Clin Chem Lab Med
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The aim of this study was to evaluate the relation of glomerular filtration rate (GFR) to serum cystatin C levels, renal resistive index (RRI), serum creatinine and creatinine clearance in patients with different stages of cirrhosis. ⋯ Serum cystatin C, but not serum creatinine or RRI measurement, correlates with GFR in each stage of liver failure and has a significant diagnostic advantage in detecting lower GFR in such cases.
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The aim of the present study was to investigate the analytical and diagnostic utility of B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) and the N-terminus of this prohormone, N-terminal pro-BNP (NT-pro-BNP) testing in the emergency department to identify acute congestive heart failure (CHF). ⋯ In general, the different assays tested for BNP and NT-pro-BNP correlate very well in patients with suspected CHF and may aid in the risk stratification process in emergency departments. However, the value must always be interpreted in conjunction with other clinical information. It should also be considered that renal impairment can affect the results.