National Follow-up Survey of Preventable Trauma Death Rate in Korea

Background@#The preventable trauma death rate survey is a basic tool for the quality management of trauma treatment because it is a method that can intuitively evaluate the level of national trauma treatment. We conducted this study as a national biennial follow-up survey project and report the results of the review of the 2019 trauma death data in Korea. @*Methods@#From January 1, 2019 to December 31, 2019, of a total of 8,482 trauma deaths throughout the country, 1,692 were sampled from 279 emergency medical institutions in Korea. All cases were evaluated for preventability of death and opportunities for improvement using a multidisciplinary panel review approach. @*Results@#The preventable trauma death rate was estimated to be 15.7%. Of these, 3.1% were judged definitive preventable deaths, and 12.7% were potentially preventable deaths. The odds ratio for preventable traumatic death was 2.56 times higher in transferred patients compared to that of patients who visited the final hospital directly. The group that died 1 hour after the accident had a statistically significantly higher probability of preventable death than that of the group that died within 1 hour after the accident. @*Conclusion@#The preventable trauma death rate for trauma deaths in 2019 was 15.7%, which was 4.2%p lower than that in 2017. To improve the quality of trauma treatment, the transfer of severe trauma patients to trauma centers should be more focused.

Improving order-to-antibiotic time by operating an automated dispensing cabinet system in the emergency medical center

Objective@#If empirical antibiotics must be administered, the pharmacy needs to deliver the drug to emergency patients as soon as possible. The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of the installation of an automated dispensing cabinet system in an emergency center. @*Methods@#A retrospective study was conducted through the analysis of medical records in an emergency medical center for 12 months before and after the installation of the system. The order-to-antibiotic time and door-to-antibiotic time were collected retrospectively through a system log analysis. For the satisfaction survey, nursing providers who use the dispensing system were administered a survey questionnaire related to the system. @*Results@#This study covered 1,292 prescriptions before and 1,377 after the introduction of the system in the emergency center. It was observed that the average time from the order-to-drug administration decreased (48.7±57.9 vs. 41.1±52.3, P=0.001) after the introduction of the system. The door-to-drug administration time also showed a decrease (293.6±260.2 vs. 267.4±221.1, P=0.006). A satisfaction survey was conducted on 38 users of the system who agreed to participate and respond. The score of the satisfaction survey was 3.63±0.44. The user response showed that they were most satisfied with the prevention of medication errors (4.00±0.62) and system control (4.00±0.57). @*Conclusion@#The automated dispensing cabinet system in an emergency center can shorten the order-to-drug time and door-to-drug time. In addition, it helps to improve the satisfaction and work efficiency of emergency medical workers related to medication dispensation.

Clinical Guidance for Point-of-Care Ultrasound in the Emergency and Critical Care Areas after Implementing Insurance Coverage in Korea

Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) is a useful tool that is widely used in the emergency and intensive care areas. In Korea, insurance coverage of ultrasound examination has been gradually expanding in accordance with measures to enhance Korean National Insurance Coverage since 2017 to 2021, and which will continue until 2021. Full coverage of health insurance for POCUS in the emergency and critical care areas was implemented in July 2019. The National Health Insurance Act classified POCUS as a single or multiple-targeted ultrasound examination (STU vs. MTU). STU scans are conducted of one organ at a time, while MTU includes scanning of multiple organs simultaneously to determine each clinical situation. POCUS can be performed even if a diagnostic ultrasound examination is conducted, based on the physician's decision. However, the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service plans to monitor the prescription status of whether the POCUS and diagnostic ultrasound examinations are prescribed simultaneously and repeatedly. Additionally, MTU is allowed only in cases of trauma, cardiac arrest, shock, chest pain, and dyspnea and should be performed by a qualified physician. Although physicians should scan all parts of the chest, heart, and abdomen when they prescribe MTU, they are not required to record all findings in the medical record. Therefore, appropriate prescription, application, and recording of POCUS are needed to enhance the quality of patient care and avoid unnecessary cut of medical budget spending. The present article provides background and clinical guidance for POCUS based on the implementation of full health insurance coverage for POCUS that began in July 2019 in Korea.

