N-terminal proB-type natriuretic peptide levels aid the diagnosis of left ventricular dysfunction in patients with severe acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and renal dysfunction

ABSTRACT Background and objective: The aim of this study was to assess the performance of N‐terminal proB‐type natriuretic peptide (NT‐proBNP) levels for the diagnosis of left ventricular dysfunction in patients with severe acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and renal dysfunction. Methods: NT‐proBNP levels at admission were measured in consecutive patients admitted to two participating intensive care units with acute exacerbations of COPD. Left ventricular dysfunction was assessed on the basis of clinical and echocardiographic criteria. The performance of NT‐proBNP levels was evaluated in patients with or without renal dysfunction. Results: Among the 120 patients included in the study, 70 had impaired renal function, defined as a glomerular filtration rate of