SHORT REPORT

NT-proBNP and the diagnosis of left ventricular systolic dysfunction within two acute NHS trust catchment areas: the initial Teesside experience

A J Turley¹, A P Roberts¹, A Davies¹, N Rowell¹, J Drury¹, R H Smith², A Shyam-Sundar² and M J Stewart¹

¹ Cardiothoracic Division, The James Cook University Hospital, Middlesbrough, UK
² The University Hospital of North Tees, Stockon-on-Tees, UK

Correspondence to:
Correspondence to:
Dr A J Turley
Cardiothoracic Division, The James Cook University Hospital, Marton Road, Middlesbrough TS4 3BW, UK;a.turley{at}btopenworld.com

Purpose: 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).

Study design: 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.

Conclusion: 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.

Abbreviations: ECG, electrocardiogram; GP, general practitioner; JCUH, The James Cook University Hospital; LVSD, left ventricular systolic dysfunction; NT-proBNP, N-terminal pro B-type natiuretic peptide; UHNT, University Hospital North Tees

Keywords: left ventricular systolic dysfunction; negative predictive value; NT-proBNP; positive predictive value; sensitivity; specificity

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