Journal of internal medicine
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Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical Trial
The use of B-type natriuretic peptide in the management of elderly patients with acute dyspnoea.
The aim of this study was to define the impact of B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels on the management of elderly patients presenting with acute dyspnoea. ⋯ Used in conjunction with other clinical information, rapid measurement of BNP in the emergency department improved the management of elderly patients presenting with acute dyspnoea and thereby reduced the time to discharge and the total treatment cost. In addition, BNP testing seemed to reduce 30-day mortality.