Assessment of BNP and NT-proBNP in emergency department patients presenting with suspected acute coronary syndromes.
OBJECTIVE
The relationship between BNP and NT-proBNP among physiologically and clinically relevant demographic subgroups has never been clarified in the context of the emergency department (ED).


METHODS
A blood sample taken from patients presenting to the E.D. with suspected acute coronary syndromes (ACS) was analyzed for BNP and NT-proBNP, and correlation between them was examined as an entire group then as subgroups according to gender, ethnicity, age, and comorbidity variables.


RESULTS
BNP and NT-proBNP correlate well (0.89, P < 0.0001) in a population of 420 patients and in patient subgroups with a history of various etiologies, including vascular disorders.


CONCLUSIONS
In general, BNP and NT-proBNP correlate very well in patients with suspected ACS and may aid in the risk stratification process in emergency departments.
Cameron
Scott J
SJ
Clinical Chemistry Division, Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Meyer B-121, 600 N. Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA. scamero6@jhmi.edu
Green
Gary B
GB
White
C Nicole
CN
Laterza
Omar F
OF
Clarke
William
W
Kim
Hong
H
Sokoll
Lori J
LJ
D000208:Acute Disease; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003327:Coronary Disease / Q000097:blood*; D004636:Emergency Service, Hospital; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D020097:Natriuretic Peptide, Brain / Q000097:blood*; D010446:Peptide Fragments / Q000097:blood*; D013577:Syndrome
D010446:Peptide Fragments; C109794:pro-brain natriuretic peptide (1-76); D020097:Natriuretic Peptide, Brain