Impact of video review on surgical procedure determination for patients with cerebral palsy.

Purpose: Evaluation of patients with cerebral palsy is complex and variable. Several examinations, including video analysis, are necessary as part of the surgical planning process. Videotaped evaluation of the upper extremity in children with cerebral palsy has been used as an objective assessment of functional ability and deformity.

Clinical deterioration in established heart failure: what is the value of BNP and weight gain in aiding diagnosis?

Background: Weight gain and increase in B-Type Natriuretic Peptide have been advocated as means of aiding diagnosis of heart failure. However, there are few data to support the use of these criteria in diagnosing clinical deterioration in patients with established disease.

Aims: This prospective study examines the sensitivity and specificity of absolute and relative changes in BNP and weight in determining the early onset of clinical deterioration in patients with established heart failure.