Clinical chemistry
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Medical and economic long-term effects of B-type natriuretic peptide testing in patients with acute dyspnea.
The objective of this prospective study was to assess the medical and economic long-term effects of using B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) concentrations in the management of patients with acute dyspnea. ⋯ Rapid BNP testing in patients with acute dyspnea has no effect on long-term mortality. However, morbidity as quantified by days spent in-hospital and economic outcome are still improved at 360 days.