Prognostic utility of NT-proBNP in acute exacerbations of chronic pulmonary diseases.

Background: The prognostic value of NT-proBNP levels in patients admitted to hospital due to acute exacerbations of chronic pulmonary diseases (CPDs) is unknown.

Setting: Internal Medicine units at two general hospitals.

Methods: NT-proBNP levels were obtained within 72 h after admission in 192 consecutive patients with acute exacerbations of CPDs and no history of heart failure or diuretic treatment.

[Prognostic value of NT-proBNP in chronic pulmonary disease exacerbation].

Background And Objective: Brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) is produced and released mainly from ventricles. BNP has been shown to be useful in diagnosis and prognosis in heart failure and some pulmonary conditions. The aim of this study is to analyse whether NT-proBNP has a prognostic value in chronic pulmonary patients without overt heart failure.