Clinical Guidance for Point-of-Care Ultrasound in the Emergency and Critical Care Areas after Implementing Insurance Coverage in Korea

Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) is a useful tool that is widely used in the emergency and intensive care areas. In Korea, insurance coverage of ultrasound examination has been gradually expanding in accordance with measures to enhance Korean National Insurance Coverage since 2017 to 2021, and which will continue until 2021. Full coverage of health insurance for POCUS in the emergency and critical care areas was implemented in July 2019. The National Health Insurance Act classified POCUS as a single or multiple-targeted ultrasound examination (STU vs. MTU). STU scans are conducted of one organ at a time, while MTU includes scanning of multiple organs simultaneously to determine each clinical situation. POCUS can be performed even if a diagnostic ultrasound examination is conducted, based on the physician's decision. However, the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service plans to monitor the prescription status of whether the POCUS and diagnostic ultrasound examinations are prescribed simultaneously and repeatedly. Additionally, MTU is allowed only in cases of trauma, cardiac arrest, shock, chest pain, and dyspnea and should be performed by a qualified physician. Although physicians should scan all parts of the chest, heart, and abdomen when they prescribe MTU, they are not required to record all findings in the medical record. Therefore, appropriate prescription, application, and recording of POCUS are needed to enhance the quality of patient care and avoid unnecessary cut of medical budget spending. The present article provides background and clinical guidance for POCUS based on the implementation of full health insurance coverage for POCUS that began in July 2019 in Korea.

Clinical Guidance for Point-of-Care Ultrasound in the Emergency and Critical Care Areas after Implementing Insurance Coverage in Korea

Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) is a useful tool that is widely used in the emergency and intensive care areas. In Korea, insurance coverage of ultrasound examination has been gradually expanding in accordance with measures to enhance Korean National Insurance Coverage since 2017 to 2021, and which will continue until 2021. Full coverage of health insurance for POCUS in the emergency and critical care areas was implemented in July 2019. The National Health Insurance Act classified POCUS as a single or multiple-targeted ultrasound examination (STU vs. MTU). STU scans are conducted of one organ at a time, while MTU includes scanning of multiple organs simultaneously to determine each clinical situation. POCUS can be performed even if a diagnostic ultrasound examination is conducted, based on the physician's decision. However, the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service plans to monitor the prescription status of whether the POCUS and diagnostic ultrasound examinations are prescribed simultaneously and repeatedly. Additionally, MTU is allowed only in cases of trauma, cardiac arrest, shock, chest pain, and dyspnea and should be performed by a qualified physician. Although physicians should scan all parts of the chest, heart, and abdomen when they prescribe MTU, they are not required to record all findings in the medical record. Therefore, appropriate prescription, application, and recording of POCUS are needed to enhance the quality of patient care and avoid unnecessary cut of medical budget spending. The present article provides background and clinical guidance for POCUS based on the implementation of full health insurance coverage for POCUS that began in July 2019 in Korea.

Accuracy of Disease Codes Registered for Anaphylaxis at Emergency Department

PURPOSE: This study was conducted to investigate the frequency and clinical characteristics of anaphylaxis patients who are registered inaccurately with other disease codes. METHODS: Study subjects presenting at the emergency department (ED) were retrospectively collected using disease codes to search for anaphylaxis patients in a previous studies. The study group was divided into an accurate and inaccurate group according to whether disease codes were accurately registered as anaphylaxis codes. RESULTS: Among 266 anaphylaxis patients, 144 patients (54%) received inaccurate codes. Cancer was the most common comorbidity, and the radio-contrast media was the most common cause of anaphylaxis in the accurate group. Cutaneous and respiratory symptoms manifested more frequently in the inaccurate group, while cardiovascular and neurological symptoms were more frequent in the accurate group. Blood pressure was lower, and shock and non-alert consciousness were more common in the accurate group. Administration of intravenous fluid and epinephrine use were more frequent in the accurate group. Anaphylaxis patients with a history of cancer, shock, and epinephrine use were more likely to be registered as anaphylaxis codes accurately, but patients with respiratory symptoms were more likely to be registered with other disease codes. CONCLUSION: In cases of anaphylaxis, the frequency of inaccurately registered disease codes was higher than that of accurately registered codes. Anaphylaxis patients who were not treated with epinephrine at the ED who did not have a history of cancer, but had respiratory symptoms were at increased risk of being registered with disease codes other than anaphylaxis codes.

