NT-proBNP cut-off value for ruling out heart failure in atrial fibrillation patients - A prospective clinical study.

Study Objective: N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) measurements can be used to rule out heart failure in patients with sinus rhythm. Atrial fibrillation often coexists with heart failure but affects NT-proBNP levels. This study aims to identify the optimal NT-proBNP cut-off value for ruling out heart failure among atrial fibrillation patients.

Inhospital cardiac arrest - the crucial first 5 min: a simulation study.

Background: Early recognition and call for help, fast initiation of chest compressions, and early defibrillation are key elements to improve survival after cardiac arrest but are often not achieved. We aimed to investigate what occurs during the initial treatment of unannounced in situ simulated inhospital cardiac arrests and reasons for successful or inadequate initial resuscitation efforts.

Methods: We conducted unannounced full-scale in situ simulated inhospital cardiac arrest followed by a debriefing.