Low-dose continuous infusion of human atrial natriuretic peptide during and after cardiac surgery

Abstract

Background: We evaluated the effects of human atrial natriuretic peptide (hANP) during cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB).

Methods: Forty patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting were investigated. A group of patients given hANP for 24 hours from the start of CPB (hANP group) was compared with a non-hANP group. Parameters examined were hemodynamics, urine volume, dosage of furosemide, respiratory index, pleural effusion, ANP, cyclic guanosine monophosphate, renin activity (renin), angiotensin-II, aldosterone, and glomerular filtration rate.

Results: Central venous pressure, systemic vascular resistance index, and pulmonary vascular resistance index were significantly lower in the hANP group than in the non-hANP group. The hANP group showed significantly higher levels of ANP, cyclic guanosine monophosphate, glomerular filtration rate, and respiratory index, and significantly lower levels of renin, angiotensin-II, aldosterone, and pleural effusion, as compared with the non-hANP group. The dosage of furosemide was significantly lower and the urine volume was significantly larger in the hANP group.

Conclusions: hANP can satisfactorily compensate for the shortcomings of CPB by decreasing the peripheral vascular resistance, suppressing the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, and exerting a strong diuretic effect.