Head-to-head comparison of the prohormone proBNP1-108 with BNP and Nt-proBNP in patients admitted to emergency department

Objectives: B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) and amino-terminal proBNP (Nt-proBNP) are derived from a common precursor, the proBNP(1-108) (proBNP), synthesized by cardiomyocytes. We determined proBNP concentrations in patients admitted to ED and suspected of CHF. Design and methods: One hundred fifty six consecutive patients admitted to ED were included. ProBNP, BNP and Nt-proBNP levels were determined at admission. Results: In this ED population, assays for proBNP, BNP and Nt-proBNP were positively and significantly correlated. Circulating levels of proBNP were higher in patients admitted to ED for CHF than in patients admitted to ED other reasons. Applying receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) analysis for the diagnosis of CHF, the area under the curve (AUC) was 0.92 for proBNP. Conclusions: Our study demonstrated that proBNP testing, the precursor of BNP and Nt-proBNP, appears as a relevant tool to assist the diagnosis of CHF in patients admitted to ED. (C) 2012 The Canadian Society of Clinical Chemists. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.