Assessing the diagnostic test accuracy of natriuretic peptides and ECG in the diagnosis of left ventricular systolic dysfunction: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

ABSTRACT:

Background

In 2003 the National Institute of Clinical Excellence published guidelines recommending the use of brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) and the electrocardiogram (ECG) as part of the diagnostic work up of individuals with heart failure. However, the guideline did not address whether one test was superior to the other or whether performing both tests was superior to performing single tests.

Aim

To investigate the relative test accuracy of the ECG, BNP, N terminal-pro brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) and combinations of two or more tests in the diagnosis of left ventricular systolic dysfunction (LVSD) in the primary care setting.

Design of study

Cohort studies making within-subject comparisons of intervention diagnostic test(s) with reference standard results

SUBMITTER: Davenport C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC1821403 | biostudies-literature | 2006 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature