cardiologists, who were blinded to the results of the B-type natriuretic peptide assay.. The final diagnosis was dyspnea due to congestive heart failure in 744 patients (47 percent), dyspnea due to noncardiac causes in 72 patients with a history of left ventricular dysfunction (5 percent), and no finding of congestive heart failure in 770 patients (49 percent). B-type natriuretic peptide levels by themselves were more accurate than any historical or physical findings or laboratory values in identifying congestive heart failure as the cause of dyspnea. The diagnostic accuracy of B-type natriuretic peptide at a cutoff of 100 pg per milliliter was 83.4 percent. The negative predictive value of B-type natriuretic peptide at levels of less than 50 pg per milliliter was 96 percent. In multiple logistic-regression analysis, measurements of B-type natriuretic peptide added significant independent predictive power to other clinical variables in models predicting which patients had congestive heart failure.. Used in conjunction with other clinical information, rapid measurement of B-type natriuretic peptide is useful in establishing or excluding the diagnosis of congestive heart failure in patients with acute dyspnea.

Topics: Acute Disease; Aged; Diabetes Complications; Diagnosis, Differential; Dyspnea; Female; Heart Failure; Humans; Logistic Models; Male; Middle Aged; Myocardial Infarction; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Prospective Studies; Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive; Sensitivity and Specificity; Ventricular Dysfunction, Left

Topics: Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Atrial Natriuretic Factor; Biomarkers; Clinical Trials as Topic; Dyspnea; Female; Heart Failure; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Point-of-Care Systems; Sensitivity and Specificity

We compared the accuracy of B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) assay with Doppler echocardiography for the diagnosis of decompensated congestive left-heart failure (CHF) in patients with acute dyspnea.. Both BNP and Doppler echocardiography have been described as relevant diagnostic tests for heart failure.. One hundred sixty-three consecutive patients with severe dyspnea underwent BNP assay and Doppler echocardiogram on admission. The accuracy of the two methods for etiologic diagnosis was compared on the basis of the final diagnoses established by physicians who were blinded to the BNP and Doppler findings.. The final etiologic diagnosis was CHF in 115 patients. Twenty-four patients (15%) were misdiagnosed at admission. The BNP concentration was 1,022 +/- 742 pg/ml in the CHF subgroup and 187 +/- 158 pg/ml in the other patients (p < 0.01). A BNP cutoff of 300 pg/ml correctly classified 88% of the patients (odds ratio [OR] 85 [19 to 376], p < 0.0001), but a high negative predictive value (90%) was only obtained when the cutoff was lowered to 80 pg/ml. The etiologic value of BNP was low in patients with values between 80 and 300 pg/ml (OR 1.85 [0.4 to 7.8], p = 0.4) and also in patients who were studied very soon after onset of acute dyspnea. Among the 138 patients with assessable Doppler findings, a "restrictive" mitral inflow pattern had a diagnostic accuracy for CHF of 91% (OR 482 [77 to 3,011], p < 0.0001), regardless of the BNP level.. Bedside BNP measurement and Doppler echocardiography are both useful for establishing the cause of acute dyspnea. However, Doppler analysis of the mitral inflow pattern was more accurate, particularly in patients with intermediate BNP levels or "flash" pulmonary edema.

Topics: Acute Disease; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Atrial Natriuretic Factor; Biological Assay; Biomarkers; Dyspnea; Echocardiography, Doppler; Female; France; Heart Failure; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Predictive Value of Tests; Prospective Studies; ROC Curve; Stroke Volume

Topics: Atrial Natriuretic Factor; Diagnosis, Differential; Dyspnea; Heart Failure; Humans; Likelihood Functions; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Ventricular Dysfunction, Left

Topics: Dyspnea; Humans; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain

Topics: Acute Disease; Atrial Natriuretic Factor; Diagnosis, Differential; Dyspnea; Heart Failure; Humans; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Respiratory Distress Syndrome; Respiratory Insufficiency

