Using NT-proBNP to Diagnose Heart Problems in ICU Patients
Author Information
Author(s): Isaline Coquet, Michael Darmon, Jean-Marc Doise, Michel Degrès, Bernard Blettery, Benoît Schlemmer, Philippe Gambert, Jean-Pierre Quenot
Primary Institution: Saint-Louis University Hospital, AP-HP
Hypothesis
The study aimed to assess the accuracy of NT-proBNP as a diagnostic tool for recognizing acute respiratory failure of cardiac origin in critically ill patients.
Conclusion
NT-proBNP measured at ICU admission might represent a useful marker to exclude cardiac dysfunction in critically ill patients.
Supporting Evidence
- 102 out of 198 patients had evidence of cardiac dysfunction.
- Median NT-proBNP concentrations were significantly higher in patients with cardiac dysfunction.
- NT-proBNP levels correlated with age and inversely with creatinine clearance.
Takeaway
Doctors can use a blood test called NT-proBNP to help figure out if a patient in the ICU has heart problems, even if they are very sick.
Methodology
A prospective observational study measuring NT-proBNP at ICU admission and diagnosing cardiac dysfunction based on clinical presentation and echocardiography.
Potential Biases
The interpretation of creatinine clearance in the ICU may introduce biases.
Limitations
The study evaluated a non-selected population of critically ill patients, which may affect the incidence of cardiac dysfunction and NT-proBNP levels.
Participant Demographics
Consecutive adult patients (> 18 years old) admitted to the medical ICU.
Statistical Information
P-Value
< 0.0001
Confidence Interval
95% CI 0.69 to 0.83
Statistical Significance
p<0.0001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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