What is the clinical and cost effectiveness of N-terminus pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) compared to B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) for people with suspected heart failure who also have chronic kidney disease?
A randomized controlled trial (RCT) is the best research design to assess the clinical and cost effectiveness of N-terminus pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) compared to B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) for people with suspected heart failure who also have chronic kidney disease. The efficacy outcomes of the RCT should include all-cause mortality, quality of life, and unplanned hospitalization. The process outcomes should include the number of people receiving echocardiography, i.e., including people who may not have needed it such as those with false positive results and repeat/additional testing. The secondary accuracy outcomes should include sensitivity/specificity and other test accuracy measures. This type of study could involve a 2x2 table and ROC curve or area under curve.