Topics: Biomarkers; Dyspnea; Heart Failure; Humans; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain

Since B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) is secreted by the left ventricle (LV) in response to volume elevated LV pressure, we sought to assess whether a rapid assay for BNP levels could differentiate cardiac from pulmonary causes of dyspnea.. Differentiating congestive heart failure (CHF) from pulmonary causes of dyspnea is very important for patients presenting to the emergency department (ED) with acute dyspnea.. B-natriuretic peptide levels were obtained in 321 patients presenting to the ED with acute dyspnea. Physicians were blinded to BNP levels and asked to give their probability of the patient having CHF and their final diagnosis. Two independent cardiologists were blinded to BNP levels and asked to review the data and evaluate which patients presented with heart failure. Patients with right heart failure from cor pulmonale were classified as having CHF.. Patients with CHF (n = 134) had BNP levels of 758.5 +/- 798 pg/ml, significantly higher than the group of patients with a final diagnosis of pulmonary disease (n = 85) whose BNP was 61 +/- 10 pg/ml. The area under the receiver operating curve, which plots sensitivity versus specificity for BNP levels in separating cardiac from pulmonary disease, was 0.96 (p < 0.001). A breakdown of patients with pulmonary disease revealed: chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD): 54 +/- 71 pg/ml (n = 42); asthma: 27 +/- 40 pg/ml (n = 11); acute bronchitis: 44 +/- 112 pg/ml (n = 14); pneumonia: 55 +/- 76 pg/ml (n = 8); tuberculosis: 93 +/- 54 pg/ml (n = 2); lung cancer: 120 +/- 120 pg/ml (n = 4); and acute pulmonary embolism: 207 +/- 272 pg/ml (n = 3). In patients with a history of lung disease but whose current complaint of dyspnea was seen as due to CHF, BNP levels were 731 +/- 764 pg/ml (n = 54). The group with a history of CHF but with a current COPD diagnosis had a BNP of 47 +/- 23 pg/ml (n = 11).. Rapid testing of BNP in the ED should help differentiate pulmonary from cardiac etiologies of dyspnea.

Topics: Diagnosis, Differential; Dyspnea; Female; Heart Failure; Humans; Lung Diseases; Male; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive; ROC Curve; Sensitivity and Specificity

Topics: Atrial Natriuretic Factor; Dyspnea; Heart Failure; Humans; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Predictive Value of Tests; Risk Assessment

Topics: Atrial Natriuretic Factor; Dyspnea; Heart Failure; Humans; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Predictive Value of Tests; Prognosis; Risk Assessment; Risk Factors; Sensitivity and Specificity

Natrecor (nesiritide) is targeted to acute decompensating CHF patients.

Topics: Atrial Natriuretic Factor; Cardiotonic Agents; Drug Costs; Dyspnea; Heart Failure; Hospitalization; Humans; Hypotension; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; United States

In dyspneic patients without left ventricular enlargement, it may be difficult to differentiate between obstructive lung disease and diastolic heart failure. Determination of plasma brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels, known to increase with ventricular stretch, may be of clinical relevance in this situation. We compared the discriminant power of BNP blood levels and of echocardiography in patients with either chronic obstructive lung disease or diastolic heart failure.. Twenty-six New York Heart Association class III dyspneic patients with normal left ventricular systolic function were enrolled: 17 patients with chronic obstructive lung disease and 9 patients with unequivocal diastolic heart failure.. Echocardiographic data were unable to accurately differentiate between the two groups, whereas BNP levels were significantly and markedly higher in patients with diastolic heart failure when compared to those with obstructive lung disease (224 +/- 240 pg/mL vs 14 +/- 12 pg/mL, p < 0.0001).. These preliminary results warrant a prospective, large-scale evaluation of the value of BNP assay for determining diastolic dysfunction, a common cause of dyspnea in elderly patients, and differentiating it from other diagnoses such as obstructive lung disease.

