BNP improves outcomes in evaluation of dyspnoea

Question Does use of the test for B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) in the diagnosis of acute dyspnoea improve patients' outcomes?

Synopsis Too often, new tests are introduced without a careful examination of their effect on patient oriented outcomes. Accuracy alone is not reason enough to adopt a test; a more important reason is that its use helps patients live better or longer lives. We should also know whether is adds or reduces cost. There is previous convincing evidence that B-type natriuretic peptide is accurate in diagnosing heart failure in patients presenting with acute dyspnoea (N Engl J Med 2002;106:416-22). This latest randomised controlled trial (single blinded) study is the first to look at the larger …