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Abstract
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.
- 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
- left ventricular systolic dysfunction
- negative predictive value
- NT-proBNP
- positive predictive value
- sensitivity
- specificity
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Footnotes
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Competing interests: None declared.
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