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Critical Care
Published in: Critical Care 6/2007

01-12-2007 | Commentary

Novel biomarkers in critical care: utility or futility?

Authors: Gareth L Ackland, Michael G Mythen

Published in: Critical Care | Issue 6/2007

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Abstract

One of the holy grails of modern medicine, across a range of clinical sub-specialties, is establishing highly sensitive and specific biomarkers for various diseases. Significant success has been achieved in some of these clinical areas, most notably identifying high-sensitivity C-reactive peptide, troponin I/T and brain natriuretic peptide as significant prognosticators for both the acute outcome and the development of cardiovascular pathology. However, it is highly debatable whether this translates to complex, multi-system pathophysiological insults. Is critical care immune from the application of these novel biomarkers, given the numerous confounding factors interfering with their interpretation?
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Metadata
Title
Novel biomarkers in critical care: utility or futility?
Authors
Gareth L Ackland
Michael G Mythen
Publication date
01-12-2007
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
Critical Care / Issue 6/2007
Electronic ISSN: 1364-8535
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/cc6127

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