Deutsche medizinische Wochenschrift
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Dtsch. Med. Wochenschr. · Feb 2008
Review[Natriuretic peptides--when should they be used in heart failure?].
B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) and N-terminal proBNP (NT-proBNP) are widely being used as biomarkers in acute and chronic heart failure. These cardiac neurohormones are mainly being secreted from the left and right ventricles as a response to ventricular volume expansion, pressure overload and resultant increased wall tension. ⋯ The measurement of natriuretic peptides is at present largely an addition in the diagnosis of acute heart failure, as long as possible errors in interpretation are taken into account.
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Dtsch. Med. Wochenschr. · Feb 2008
Review[Needleless connection valves--commentary from a clinical perspective].
Needle-less connection valves (NFCs) for infusion systems, blood drawing- or i. v. injection ports may offer significant benefits to the patient and the attending health care workers. On the other hand, a number of recent reports described a relationship between an increased incidence density of catheter-associated infections and the introduction of certain NFCs in clinical practice. ⋯ In addition, the introduction into clinical practice should be supervised by continuously performed surveillance for catheter-associated infections. Taking these prerequisites into account, NFCs may increase the safety and feasibility of intravenous therapy using central venous catheters in high-risk patients.