NT-proBNP in Acute Dyspnea: Effects on Treatment, Hospitalisation and Costs

NT-proBNP Testing in Patients Presenting to the Emergency Department With Acute Dyspnea: Evaluation of Effects on Treatment, Hospitalisation Rate and Costs

Diagnostic uncertainty in patients with complaints of shortness of breath presenting to the Emergency Department of a hospital may delay treatment and proper care. In patients with shortness of breath due to heart failure increased plasma levels of NT-pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) can be demonstrated. The use of NT-proBNP as a biomarker for heart failure in patients presenting to the emergency department with dyspnea might improve care and reduce length of hospital stay.

To investigate the effect of NT-proBNP testing on patient care and time to discharge the NT-proBNP test will be randomized. In patients in the study group, the NT-proBNP plasma level is determined at admission and the physician in charge will immediately receive the result of the test. In patients in the control group blood will be sampled but the physician will recieve no information on the NT-proBNP plasma level.

In our study we will investigate the effect of introduction of NT-proBNP as biomarker for heart failure on treatment, time to discharge and costs.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Age 18 years or older
• Acute dyspnea as their most prominent complaint

Exclusion Criteria:

• Acute dyspnea due to a trauma
• Acute dyspnea due to cardiogenic shock
• Renal failure requiring dialysis