title: Serial measurements of N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide after acute ischemic stroke.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The exact time-course of N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) and the prognostic importance in the immediate phase of ischemic stroke have not been established.
  
  
  METHODS
  NT-proBNP was measured daily from admission to day 5 and again at 6-month follow-up in 250 consecutive patients with acute ischemic stroke.
  
  
  RESULTS
  NT-proBNP peaked the day after onset of symptoms (p = 0.007) followed by a decrease until day 5 (p = 0.001, ANOVA). At 6-month follow-up the difference in the level of NT-proBNP was unchanged compared to day 5 (p = 0.42). NT-proBNP levels > or =615 pg/ml at day 2 after onset of symptoms was associated with 6-month mortality.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  NT-proBNP peaks the day after onset of symptoms in patients with acute ischemic stroke. A single measurement of NT-proBNP appears to be an indicator of 6-month mortality.
authors.affiliation: Department of Cardiology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark. jesperkjensen@dadlnet.dk
authors.forename: J K
authors.initials: JK
authors.lastname: Jensen
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Mickley
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Bak
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Korsholm
authors.forename: S R
authors.initials: SR
authors.lastname: Kristensen
mesh_terms: D000208:Acute Disease; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000097:blood / Q000378:metabolism; D002545:Brain Ischemia / Q000097:blood* / Q000401:mortality; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D020097:Natriuretic Peptide, Brain / Q000097:blood*; D010446:Peptide Fragments / Q000097:blood*; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011379:Prognosis; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012372:ROC Curve; D012107:Research Design; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D020521:Stroke / Q000097:blood* / Q000401:mortality; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D015415:Biomarkers; D010446:Peptide Fragments; C109794:pro-brain natriuretic peptide (1-76); D020097:Natriuretic Peptide, Brain