Robert E. Hobbs, MD Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Kaufman Center for Heart Failure, The Cleveland Clinic
Address: Robert E. Hobbs, MD, Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, F25, The Cleveland Clinic Foundation, 9500 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44195; e-mail: hobbsr@ccf.org
The author has indicated that he is on the speakers’ bureau of Scios, Inc.
Medical Grand Rounds articles are based on edited transcripts from Division of Medicine Grand Rounds presentations at The Cleveland Clinic. They are approved by the author but are not peer-reviewed.
ABSTRACTA rapid assay for B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) not only can be used to diagnose heart failure, it can help the clinician evaluate effectiveness of therapy, determine when discharge from the hospital is appropriate, and estimate prognosis. A synthetic formulation of BNP (nesiritide) is used to treat decompensated heart failure, resulting in improved hemodynamics and symptoms.