American heart journal
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American heart journal · Jul 2008
Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter StudyRationale and design of a randomized placebo-controlled trial assessing the effects of etiologic treatment in Chagas' cardiomyopathy: the BENznidazole Evaluation For Interrupting Trypanosomiasis (BENEFIT).
Benznidazole is effective for treating acute and chronic (recently acquired) Trypanosoma cruzi infection (Chagas' disease). Recent data indicate that parasite persistence plays a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of chronic Chagas' cardiomyopathy. However, the efficacy of trypanocidal therapy in preventing clinical complications in patients with preexisting cardiac disease is unknown. ⋯ This is the largest trial yet conducted in Chagas' disease. BENEFIT will clarify the role of trypanocidal therapy in preventing cardiac disease progression and death.
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American heart journal · Jul 2008
Randomized Controlled TrialN-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide testing in the emergency department: beneficial effects on hospitalization, costs, and outcome.
N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) is an established biomarker for heart failure. Assessment of this biomarker in patients with acute dyspnea presenting to the emergency department (ED) may aid diagnostic decision-making, resulting in improved patient care and reduced costs. ⋯ Introduction of NT-proBNP testing for heart failure in the ED setting reduces the time to discharge and is associated with a trend toward cost reduction.