We hypothesized that BNP can be used as a non-invasive biomarker to identify patients at ‘high risk’ for postoperative morbidity and mortality.

METHODS: We studied the postoperative outcome in 73 consecutive patients. Patients

were divided into three groups based on previously determined cut-off levels: BNP < 11.5, indicating normal RV function (ejection fraction [EF] >= 45%), BNP > 48.5 pmol/l, indicating RV dysfunction (right ventricular ejection fraction < 30%) and BNP 11.5-48.5 pmol/l. Postoperative ‘bad outcome’ was defined as the presence of either residual pulmonary hypertension (PH) or (all-cause) mortality.

RESULTS: Plasma BNP > 48.5 pmol/l was shown to be an independent predictor Selleck NVP-BSK805 of ‘bad outcome’. Compared with BNP < 11.5 pmol/l, BNP > 48.5 pmol/l identified patients at higher risk for (all-cause) mortality (17 vs 0%; P = 0.009) and residual PH (56 vs 20%; P < 0.004). Also, the durations of mechanical

ventilation and intensive care unit stay were significantly longer in patients Pfizer Licensed Compound Library cell assay with BNP > 48.5 pmol/ml.

CONCLUSIONS: Plasma BNP levels may be of use as a non-invasive biomarker reflecting RV dysfunction, next to other well-recognized (invasive) parameters, for better preoperative risk stratification of CTEPH patients.”
“Objective: Audiological and subjective benefits in adult bone-anchored hearing device users.

Study Design: Retrospective evaluation.

Setting: Tertiary referral center.

Patients: Thirty-eight adult subjects fitted with unilateral bone-anchored hearing device.

Interventions: Audiometric measurements included sound-field pure-tone and speech audiometries (speech reception threshold,

maximum speech discrimination). Subjective benefit was assessed by the Abbreviated Profile of Hearing Aid Benefit (APHAB) questionnaire. Ipsilateral and contralateral hearing loss was considered. Comparison was drawn between Compact, A 1155463 Divino, and Intenso processors.

Main Outcome: To compare sound-field pure-tone and speech audiometries and APHAB results with and without the device adjusted for the unaided results.

Results: With the device, sound-field pure-tone audiometry results revealed an increase gain in all frequencies. Sound-field speech audiometry showed that the mean threshold of speech recognition was 20 dB lower, maximum discrimination was attained at 5 dB less, and percentage of maximum discrimination increased by 5%. Scores in the APHAB questionnaire decreased except for the aversiveness subscale. Auditory-adjusted gain showed greater benefit in subjects with ipsilateral conductive hearing loss. Subjects with contralateral normal hearing or conductive hearing loss showed greater improvement that those with contralateral mixed or sensorineural hearing loss. There were no differences between Compact, Divino and Intenso processors.