Performance of N-terminal-pro-B-type natriuretic peptide in critically ill patients: a prospective observational cohort study
2008

Using NT-proBNP to Diagnose Heart Problems in ICU Patients

Sample size: 198 publication Evidence: moderate

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)

10.1186/cc7110

Want to read the original?

Access the complete publication on the publisher's website

View Original Publication