Diagnostic and prognostic value of N-terminal pro B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) in patients with chronic aortic regurgitation.

Background: BNP and its N-terminal fragment NT-proBNP have proven to be of diagnostic and prognostic value in patients with valvular aortic stenosis. Data regarding those biomarkers in patients with chronic aortic regurgitation (AR) are sparse. Thus it was the aim of the present study to evaluate the diagnostic and the long term prognostic value of NT-proBNP in patients presenting with AR.

Influence of sample type on soluble CD40 ligand assessment in patients with acute coronary syndromes.

Background: Several studies have consistently shown that soluble CD40 ligand (sCD40L) concentrations are elevated in patients with acute coronary syndromes (ACS) and that it can be used as a biomarker for risk stratification. However, recently we could demonstrate that sampling techniques have impact on sCD40L measurements. Thus, it was the aim of our prospective study to evaluate the impact of sampling techniques on sCD40L concentrations of patients with acute coronary syndromes compared to controls.

Influence of sample type and storage conditions on soluble CD40 ligand assessment.

Background: Several studies have consistently shown that soluble CD40 ligand (sCD40L) concentrations are increased in patients with acute coronary syndromes and can serve as a biomarker for risk stratification. However, few data are available on preanalytic conditions that impact sCD40L values. Thus, the aim of our prospective study was to evaluate the impact of sampling techniques and storage conditions on sCD40L concentrations.