Does the change in B-type natriuretic peptide levels over time predict significant rejection in cardiac transplant recipients?
There is a strong, graded relationship between the within-individual increase in NT-proBNP and the odds of significant rejection independent of hemodynamic parameters. These results suggest that the change in NT-proBNP rather than absolute BNP levels may offer a non-invasive approach to detect rejection.
Continuous traction by autodriven distractor could be a promising clinical alternative to shorten the treatment course of distraction osteogenesis. Further studies to test its clinical potential using large animals that have similar metabolic rate and muscular resistance with human being are necessary.