NT-proBNP and the diagnosis of left ventricular systolic dysfunction within two acute NHS trust catchment areas: the initial Teesside experience.
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.
Turley
A J
AJ
Cardiothoracic Division, The James Cook University Hospital, Marton Road, Middlesbrough TS4 3BW, UK. a.turley@btopenworld.com
Roberts
A P
AP
Davies
A
A
Rowell
N
N
Drury
J
J
Smith
R H
RH
Shyam-Sundar
A
A
Stewart
M J
MJ
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*
D015415:Biomarkers; D010446:Peptide Fragments; C109794:pro-brain natriuretic peptide (1-76); D020097:Natriuretic Peptide, Brain