PLYMOUTH MEETING, Pa., Oct. 11 /PRNewswire/ -- ECRI’s systematic review of published studies finds that B-type natriuretic peptide testing (also called the BNP blood test) is capable of detecting heart failure, and its use in any clinical setting will most likely improve patient outcomes with few adverse effects.
BNP is a small protein that is secreted by the ventricles of the heart into the bloodstream when the heart is under stress. Elevated levels of BNP may indicate the presence of heart failure; a low-cost blood test that works in 15 minutes can detect a patient’s level of BNP. ECRI, an independent nonprofit health services research agency with more than 35 years of experience, published its findings on BNP testing in a Windows on Medical Technology(TM) health technology assessment report, “B-Type Natriuretic Peptide for Diagnosing Heart Failure.”
ECRI studied the use of BNP testing to aid diagnosis of heart failure in three populations: asymptomatic members of the general population, patients presenting to the emergency room with symptoms of heart failure, and patients presenting at the physician’s office with symptoms of heart failure. As explained in the report, ECRI conducted a comprehensive and systematic search for studies that met a set of predetermined inclusion criteria. Whenever possible, data were pooled using meta-analysis. When meta-analysis was not possible, ECRI conducted a systematic narrative review to evaluate the relevant evidence on the basis of quality, quantity, and consistency.
Evidence was available to reach conclusions for all three populations. Among the conclusions reached were that BNP testing can detect heart failure when used to screen asymptomatic members of the general population; this conclusion is based on strong evidence (i.e., data on a total of 7,198 patients in eight trials). In patients with chronic symptoms, BNP testing can detect heart failure, although the evidence supporting this conclusion is weak. ECRI’s analysis also found that BNP testing in the emergency room to aid diagnosis of heart failure improved several outcomes; those outcomes were decreased mortality and a decrease in the percentage of patients hospitalized, although the evidence supporting this conclusion was weak (i.e., from only one trial).
The absence of adverse events associated with the use of the BNP test, its low cost, and the available evidence on effectiveness led ECRI to conclude that use of the BNP test in any clinical setting was likely to improve patient outcomes.
Members of ECRI’s Health Technology Assessment Information Service (HTAIS) receive Windows on Medical Technology(TM) reports as part of their custom membership, and nonmembers can purchase individual copies of reports. For information about HTAIS or to purchase a copy of this report, contact ECRI by mail at 5200 Butler Pike, Plymouth Meeting, PA 19462-1298, USA; by telephone at +1 (610) 825-6000, ext. 5170; by e-mail at communications@ecri.org; or by fax at +1 (610) 834-1275. For more information on HTAIS, visit ECRI’s Web site at http://www.ecri.org/.
ECRI (http://www.ecri.org/), an independent, nonprofit health services research agency, is a Collaborating Center of the World Health Organization and an Evidence-Based Practice Center as designated by the U.S. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. ECRI provides information and technical assistance to the healthcare community to support safe and cost-effective patient care. The results of ECRI’s research and experience are available through its publications, information systems, technical assistance, laboratory services, professional seminars, conferences, and fellowships.
Strictly enforced conflict-of-interest rules help to ensure an unbiased approach to projects. These rules prohibit investments in or gifts from the medical device and pharmaceutical industries and apply to ECRI and all staff members. Staff members’ income tax returns are audited for compliance with these rules. ECRI does not accept advertising.
ECRI
CONTACT: Media: Laurie D. Menyo, ECRI, +1-610-825-6000, ext. 5310; orfor purchasing information, contact: Don Cummins, ECRI, +1-610-825-6000,ext. 5170
Web site: http://www.ecri.org/