Early Predictors of Critical Cases for the Patients Who Visited Emergency Department due to Gas Inhalation: Early Predictors of Severity in Gas Inhalation

PURPOSE: To define early predictors of critical cases involving patients who visited the emergency department (ED) due to gas inhalation, with the goal of identifying patients who require intensive monitoring and treatment. METHODS: The retrospective study was carried out for patients who visited the ED at Ulsan University Hospital due to gas inhalation from March 2014 to February 2016. General demographics, mechanism of accident, critical symptoms, vital signs, blood lab test results, severity, and clinical manifestation were investigated. Patients were divided into a critical group and non-critical group, and predictors of critical cases were investigated by comparing both groups. RESULTS: Of the 180 patients, 26 patients were in the critical group. In this group, more patients displayed altered mentality and cardiac arrest (both p<0.001). The critical group also showed significantly higher fractions for low-blood pressure (systolic blood pressure<90 mmHg; p<0.001), number of critical symptoms (p<0.001), transport by emergency medical services (p=0.003), and consultation involving other departments (p<0.001). Patients in the critical group showed higher Korean Triage and Acuity Scale (KTAS) level (p<0.001), lactate value (p=0.001), and carboxy-hemoglobin value (p=0.017) as well as older age (p=0.001), lower pH (p=0.001), and HCO₃⁻ value (p<0.001). Multiple regression analysis revealed that predictors of critical cases were older age and higher KTAS level (both p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Patients admitted to the ED for treatment of gas inhalation, who were older and had a higher KTAS level, require intensive monitoring and treatment.

Nutritional Care of Gastric Cancer Patients with Clinical Outcomes and Complications: A Review

The incidence and mortality of gastric cancer have been steadily decreased over the past few decades. However, gastric cancer is still one of the leading causes of cancer deaths across many regions of the world, particularly in Asian countries. In previous studies, nutrition has been considered one of significant risk factors in gastric cancer patients. Especially, malnourished patients are at greater risk of adverse clinical outcomes (e.g., longer hospital stay) and higher incidence of complications (e.g., wound/infectious complications) compared to well-nourished patients. Malnutrition is commonly found in advanced gastric cancer patients due to poor absorption of essential nutrients after surgery. Therefore, nutritional support protocols, such as early oral and enternal feeding, have been proposed in many studies, to improve unfavorable clinical outcomes and to reduce complications due to delayed application of oral nutritional support or parental feeding. Also, the supplied with enternal immune-enriched diet had more benefits in improving clinical outcomes and fewer complications compared to a group supplied with control formula. Using nutritional screening tools, such as nutritional risk index (NRI) and nutritional risk screening (NRS 2002), malnourished patients showed higher incidence of complications and lower survival rates than non-malnourished patients. However, a long-term nutritional intervention, such as nutritional counseling, was not effective in the patients. Therefore, early assessment of nutritional status in patients using a proper nutritional screening tool is suggested to prevent malnutrition and adverse health outcomes. Further studies with numerous ethnic groups may provide stronger scientific evidences in association between nutritional care and recovery from surgery in patients with gastric cancer.

Dietary Factors and the Risk of Thyroid Diseases: A Review

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Diet is one of the major risk factors for thyroid diseases. It has been shown that high or excessive iodine intake is more likely to be a health concern in iodine-sufficient regions or regions where iodine deficiency previously existed due to the emergence of iodine-induced hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism. Therefore, this review investigates the occurrence of thyroid diseases, and particularly hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism, in populations with different levels of iodine intake and other dietary factors in various geographic regions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 856 articles published between January 1st, 1990 and March 31st, 2015, were identified. Epidemiological studies that showed an association between dietary factors and thyroid diseases were selected, yielding a total of 21 articles. RESULTS: Due to a sudden increase in iodine supplementation (i.e., via salt iodization), regions such as Denmark and China, where insufficient iodine intake previously existed, showed a significant increase in the occurrence of hypothyroidism compared with that of hyperthyroidism. Other dietary factors, such as nitrate intake, may increase the risk of the diseases, whereas a vegan diet and alcohol intake may lower the risk. CONCLUSION: The level of iodine intake is quite variable between individuals in different geographic regions, and the risk of thyroid diseases may also vary by age and gender. Therefore, monitoring of safe levels of iodine intake should be performed to prevent iodine-induced thyroid diseases.

