Additive diagnostic and prognostic value of Bioelectrical Impedance Vector Analysis (BIVA) to brain natriuretic peptide ‘grey-zone’ in patients with acute heart failure in the emergency department

Abstract

While in the overall population BIVA did not increase diagnostic accuracy provided by BNP, in AHF patients a quantitative evaluation of fluid congestion obtained by BIVA at the time of emergency department arrival provides significant additive diagnostic and 30-day prognostic value to BNP, particularly in the BNP 'grey-zone'. This could lead to a better management of these patients with possible improvement in reducing subsequent cardiovascular events.