Diagnostic accuracy of sTREM-1 to identify infection in critically ill patients with systemic inflammatory response syndrome.

Objectives: To assess the accuracy of plasma levels of soluble Triggering Receptor Expressed on Myeloid cells (sTREM)-1 to diagnose infection in critical patients with systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS).

Design And Methods: We prospectively studied 114 patients with SIRS criteria. The patients' plasma levels of sTREM-1 were measured within 24h of admission to the intensive care unit.

Accuracy of B-type natriuretic peptide levels in the diagnosis of left ventricular dysfunction and heart failure: a systematic review.

Objectives: To evaluate the accuracy of B-type natriuretic peptide levels (BNP) in the diagnosis of heart failure and left ventricular dysfunction.

Data Sources: Electronic search in Medline, Embase, Cochrane Library and Medion database, and hand search of reference lists.

Review Methods: We have included published studies on the accuracy of BNP which had both sufficient information to construct the 2x2 diagnostic cross table and an appropriate spectrum of patients.