Outcome and Current Status of Therapeutic Hypothermia Following Out-of-hospital Cardiac Arrest in Korea from the Korea Hypothermia Network Registry

PURPOSE: Therapeutic hypothermia (TH) has become a standard strategy for reducing brain damage in the postresuscitation period. The aim of this study is to investigate the outcomes and current performance of TH with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) survivors through the Korean hypothermia network (KORHN) registry. METHODS: We used the KORHN registry, a web-based, multicenter registry that includes 24 participating hospitals throughout the Republic of Korea. Adult comatose OHCA survivors treated with TH from 2007 to 2012 were included. The primary outcomes were neurologic outcome at hospital discharge and in-hospital mortality. The secondary outcomes were TH performance and adverse events during TH. RESULTS: A total of 930 patients were included; of these, 556 (59.8%) patients survived to discharge and 249 (26.8%) were discharged with good neurologic outcomes. The median time from return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) to the start of TH was 101 (interquartile range (IQR): 46-200) minutes. The induction, maintenance, and rewarming durations were 150 (IQR: 80-267) minutes, 1440 (IQR: 1290-1440) minutes, and 708 (IQR: 420-900) minutes, respectively. The time from the ROSC to coronary angiography was 1,045 (IQR: 121-12,051) hours. Hyperglycemia (46.3%) was the most frequent adverse event. CONCLUSION: Over one quarter of OHCA survivors (26.8%) were discharged with good neurologic outcome. TH performance was managed appropriately in terms of the factors related to the timing of TH, which were the start time for cooling and the rewarming duration.

Dietary Factors and the Risk of Thyroid Cancer: A Review

In the past few decades, the incidence of thyroid cancer has rapidly increased worldwide. Thyroid cancer incidence is relatively high in regions where the population's daily iodine intake is insufficient. While low dietary iodine has been considered as a risk factor for thyroid cancer development, previous studies found controversial results across different food types. Among different ethnic groups, dietary factors are influenced by various dietary patterns, eating habits, life-styles, nutrition, and other environmental factors. This review reports the association between dietary factors and thyroid cancer risk among ethnic groups living in different geologic regions. Iodine-rich food such as fish and shellfish may provide a protective role in populations with insufficient daily iodine intake. The consumption of goitrogenic food, such as cruciferous vegetables, showed a positive association with risk. While considered to be a risk factor for other cancers, alcohol intake showed a protective role against thyroid cancer. High consumption of meat such as chicken, pork, and poultry showed a positive association with the risk, but dairy products showed no significant association. Regular use of multivitamins and dietary nitrate and nitrite also showed a positive association with thyroid cancer risk. However, the study results are inconsistent and investigations into the mechanism for how dietary factors change thyroid hormone levels and influence thyroid function are required.

Cerebral Infarction in a Patient with Suicidal Near Hanging

Hanging is one of the most common causes of suicidal death. Most hanging victims are dead when discovered, and hence there are few reports of near-hanging patients or survivors of a hanging injury. We experienced a patient with motor aphasia who survived a hanging injury. Consecutive workup revealed a cerebral infarction on the left middle cerebral artery territory, which was considered to be the cause of his aphasia.

Parry-Romberg Syndrome with Intermittent Exotropia

Parry-Romberg syndrome, or progressive facial hemiatrophy, is a rare and acquired neurocutaneous disease of unknown etiology that is classically characterized by progressive and self=limited atrophy of the skin, subcutaneous tissues, and underlying bone structures. Ophthalmic involvement is reportedly not uncommon, and the most common ocular finding is enophthalmos. Here we report a 46=year=old woman with Parry=Romberg syndrome who presented with intermittent exotropia of the right eye. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first description of intermittent exotropia in a patient with Parry-Romberg syndrome.

Guillain-Barre Syndrome With Treatment-Related Fluctuations

No abstract available.

Emergency Department-Based Treatment of Acute Ureteral Colic with Hydromorphone and Pethidine: Prospective, Randomized Control Trial

PURPOSE: To compare the efficacies and side effects of intravenous hydromorphone and pethidine in the emergency department (ED) treatment of ureteral colic. METHODS: A prospective, controlled, randomized clinical trial was conducted in a university-affiliated tertiary referral center. All adult patients who presented to the ED with severe ureteral colic were included. The patients received either 1 mg of hydromorphone (n=26) or 50 mg of pethidine (n=26) intravenously. Pain intensity was determined using a 10 cm visual analogue scale 0, 15, 30, and 120 minutes after injection. RESULTS: Dermographic characteristics and baseline pain scores of both groups were comparable (p>0.05). The pain intensity level for the hydromorphone group was lower than for the pethidine group at 15, 30, and 120 minutes. Pain relief was better with hydromorphone at 15 minutes (p<0.05). Side effects of the two groups were not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: The ureteral colic patients receiving hydromorphone achieved more pain relief. The side effects were similar for either treatment. Hydromorphone should be the preferred agent in suspected ureteral colic, when an opioid analgesic is to be used.