Topics: Aged; Diagnosis, Differential; Diastole; Dyspnea; Female; Heart Failure; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Predictive Value of Tests; Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive

Topics: Aged; Cholesterol; Dyspnea; Echocardiography; Electrocardiography; Fatigue; Female; Heart Failure; Humans; Male; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Thyroid Hormones

Topics: Acute Disease; Atrial Natriuretic Factor; Cardiac Output, Low; Cardiotonic Agents; Dyspnea; Humans; Multicenter Studies as Topic; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Pulmonary Wedge Pressure; Recombinant Proteins

A WELL-RECOGNIZED ENTITY: Diastolic heart failure is an increasingly common diagnosis. Signs may be misleading and positive etiological diagnosis remains difficult.. Fatigue, and most importantly dyspnea, are the cardinal signs of diastolic heart failure. Cor pulmonale is often the inaugural sign. The physical examination contributes little to diagnosis. The chest x-ray shows a small heart. Electrocardiographic anomalies are almost always found. A hemodynamic exploration of the right heart, the key diagnostic tool not always performed in routine work-ups, evidences increased filling pressure of the left ventricle. Doppler-echocardiography is used widely. It demonstrates preservation of the left ventricle function (normal ejection fraction) and visualizes the anatomic subtratum of the diastolic dysfunction, quantifying filling and relaxation disorders and allowing an indirect estimation of pulmonary pressures. In the future, it will be possible to assay atrial natriuretic peptide which will provide a most useful tool for the positive diagnosis of this type of heart failure.. The diagnosis of diastolic heart failure is complex, warranting rigorous, and critical, evaluation of left ventricular filling using noninvasive methods, particularly Doppler-echocardiography.

Topics: Adult; Age Factors; Atrial Natriuretic Factor; Cardiac Catheterization; Diagnosis, Differential; Diastole; Dyspnea; Echocardiography, Doppler; Electrocardiography; Heart Failure; Hemodynamics; Humans; Models, Theoretical; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Radiography, Thoracic; Radionuclide Ventriculography

Recognition of heart failure may be difficult in patients presenting with acute dyspnoea, particularly in the presence of chronic airways obstruction or obesity. In a previous study of patients with acute dyspnoea, we showed that the measurement of plasma brain natriuretic peptide (BNP)-a hormone secreted in increased amounts by the failing heart-accurately distinguishes heart failure from primary lung disorder. The aim of the present study was to develop a rapid assay for BNP and evaluate its diagnostic use in patients acutely hospitalised for increasing dyspnoea of any cause.. A rapid assay for plasma BNP, providing results within 24 h of blood collection, was developed without loss of precision. The results of the rapid and previously established BNP assays were highly correlated (r = 0.9). To determine the diagnostic value of the rapid assay, measurements were undertaken on the day of admission in 123 breathless patients (mean age 68.3, range 23 to 90 years) and related to conventional diagnostic assessments and final outcome.. In patients diagnosed and treated urgently for clinical heart failure, plasma BNP was significantly higher (115 (SE 13) pmol/L, n = 39) than in those without clinical heart failure (33 (5) pmol/L, n = 84, p < 0.001). Using a cut-off of 50 pmol/L for the presence of heart failure, there was discordance between BNP level and clinical diagnosis in 21 of 123 cases. Reassessment after independent analysis of discordant cases increased the difference in BNP level in the presence (123 (13) pmol/L, n = 43) or absence (24 (1.5) pmol/L, n = 80) of heart failure. Using two way analysis of variance, no further improvement in discrimination was found when chest radiographs were used together with the BNP data.. Rapid BNP assays are practicable and provide accurate information on cardiac status-superior to chest radiographs in many cases-early in the course of the patient's presentation with acute dyspnoea.

Topics: Acute Disease; Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Analysis of Variance; Cardiac Output, Low; Diagnosis, Differential; Dyspnea; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Nerve Tissue Proteins; Predictive Value of Tests

Topics: Dyspnea; Heart Failure; Humans; Lung Diseases, Obstructive; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Nerve Tissue Proteins