title: NT-proBNP and the diagnosis of left ventricular systolic dysfunction within two acute NHS trust catchment areas: the initial Teesside experience.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate the predictive value of N-terminal pro B-type natiuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) reference cut-off values as diagnostic markers for left ventricular systolic dysfunction (LVSD).
  
  
  METHODS
  A retrospective study assessing the use of NT-proBNP in the diagnostic algorithm for the investigation of patients with suspected signs and symptoms of LVSD presenting to primary care.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A generic NT-proBNP cut-off (150 ng/l) value has similar negative and positive predictive valves, specificity and sensitivity compared to age and sex specific cut-off values.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  When using NT-proBNP as a triage tool for screening patients with signs and symptoms suggestive of LVSD, a simple generic cut-off level is as effective as more complex age sex specific cut-off values.
authors.affiliation: Cardiothoracic Division, The James Cook University Hospital, Marton Road, Middlesbrough TS4 3BW, UK. a.turley@btopenworld.com
authors.forename: A J
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: Turley
authors.forename: A P
authors.initials: AP
authors.lastname: Roberts
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Davies
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Rowell
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Drury
authors.forename: R H
authors.initials: RH
authors.lastname: Smith
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Shyam-Sundar
authors.forename: M J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Stewart
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000378:metabolism; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D020097:Natriuretic Peptide, Brain / Q000378:metabolism*; D010446:Peptide Fragments / Q000378:metabolism*; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D012016:Reference Values; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D018487:Ventricular Dysfunction, Left / Q000175:diagnosis*
chemical_list: D015415:Biomarkers; D010446:Peptide Fragments; C109794:pro-brain natriuretic peptide (1-76); D020097:Natriuretic Peptide, Brain