Exertional Heat Stroke in a Young Man with Multi-organ Dysfunction and Fulminant Pneumonia

Heat stroke is defined as a core body temperature that rises above 40 degrees C accompanied by central nervous system abnormalities such delirium, convulsions or coma. Despite treatment with optimal cooling, heat stroke causes deaths by complications including rhabdomyolysis, renal failure, hepatic dysfunction, disseminated intravascular coagulation syndrome, acute respiratory distress syndrome, bowel ischemia, myocardial injury, and multiple organ failure. In some cases of survival, heat stroke it can cause irreversible CNS damage. Therefore, if exertional heat stroke is properly diagnosed in the emergency room, we must initiate early and aggressive treatment in order to prevent the multiorgan failure and high mortality associated with this condition. To our knowledge, case reports in the literature are rare describing that patients with multiple organ dysfunction and fulminant pneumonia following exertional heat stroke. This study reports on a relevant case, as well as findingsfrom the literature. The case history is presented of a 20- year-old man who presented with exertional heat stroke with sustained hyperpyrexia ongoing after the first day of admission despite optimal treatment including intensive fluid resuscitation. On the 3rd day of admission, chest infiltrated lesions were discovered. From the high-resolution computed tomography results, multifocal consolidations were discovered in both lungs. Blood cultures revealed Staphylococcus hominis. Treatment with proper antibiotics was begun after identifying the blood culture. The patient fully recovered and was discharged on the 10th day after admission.

Patterns and Factors for In-hospital Mortality of Gunshot Injury in Armed Forces Hospitals

PURPOSE: The frequency of gunshot injuries in Korea has recently increased, and treatment and evaluation of gunshot wounds are not confined to military medicine. Here, we evaluated patterns of gunshot injuries to determine factors affecting mortality. METHODS: This was a retrospective, multi-center study of gunshot injury in three tertiary military medical centers. The medical records of patients with gunshot injuries between January, 200X, and December, 200X, were reviewed. Injury severity was evaluated according to the Injury Severity Score (ISS), Revised Trauma Score (RTS), and Trauma Score and Injury Severity Score (TRISS) indices. RESULTS: We recruited 37 patients, with most injuries in the head and neck (35.1%), with the brain showing the highest ISS score. The mean injury-to-hospital arrival time was 96.6 +/-58.2 minutes, and the hospital arrival-to-emergency operation time was 122.6+/-84.5 minutes. A total of 7 patients (18.9%) suffered severe injury, defined as ISS> or =16, and a Maximal Abbreviated Injury Scale (ABI)> or =4 was seen in 6 patients (16.2%). Mortality due to gunshot injury was 18.9%. In the survival group (n=30), the mean ISS was 5.9 +/-6.0, RTS was 7.5+/-1.1, and TRISS was 0.98+/-0.06. In the death group (n=7), mean ISS was 18.4+/-9.5 RTS was 1.1+/-1.4, and TRISS was 0.21+/-0.34. Brain injury, multiorgan injury, ISS> or =16, and maximal ABI> or =4 were significantly associated with death after gunshot injury. CONCLUSION: The head and neck were the most frequently injured sites, with attempted suicide contributing to more than 30% of gunshot injures in South Korea. Multi-organ injury was the most significant factor affecting mortality.

