ABSTRACT
Introduction Dyspnea is among the most prevalent symptoms experienced by patients presenting as an emergency. The underlying etiology is often a cardiovascular or pulmonary condition, of which heart failure is recognized as a major contributor. The differentials are primarily established based on the patient's clinical presentation and physical examinations but are not conclusive. Of the various investigations undertaken to determine the cause of dyspnea, the biomarker N-Terminal Pro-B-Type Natriuretic Peptide (NT-proBNP) was found to be significantly associated with heart failure. Its level has been proven to be in direct correlation with the severity of the disease. This study demonstrates the usability of an economical rapid test kit in measuring NT-ProBNP levels to help differentiate the cause of dyspnea in the presenting patient in a resource-limited setting. Methodology We studied 115 participants from a tertiary care center in India, which included 70 males and 45 females aged ≤30 to ≥75 years, presenting with shortness of breath. Rapid NT-ProBNP tests were conducted alongside recording their symptoms, vitals, examination findings, and other parameters. They were also classified according to New York Heart Association (NYHA) Classification, and further investigated. Results The study elucidated the efficacy and accuracy of the rapid kits in determining NT-ProBNP levels, and its relation with the severity and prognosis of heart failure. The kits utilized had a sensitivity of greater than 93% for ruling out heart failure as a cause of dyspnea, and a sensitivity of greater than 96% for ruling out elevated NT-ProBNP levels in general. Other parameters such as presenting symptoms and vitals were also analyzed, establishing a correlation with NT-ProBNP levels. Conclusion This study guided us in understanding the effective utilization of the rapid testing kits for emergency care, minimizing the burden on other limited resources. The lower cost and ease of use would serve as a quick means of reaching a conclusive diagnosis, especially in an emergency, which in turn would aid in receiving timely and specific treatment. These kits could act as a stepping stone in creating a sustainable and efficient healthcare system for patients as well as healthcare workers.
ABSTRACT
[This corrects the article DOI: 10.7759/cureus.29270.].
ABSTRACT
Wilson disease is an inherited disorder of copper metabolism with an autosomal recessive inheritance pattern (hepatolenticular degeneration). In this case, a 13-year-old child was seen with overall exhaustion, sporadic abdominal discomfort, and shrinking handwriting during the previous 12 months. On clinical examination there was hepatosplenomegaly. Routine blood work revealed anemia, leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, elevated total and indirect bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase and transaminitis. Serum ceruloplasmin is decreased, urine copper excretion is increased. Slit lamp examination revealed Kayser-Fleischer rings in both eyes. Ultrasonography (USG) abdomen confirmed hepatosplenomegaly, coarse echotexture of the liver. MRI Brain revealed the bilateral and diffuse and symmetric hyperintensity of caudate and lentiform nuclei, which are consistent with the neuro-parenchymal changes of Wilson's disease. We report this case due to its rare incidence and atypical presentation and to highlight the importance of clinical examination in reaching the diagnosis.
