['Successful therapy in chronic clinically stable heart failure is reflected by decreasing serum NT-proBNP levels. This study evaluates therapy monitoring by NT-proBNP in comparison to invasively measured hemodynamic parameters in acutely decompensated heart failure patients.', 'In 25 acutely decompensated chronic heart failure patients (NYHA III-IV, Cardiac Index (CI)<or=2.5 l/min/m(2) and a PCWP>or=15 mm Hg) changes in NT-proBNP and invasive hemodynamics were compared. Hemodynamic improvement in the first 24 h (CI>or=30% and PCWP<or=30%, compared to baseline) was associated with decreasing NT-proBNP levels; which was not seen in patients without hemodynamic improvement. To discriminate between responders and non-responders, a decline to <80% of the baseline NT-proBNP in the first 24 h was the best cut-off.'] Is hemodynamic improvement of acutely decompensated heart failure patients associated with decreasing levels of NT-proBNP?