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

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NT-proBNP and the diagnosis of left ventricular systolic dysfunction within two acute NHS trust catchment areas: the initial Teesside experience
  1. A J Turley1,
  2. A P Roberts1,
  3. A Davies1,
  4. N Rowell1,
  5. J Drury1,
  6. R H Smith2,
  7. A Shyam-Sundar2,
  8. M J Stewart1
  1. 1Cardiothoracic Division, The James Cook University Hospital, Middlesbrough, UK
  2. 2The University Hospital of North Tees, Stockon-on-Tees, UK
  1. Correspondence to:
 Dr A J Turley
 Cardiothoracic Division, The James Cook University Hospital, Marton Road, Middlesbrough TS4 3BW, UK;a.turley{at}btopenworld.com

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

http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/pgmj.2006.052886

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    Footnotes

    • Competing interests: None declared.