Plasma amino-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide levels in subjects presenting to the Emergency Department with suspected acute coronary syndrome: possible role in selecting patients for follow up?
Although elevated NT-proBNP level detected heart failure with high sensitivity, NT-proBNP level did not assist in the diagnosis of acute myocardial ischaemia. These findings indicate that the major determinant of elevated NT-proBNP level on presentation with suspected ACS was underlying cardiac dysfunction rather than acute myocardial ischaemia. This suggests that NT-proBNP measurement in patients with a suspected cardiac reason for presentation to the Emergency Department may identify a previously unrecognized group of patients without acute ischaemia who may nevertheless benefit from further investigation of cardiac function.
Our data indicated that intensive dietary intervention of reducing phosphate-rich food intake and improving cooking methods attenuated hyperphosphatemia in PD patients. It suggests that regular assessment of dietary phosphate intake and modification of diet recipe and cooking methods are essential for hyperphosphatemia treatment in PD patients in addition to phosphate binder therapy.