[Utility of brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) to predict outcomes of patients undergoing elective cardiac surgery]

Abstract

Background: We hypothesized that pre-operative BNP levels predict postoperative morbidity and mortality in patients undergoing non-emergent cardiac surgery.

Methods: We retrospectively assessed patients who underwent non-emergent cardiac surgery at our institution regarding major morbidity (prolonged ventilation > 48 hours and prolonged ICU stay > 7 days), and all-cause mortality within 30 days. The cutoff value of BNP for prolonged ventilation was also evaluated.

Results: A total of 62 patients with a mean age of 68.7 +/- 12.4 and preoperative BNP value of 391+/- 324 pg x ml(-1) were included. Risk factors for prolonged ventilation were high preoperative BNP and combined procedures. The risk factor for prolonged ICU stay was high preoperative BNP alone. All-cause mortality within 30 days were associated with high preoperative BNP and low intraoperative urine output. A preoperative BNP value (> 259 pg x ml(-1)) provided the optimal BNP cutoff point for prolonged ventilation, and predicted postoperative hemodynamic instability.

Conclusions: Preoperative BNP predicted postoperative morbidity and mortality.