New heart failure test lauded

BERLIN, Nov. 13 (UPI) -- A German-led study suggests a new blood test better identifies heart failure patients presenting in hospital emergency departments than current tests.

Dr. Stefan Anker, a professor at the Charite Medical School in Berlin, co-principal investigator of the research, said results of the Biomarkers in the Assessment of Congestive Heart Failure multinational trial showed the new test, the Mid-Regional pro-Adrenomedullin test, better identifies the sickest heart failure patients than do tests now used in hospital emergency departments.

BACH is the first randomized comparison of two tests considered the gold standard for evaluating possible heart failure patients in an emergency setting versus the new test that was approved for use in the European Union as of Oct. 1.

The new technology could "help identify patients who should 'move to the front of the line' of medical help, said Anker. However, he added, the practical application of this test for the treatment and management of patients is not yet clear, and good clinical judgment is still paramount.

The findings were presented in New Orleans this week during the American Heart Association's scientific sessions meeting.