American heart journal
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American heart journal · Feb 2006
Randomized Controlled TrialUse of B-type natriuretic peptide in the management of acute dyspnea in patients with pulmonary disease.
In patients with pulmonary disease, it is often challenging to distinguish exacerbated pulmonary disease from congestive heart failure (CHF). The impact of B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) measurements on the management of patients with pulmonary disease and acute dyspnea remains to be defined. ⋯ CHF is a major cause of acute dyspnea in patients with a history of pulmonary disease. Used in conjunction with other clinical information, rapid measurement of BNP reduced time to discharge and total treatment cost of these patients.