Natriuretic Peptide Assay(BNP levels) in Heart Failure

These proteins are released by ventricular pressure or volume stimulus.
Age < 50    BNP level cut point = 450 pg/ml
Age 50-75  BNP level cut point = 900 pg/ml
Age >75     BNP level cut point = 1900 pg/ml


There are confounders to BNP as an HF test. BNP is increased in the elderly, women, those with cirrhosis or renal failure, possibly those on hormone replacement therapy, and probably those with pulmonary embolus and primary pulmonary hypertension. 

Precipitating Heart failure

• Hypertension
• Endocrine
• Anemia
• Rheumatic heart disease
• Toxin
• Failure to take meds
• Arrhythmia
• Infection
• Lung (pulmonary embolism)
• Electrolytes
• Diet (excess Na+)

Inferior vena caval (IVC) filters in Deep vein thrombosis

DVT occurring in deep knee or thigh veins, known as proximal DVT, require hospitalization and anticoagulation because of increased risk of pulmonary embolus.

Most experts agree with placing an inferior vena caval (IVC) filters in patients with acute proximal DVT and an absolute contraindication to anticoagulation. If the contraindication to anticoagulation is temporary (eg, perisurgical patients), placement of a retrievable IVC filter should be considered so that the device can be removed once anticoagulation has been started and has been shown to be tolerated. 

Complications of IVC filters include local thrombosis, tilting, migration, and inability to retrieve the device.

Child-Turcotte-Pugh and Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) scoring systems for staging cirrhosis.

Child-Turcotte-Pugh and Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) scoring systems for staging cirrhosis.

Child-Turcotte-Pugh scoring system Numerical Score Parameter 1 2 3 Ascites None Slight Moderate to severe Encephalopathy None Slight to moderate Moderate to severe Bilirubin (mg/dL) < 2.0 2–3 > 3.0 Albumin (g/dL) > 3.5 2.8–3.5 < 2.8 Prothrombin time (seconds increased) 1–3 4–6 > 6.0 Total numerical score and corresponding Child-Turcotte-Pugh class  Score  Class  5–6 A 7–9 B 10–15 C MELD scoring system  MELD = 11.2 loge (INR) + 3.78 loge (bilirubin [mg/dL]) + 9.57 loge (creatinine [mg/dL]) + 6.43 (Range 6–40).

INR, international normalized ratio. Prognosis Factors determining survival include ability to stop alcohol intake and the Child-Turcotte-Pugh class The Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) is used to determine priorities for liver transplantation

Ranson's Criteria

Table 33-4 Ranson's Prognostic Signs of Pancreatitis

Criteria for acute pancreatitis not due to gallstones
At admission	During the initial 48 h
Age >55 y	Hematocrit fall >10 points
WBC >16,000/mm3	BUN elevation >5 mg/dL
Blood glucose >200 mg/dL	Serum calcium <8 mg/dL
Serum LDH >350 IU/L	Arterial PO2 <60 mm Hg
Serum AST >250 U/dL	Base deficit >4 mEq/L
	Estimated fluid sequestration >6 L
Criteria for acute gallstone pancreatitis
At admission	During the initial 48 h
Age >70 y	Hematocrit fall >10 points
WBC >18,000/mm3	BUN elevation >2 mg/dL
Blood glucose >220 mg/dL	Serum calcium <8 mg/dL
Serum LDH >400 IU/L	Base deficit >5 mEq/L
Serum AST >250 U/dL	Estimated fluid sequestration >4 L

AST = aspartate
transaminase; BUN = blood urea nitrogen; LDH = lactate
dehydrogenase; PO₂ = partial pressure
of oxygen; WBC = white blood cell count.

Source: Data from Ranson JHC: Etiological and prognostic factors
in human acute pancreatitis: A review. Am J Gastroenterol 77:633,
1982. From Macmillan Publishers Ltd. Ranson JH, Rifkind KM, Roses
DF, et al: Prognostic signs and the role of operative management
in acute pancreatitis. Surg Gynecol Obstet 139:69,
1974.

MRCP (Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography )

Indication
Evaluation of intra- and extra-hepatic biliary and pancreatic duct dilatation, and the cause of obstruction.

Advantages

Noninvasive. No ionizing radiation. Imaging in all planes. Can image ducts beyond the point of obstruction.

Evaluates extra-luminal disease.

Disadvantages/Contraindications

Special instrumentation required for patients on life support.

Contraindications and risks: Contraindicated in patients with cardiac pacemakers, intraocular metallic foreign bodies, intracranial aneurysm clips, cochlear implants, and some artificial heart valves.

Preparation

Preferably NPO for 6 hours.

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)

Indications

Demonstrates cause, location, and extent of extrahepatic biliary obstruction (eg, choledocholithiasis).

Can diagnose chronic pancreatitis.

Primary sclerosing cholangitis, AIDS-associated cholangitis, and cholangiocarcinomas.

Advantages

Avoids surgery.

Less invasive than percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography.

Offers therapeutic potential (sphincterotomy and extraction of common bile duct stone, balloon dilatation of strictures, placement of stents).

Finds gallstones in up to 14% of patients with symptoms but negative ultrasound.

Disadvantages/Contraindications

Requires endoscopy. May cause pancreatitis (1%), cholangitis (<1%), peritonitis, hemorrhage (if sphincterotomy performed), and death (rare).

Contraindications and risks: Relatively contraindicated in patients with concurrent or recent (<6 weeks) acute pancreatitis or suspected pancreatic pseudocyst. Contraindicated in pregnancy because of the potential harm of ionizing radiation to the fetus.

Preparation

NPO for 6 hours.

Sedation required.

Vital signs should be monitored by the nursing staff.

Not possible in patient who has undergone Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy.