BNP and amino terminal proBNP assays did not differ for detecting congestive heart failure in the emergency department.

The article discusses how do B type natriuretic peptide (BNP) concentrations compare with amino terminal proBNP concentrations for detecting congestive heart failure (CHF) in emergency department (ED). The study was conducted in 251 ED patients who had shortness of breath as the most prominent symptom. Patients with acute coronary syndromes were excluded. 55% of patients had dyspnoea caused by CHF. In emergency department patients with dyspnoea, BNP and amino terminal proBNP concentrations had similar diagnostic accuracy for detecting congestive heart failure.