Epidemiological Multi-center Study of Blast Injury in Military Centers

PURPOSE: Recently, the incidence of blast injury has been on the increase worldwide. The purpose of this study was to evaluate and analyze blast injuries in South Korea. METHODS: This was a retrospective multi-center study of blast injuries in three tertiary military centers. The medical records of patients with blast injuries from January 2003 to December 2007 were reviewed. The injury severity was evaluated according to the Injury Severity Score (ISS), the Revised Trauma Score (RTS), and the Trauma Score and the Injury Severity Score (TRISS). RESULTS: This study revealed epidemiological data of blast injury in the three tertiary military hospital. A total of 94 cases of blast injury had occurred. Various body regions were involved. The most frequently injured site was the upper extremity (52.1%). The mechanisms for the blast injuries were primary (41.5%), secondary (74.5%), tertiary (7.4%), and quaternary (29.8%). The mean injury-to-hospital arrival time was 3.2+/-1.7 hour. The rate of admission was 88.3%, and the rate of ICU admission was 32.5%. Thirty-six (36) cases required an emergency operation. Most were performed by an Orthopedist (55.6%), an Ophthalmologist (19.4%), or a general surgeon (13.9%). The mortality rate from blast injury was 4.3%. CONCLUSION: This was the first paper to present data on the type of injury, the site of injury, the cause of death, and the mortality from blast injury in South Korea. Chest injury, brain injury, tertiary injury mechanisms, ISS> or = 16, and a Maximal Abbreviated Injury Scale Score (ABI)> or =4 were significantly associated with death.

Diagnostic Value of the Brugada Algorithm in Differential Diagnosis of Wide QRS Tachycardia by Electrocardiogram

PURPOSE: In dealing with wide-complex tachycardia (WCT), it is important to distinguish between ventricular tachycardia (VT), supraventricular tachycardia with aberrancy (SVTAC), and preexcited tachycardia by using an accessory pathway. The aim of this study was to investigate and compare the Brugada and the Bayesian algorithms and to analyze the parameters. METHODS: Between January 1999 and December 2003, the Brugada and the Bayesian approaches were retrospectively analyzed in 103 WCTs confirmed by electrophysiologic studies. RESULTS: Seven-eight (75) VTs and 25 SVTs were found. The sensitivity and the specificity for VT achieved by using the Brugada approach were 91.0 and 68.0%, respectively, whereas those achieved by using the Bayesian approach were 84.6 and 60.0%. In the Brugada approach, the most important step was the fourth step (odds ratio: 4.33; 95% CI: 1.75-12.14). In the Bayesian approach, triphasic rsR' or rR' morphology (odds ratio: 3.93; 95% CI: 1.46-10.56), r > or = 0.04 s or notched S downstroke or delayed S nadir > 0.06 s in the V1 or the V2 lead (odds ratio: 5.75; 95% CI: 1.26?26.28), and intrinsicoid deflection > or = 0.08 s in the V6 lead (odds ratio: 6.88; 95% CI: 1.33-27.79) were more important parameters. Seven (7) VTs of 103 tachycardias were mis-classified when the Brugada approach was used. Applying additional criteria (QRS width > 0.16 s and intrinsicoid deflection > or = 0.08 s in V6 lead), three of those VTs were diagnosed correctly. CONCLUSIONS: The Brugada algorithm achieved a lower sensitivity and specificity than those reported by Brugada et al. If both the V1 and the V6 leads do not fulfill the criteria for VT, additional parameters should be evaluated.

B-type Natriuretic Peptide Value for Diagnosis of Congestive Heart Failure in Patients with decreased Renal Function

PURPOSE: A number of studies have examined the B-type natriuretic peptide level in dialysis patients and in patients with lesser degrees of renal insufficiency. However, relationships between BNP and renal function are unknown. We sought to assess the diagnostic utility of BNP in differentiating congestive heart failure (CHF) from non-congestive heart failure (non-CHF) in patients with renal insufficiency. METHODS: BNP levels were obtained in 395 patients presenting to our emergency department with dyspnea. Of those 395 patients, 48 patients showed renal insufficiency. Patients transferred to other hospitals and those in a donot- resuscitate state were excluded. RESULTS: In patients with acute renal failure, patients with CHF (n=8) had BNP levels of 360+/-254 pg/ml whereas patients with non-CHF (n=3) had BNP levels of 114+/-103 pg/ml; however, this difference was not statistically significant. In patients with chronic renal failure, patients with CHF (n=22) had BNP levels of 1147+/-635 pg/ml, which was significantly higher than the BNP levels of 459+/-508 pg/ml for patients with non-CHF (n=7) (p=0.01). The area under the receiver operating curve, which plots sensitivity versus specificity for BNP levels in separating congestive heart failure from non-congestive heart failure in patients with chronic renal failure, was 0.805 (p=0.01). The diagnostic accuracy of BNP at a cutoff of 600 pg/ml was 76 %. CONCLUSION: The BNP cut-off value for diagnosis of CHF in patients with chronic renal failure is 600 pg/ml.